Vision Care Consultants, LTD. will be reopening on May 11 with the following limitations: * The office will be open only Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10 am – 2 pm. * Call the office to arrange a time before you pick up glasses (contact lenses). * Schedule an appointment only if you have an urgent need to get glasses. * Any patient will be asked to reschedule if he / she is or has been around someone who is sick. * Come to your appointment alone if possible. * Staff and patients must wear masks during visits. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call either of our locations. (847) 855 - 1400 - Waukegan office. (847) 549 - 3111 - Libertyville office. Thanks for your understanding, and stay safe! Vision Care Consultants management.

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Vision Care Consultants, Ltd.

Waukegan

847-855-1400

Libertyville

847-549-3111

Libertyville

847-549-3111

914 N.Green Bay Rd

Waukegan, IL 60085 US

847-855-1400

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Dry Eye

  • Created in Eye Symptoms

dry eye

Sometimes your eyes don’t make enough tears or the tears evaporate too fast because they don’t have the right amount of compounds in them. This is called dry eye. Up to 5% of Americans complain of some form of dry eye. Individuals who wear contact lenses or have undergone LASIK or other types of refractive surgery commonly complain of dry eye. The condition is more common in women and is more common and severe in older persons.

Dry eye may occur by itself, or the surface of the eye may be inflamed at the same time. This condition can make it harder for you to carry out certain activities such as reading for long periods or looking at a computer screen. You may also be less comfortable in dry environments.

Mild cases of dry eye may go away on their own. However, if dry eye persists and goes untreated, it can cause ulcers or scars on the surface of the eye (cornea). This can be painful and may lead to some vision loss. Permanent loss of vision from dry eye, though, is uncommon.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can lead to different symptoms, including:

  • Being unable to read, work on the computer or do other eye-intensive activities for long periods
  • Blurry vision
  • Burning or stinging of the eye
  • Discharge from the eye
  • Discomfort while wearing contact lenses
  • Eye fatigue
  • Feeling like there is something in your eye
  • Eyelids that feel heavy
  • Not being able to cry, even when upset emotionally
  • Periods of excess tears followed by very dry eyes
  • Redness or pain in the eye

If these symptoms persist or grow worse, contact your eye doctor. He or she will identify the underlying cause of dry eye and offer treatment options.

Causes of Dry Eye

Many factors can lead to dry eye, both temporary and ongoing (chronic), including:

  • Allergies
  • Chemical and heat burns of the membrane that covers the eye and inside of the eyelids (conjunctiva)
  • Chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva or the lacrimal gland
  • Cosmetic eyelid surgery
  • Diseases of the skin on or around the eyelids or the glands in the eyelids
  • Exposure to irritants, such as chemical fumes, tobacco smoke or drafts from heating or air conditioning
  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Immune system disorders such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Long-term contact lens wear
  • Medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, birth control pills, certain blood pressure medicines, nasal decongestants, Parkinson’s medications and tranquilizers
  • Not blinking enough while looking at electronic screens
  • Pregnancy
  • Refractive surgery, such as LASIK
  • Thyroid disease
  • Vitamin deficiency or excess

Treatments for Dry Eye

Several treatments are available to relieve symptoms of dry eye, including:

  • Anti-inflammatory medication such as cyclosporine or short-term use of corticosteroid eye drops
  • Dietary changes or supplements, such as adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet
  • Managing the underlying condition with medication or other treatments
  • Plugging the tear ducts to keep the tears from flowing away, either temporarily or permanently
  • Switching medications that may be causing dry eye
  • Wearing contact lenses less frequently or switching to another type of lens

If you have dry eye, you may also be able to take steps to reduce the symptoms, such as by:

  • Avoiding dry conditions
  • Filtering the air in your house with an air cleaner
  • Keeping the moisture in your house at a comfortable level with a humidifier
  • Resting your eyes periodically during vision-intensive activities such as computer use or reading
  • Using over-the-counter artificial tears, gels or ointments
  • Wearing close-fitting glasses or sunglasses to prevent evaporation of tears

For more information about treating dry eye or about dry eye in general, contact us today.

  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Age-Related
    • Eye Lids
    • Cognitive and Acquired
    • Vision Impairment
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Changes in Appearance
  • Contact Lenses
  • Eye Diseases
  • Eyeglasses
    • Eyeglass Lenses
  • Eye Symptoms
  • How the Eyes Work
    • Basic Visual Skills
  • Pediatric Vision
  • Protecting Your Eyes
  • Visual Rehabilitation
  • Vision Problems
  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal Disorders
      • Disorders
    • Glaucoma
    • Refractive Disorders
    • Adult Strabismus
    • Retinal Disorders
  • Newsletters
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
    • Medical Perspectives
    • Kid's Vision
    • Conditions That Affect Vision
    • Tips for Healthy Eyes
    • Contacts
    • Glasses & Frames

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Hours of Operation

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Libertyville Office Hours

Monday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

10:00 am-1:00 pm

Friday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Waukegan Office Hours

Monday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-4:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

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Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Great place good service was very happy I would recommend for all my friends"
    Dean L. Waukegan, IL
  • "Great customer service. The staff know how to pick the right prescription and right frames. The technician is amazing. All of the staff are a pleasure to work with. The only place I go for my eyes!"
    Florianna Gerasimova
  • "Great place good service was very happy I would recommend for all my friends"
    Dean Lautenschlager

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  • Dry Eye

    Sometimes your eyes don’t make enough tears or the tears evaporate too fast because they don’t have the right amount of compounds in them. This is called dry eye. Up to 5% of Americans complain of some form of dry eye. Individuals who wear contact lenses or have undergone LASIK or other types of ...

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847-855-1400

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847-549-3111

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