woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Portland

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(615) 323-7331

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 Sumner EyeCare - Portland 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 Portland 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
4.9
305 Reviews
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- Sep. 29, 2024
Dr. Colonna is very knowledgeable and takes his time with his patients. The staff there has always b... een super friendly and extremely helpful as well. Couldn't ask for a better eye care provider and staff. Highly recommend.
- Sep. 07, 2024
New to the practice and everyone was so kind and helpful.
- Aug. 11, 2024
Dr. Colonna is absolutely great! He makes my kids feel comfortable and answers their questions and m... y own! I highly recommend him.
- Aug. 07, 2024
I really enjoyed it.You are very good at what shall I do?And thank you so much. You are wonderful.Yo... u are wonderful and god bless you
- Jul. 18, 2024
I always have a great experience at Sumner Eyecare..Everyone is always great
- Jul. 18, 2024
Easy to make an appointment. Nice and courtesy employees.
- Jun. 27, 2024
Wonderful staff. BEST Doc around.
- Jun. 27, 2024
I absolutely love this place
- May. 28, 2024
Everyone is friendly and very helpful. It’s always a good time trying on frames and picking out my... next pair.
- May. 11, 2024
Always on time and very professional. Best eye care in Portland Tennessee.
- May. 09, 2024
Very nice people. Prices on glasses are as good as any other big name place. Make you feel like they... are there to help you, not just sale you something you don't have to have or need. Definitely recommend. Thanks
- Mar. 18, 2024
Excellent experience. Dr. Colonna and his staff were phenomenal. Love my new specs! Would highly rec... ommend!
- Mar. 08, 2024
Excellent Service!
- Mar. 01, 2024
Awesome place and staff
- Feb. 14, 2024
Very friendly staff! I had my 3 young kids with me at my appointment and not only did I receive grea... t care, but the staff very kindly interacted with my kids as well. Clean and organized environment. Glad I found them!
- Feb. 07, 2024
The staff and doctor are are so Professional very friendly and I would not Hesitateto be Recommend ... them to my family and friends
- Jan. 29, 2024
I love this office. The staff are always so friendly and helpful. I don’t ever feel rushed when I ... have a few questions and they always make me feel like they appreciate my business as well.
- Jan. 16, 2024
Great staff and very friendly. I highly recommend them for your eye care needs.
- Dec. 20, 2023
Great place for eye care. Dr. Colonna is great and the staff is super nice and helpful.
- Dec. 15, 2023
Very nice and helpful, I would recommend them to anyone needing a eye exam.

View All 305 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Portland

Our optometry practice in Portland

Photograph of Matthew  Colonna
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday 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!

(615) 323-7331