Covid-19 Precautions Join Our Team View Our Holiday Hours (309) 243-2400 Contact Info SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT PAY YOUR BILL DRY EYE What is Dry Eye? Normally, the eye constantly bathes itself in tears. By producing tears at a slow and steady rate, the eye stays moist and comfortable. Sometimes people do not produce enough tears to keep their eyes healthy and comfortable. This condition is known as Dry Eye. How Do Tears Work? When you blink, a film of tears spreads over the eye. This keeps the eye’s surface smooth and clear. The tear film is important for good vision. The tear film is made of three layers: An oily layer A watery layer A mucus layer Each layer of the tear film serves a purpose. The oily layer is the outside of the tear film. It makes the tear surface smooth and keeps tears from drying up too quickly. This layer is made in the eye’s meibomian glands. The watery layer is the middle of the tear film. It makes up most of what we see as tears. This layer cleans the eye, washing away particles that do not belong in the eye. This layer comes from the lacrimal glands in the eyelids. The mucus layer is the inner layer of the tear film. This helps spread the watery layer over the eye’s surface, keeping it moist. Without mucus, tears would not stick to the eye. Mucus is made in the conjunctiva. This is the clear tissue covering the white of your eye and inside your eyelids. Normally, our eyes constantly make tears to stay moist. If our eyes are irritated, or we cry, our eyes make a lot of tears. But, sometimes the eyes don’t make enough tears or something affects one or more layers of the tear film. In those cases, we end up with dry eyes. What are the symptoms of Dry Eye? The usual symptoms include: Stinging or burning eyes Blurred vision, especially when reading Scratchiness or a feeling of grittiness in your eye Stringy mucus in or around the eye Red and irritated eyes Excessive eye irritation from smoke or wind Excess tearing Discomfort when wearing contact lenses What causes Dry Eye? A wide variety of causes include: Menopause Eye lid anatomy Certain disease such as thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus Medications such as diuretics for high blood pressure, beta-blockers for heart or high blood pressure; antihistamines for allergies, sleeping pills, and pain relievers How is Dry Eye diagnosed? An eye doctor is usually able to diagnose dry eye by examining the eyes or by performing tests that measure tear production. Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye SCHEDULE AN EYE EXAM Request an eye exam appointment today at one of our three locations in Peoria, Washington, or Pekin. SCHEDULE NOW Treatment Options for Dry Eye Syndrome Adding Tears Eyedrops called artificial tears are similar to your own tears. They lubricate the eyes and help maintain moisture. Conserving Your Tears Treating Dry Eye Culprits Dry Eye Procedures SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT Request an appointment directly from our website. ORDER CONTACTS Have your order shipped directly to your home or office. CALL US @ (309) 243-2400 Our convienent number connects you to our entire team. PAY YOUR BILL Use our online bill pay to apply a payment to your account. REFERRING DOCTOR QUICK LINKS LOCATIONS & HOURS MEET OUR DOCTORS CAREERS CONTACT US LOCAL: (309) 243-2400 TOLL-FREE: (800) 872-4651 FAX: (309) 243-7918 EMAIL: CONTACTUS@ILLINOISEYECENTER.COM CONTACT US DISCLAIMER The contents of Illinois Eye Center’s website (text, graphics, images and other materials) are for informational purposes only. Disclaimer Privacy Policy © 2021 ILLINOIS EYE CENTER, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.