woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Pawtucket

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(401) 723-9540

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 Family Eye Care Services for effective and lasting dry eye relief.

lady with dry eyes

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 Pawtucket 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
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182 Reviews
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- Dec. 18, 2024
From when you walk in the office to start the examine the girl that prepares you is amazing she make... s you feel comfortable. Pleasant, caring person. Dr. Kaplan is a down to earth doctor. I recommend him from young to old.
- Dec. 06, 2024
The doctors and staff are caring and knowledgeable professionals!
- Oct. 26, 2024
Everyone at this office is friendly and professional. They have a well tuned system of getting you i... n and out in a reasonable amount of time. Dr. Kaplan has a calming, friendly manner.
- Sep. 17, 2024
Great customer service and high quality glasses that will last a few years.
- Sep. 15, 2024
I’ve been coming here for over 30 years! Initially with Kenneth and now with his son, Jonathan. ... The doctor and eye-care professional staff are always top notch. Very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable about latest advancements in eye care. Most of the eye care professional staff have been there for 10+ years too.
- Sep. 06, 2024
Been going there since the '90s Dr Jonathan is great
- Aug. 23, 2024
The attentiveness and empathy had my mom feeling at ease. Took a normally stressful process and made... it simple. Thank you for your help.
- Aug. 09, 2024
A very nice and really clean place
- Aug. 06, 2024
Great office. Dr Scarpanito was amazing. Highly recommended
- Aug. 05, 2024
I get great service from everyone.
- Jul. 22, 2024
The employees at Dr. Kaplan's are professional, personable and have an extreme amount of knowledge a... bout their job!! I would recommend them to anyone!!
- Jul. 02, 2024
Been a patient at family eye care services for a really long time . I highly recommend it.
- Jul. 01, 2024
Excellent care by Dr. Kaplan. I have been coming to him for years and will continue there.
- Jun. 17, 2024
Having been a pt here for many years I know Dr Kaplan and his staff are very professional, knowledge... able and friendly. Today I saw this taken to another level, when I called for a vision concern. Andrew had me come in immediately for an exam despite the fact that it was 10:25am and they close at 12. I was greeted with a friendly disposition and had preliminary vision test done by an equally professional yet friendly face. Dr Scarpanito took an extraordinary amount of time with me and provided me with an extremely thorough exam. With an answer and treatment in hand I went to finish up my visit and pay my copay, where I was met with Andrew, who was very gracious and kind despite it now being well past closing time. Thank you all ! You are truly a testament to your profession!
- May. 12, 2024
Excelent workers very professional and friendly
- May. 11, 2024
Excellent choice for professional eye care.
- May. 04, 2024
Dr. Kaplan and staff provide excellent services and are always attentive to our needs.
- May. 04, 2024
We have been going to Family Eye Care for years. Dr. Kaplan is thorough, listens to our needs and is... a super nice guy. His staff is also friendly and efficient. I highly recommend this practice.
- May. 01, 2024
Great Doctor and great staff
- Apr. 06, 2024
(Translated by Google) It was very nice. I received very good attention from the staff...... Likewis... e, Dr. Kaplan is an excellent professional.... I have been a patient of your office for more than 25 years and you have met all my expectations. I also referred him to all my family members; Everyone comes to their office and is very satisfied with the services they provide. (Original) Fue muy agradable. Recibi muy buena atencion por parte del personal...... Igualmente del Dr. Kaplan él es un excelente profesional.... Llevo mas de 25 años como paciente de su consultorio y a llenado todas mis expectativas. Tambien lo referi a todos los miembros de mi familia; todos acuden a su oficina y estan muy conformes con los servicios que les proveen.

View All 182 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Pawtucket

Our optometry practice in Pawtucket

Photograph of Jillian  Scarpanito
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday Closed
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(401) 723-9540