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Dry Eye Treatment in Knoxville

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(865) 966-2020

Tired of your eyes constantly watering?

Want to find a solution for your red, dry, itchy eyes?

Dry eye disease can seriously harm your quality of life. It can cause severe irritation and even infection in severe cases.

Symptoms of dry eye disease include:

  • Red, dry eyes
  • Itchiness in and around the eye
  • A gritty-feeling in the eye
  • Light sensitivity
  • Excessive watering of the eyes

Visit The Eye Group - Kingston Pike for effective and lasting dry eye relief.

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How Dry Eye Disease Develops & How to Treat It

man with dry eye sneeze

Dry eye disease is an increasingly common eye condition that can happen either because the eye is not producing enough tears, or because tears are evaporating too quickly, leaving the eyes without enough moisture to function comfortably.

This can happen for several reasons including allergies, side effects from medications, hormonal changes, and illness.

Depending on the cause and exact symptoms of your dry eyes, our Knoxville eye doctors will be able to prescribe treatments and medications aimed at increasing the amount of tears your eye produces and/or slowing the evaporation of tears to better hydrate your eyes.


What Are the Main Causes of Dry Eye?

  • Aging

    Dry eye disease tends to affect people over the age of 50. This is because tear production slows as we age. As the lacrimal glands produce fewer tears, dry eye develops.

  • Hormonal changes

    It's not uncommon for some women to experience dry eye symptoms during pregnancy, menopause, or while using birth control pills. That's because hormone imbalances can reduce tear production.

  • Autoimmune disease

    Certain autoimmune diseases, like Sjögren’s syndrome, can cause white blood cells to attack your tear glands, thus reducing tear production. Other diseases like arthritis, lupus, and diabetes can also cause poor or insufficient tear production.

  • Medications

    Certain medications can reduce mucus production (one of the 3 tear components) thus contributing to chronic dry eye.

    They include antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, and beta-blockers.

Note that this is just a handful of causes. There are many other factors that can contribute to dry eye, including pollution and dry air, allergies, poor tear quality, dehydration, contact lens wear, and more.


Dry Eyes FAQs

Can I still wear contact lenses if I have dry eye syndrome?

Yes, some people can still wear contact lenses with dry eye syndrome. However, depending on its severity, you may need to carefully select the adequate contact lens for optimal clarity and comfort.

Oftentimes, because contact lenses sit on the eye, it's difficult for vital oxygen to reach the eye. This can worsen dry eye symptoms, and increase the risk of scratching or otherwise damaging your eye. Make sure to ask your eye doctor which contact lenses are most adapted to your condition.

Can dry eye syndrome be cured?

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for dry eye syndrome. There are, however, many treatment options that offer lasting dry eye relief.

Can dry eye syndrome cause blindness?

In rare extreme cases, dry eye syndrome can cause corneal ulcers. These ulcers can result in scarring on the eye, making it difficult for the cornea to focus light accurately. If left untreated, corneal ulcers and the associated scarring can result in blindness.

How can I prevent dry eye symptoms?

Below are a few tips that will help prevent dry eye symptoms:

  • Point fans, heaters, and air vents so that they don’t directly blow into your eyes
  • Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids
  • Stay properly hydrated
  • Take breaks during long tasks, especially those that require extended visual focus
Patient Reviews
4.8
524 Reviews
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- Nov. 15, 2024
Dr. Manning and his staff are great
- Nov. 14, 2024
I've been going to the Eye Group for two years now and the doctors and staff have been excellent!
- Nov. 04, 2024
Great experience. Staff very friendly and patient.
- Oct. 18, 2024
I was very impressed by the staff and doctor. They were professional, knowledgeable, and thorough.
- Oct. 09, 2024
Courtesy professional timely informative
- Sep. 18, 2024
Dr. Lain has taken great care of myself and late husband. Trust him and respect him.
- Aug. 28, 2024
Caring, Knowledgeable friendly staff.
- Aug. 10, 2024
Highly recommend Dr.Amburn, so thoughtful and a great listener. My new prescription has allowed me t... o see the best I have ever seen, I am extremely grateful.
- Jul. 20, 2024
A positive experience with all staff. They were informative, genuinely caring, knowledgable, client... centered, and attentive to my input and questions.
- Jul. 11, 2024
Caring professional group. Addressed my concerns completely and made me comfortable with my choices....
- Jun. 27, 2024
Customer service was outstanding. The staff are very knowledgeable and treat u with respect. Dr. A... mbrose was excellent, I have seen him several times and he is always on top of his game. I will always use the Eye Group.
- Jun. 15, 2024
I have been going to The Eye Group for 28 years. The doctors are thorough and thoughtful. The staff... has always been courteous and pleasant. If I have ever had an issue, they have gone above and beyond to correct it.
- May. 11, 2024
Dr. Lain takes time to consider my questions and answer them in a manner commensurate with my backgr... ound. He shows interest in me and asks about my family. Furthermore, he spends the necessary time with me to ensure I have the correct prescription for optimal eyesight. I also appreciate that he discusses improvements in eyewear and let's me make decisions about my vision needs after providing me with facts. I highly recommend Dr. Lain as an eye care physician and am blessed to have him as a friend.
- May. 05, 2024
Good time management.
- Apr. 29, 2024
Dr. Amburn is fantastic! Staff super friendly, as well.
- Apr. 28, 2024
Our family has been going to the Eye Group for years. We've always been very pleased with the care a... nd concern they show us, and we're a complicated group. I have dry eye, my husband has astigmatism, and my daughter has a kidney disease related eye condition, but we all have 20/20 with corrective lenses. I would recommend any of the doctors to take good care of you.
- Apr. 27, 2024
Always a good experience
- Apr. 13, 2024
Great care all questions answered. Dr Cross is great and caring provider. Thanks to Katie for being ... friendly and professional!
- Apr. 13, 2024
Making sure someone can still use their eyesight is a big weight to tote around. Rather it had been ... from an accident or just wear and tear overtime, we have always walked out feeling taken care of. Great Team guys... Keep It Up!!!
- Apr. 12, 2024
Wonderful staff

View All 524 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Knoxville

Our optometry practice in Knoxville

Photograph of Dorian  Lain
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
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  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • Tricare
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Avesis
  • AARP
  • AlwaysCare
  • Amerigroup
  • TriWest
  • EyeQuest
  • Blue Care
  • TennCare

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Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(865) 966-2020