woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Greater Lowell

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(978) 452-0127

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 Advanced EyeCare Associates 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 Greater Lowell 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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118 Reviews
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- Sep. 12, 2024
I’ve been going to doctor Karelekas for many years! He is great at his job and he has the nicest p... ersonality! I would definitely recommend him to anyone!
- Jul. 12, 2024
Dr. Karalekas is awesome! He conducts thorough and high-quality eye exams without rushing through ap... pointments. His genuine concern for your eye health is evident, ensuring that you receive detailed answers to any questions, making it a natural, comfortable, and informative experience. Dr. K's commitment to personalized care makes this practice highly recommended!
- Jul. 12, 2023
Great eye care. Very helpful and friendly staff. Dr. Sikalis is an amazing Optometrist. Highly recom... mend.
- Mar. 21, 2023
Great experience! My concerns were listened to and everything was explained very clearly to help wit... h my dry eyes. Tori and Debbie were extremely helpful when I was picking out glasses. I'm very indecisive and they both had great patience and gave me great advice!
- Nov. 12, 2022
Very professional. Well organized. Dr. Sikalis takes time to explain everything to you. Great plac... e!!
- Nov. 09, 2022
Very thorough with eye exams and staff is so warm and friendly!
- Oct. 07, 2022
A long term patient of Steve Sikalis, I can’t say enough about the care and consideration I receiv... e. Steve takes the time to explain everything to me and I know he joins me in advocating for my eye health. Proficient and friendly; that’s what I want in my health care professionals. Dr Sikalis is all that and more.
- Sep. 28, 2022
Very nice stuffs. . On time appointments. Happy to be there .
- Jul. 28, 2022
Been going here for years. Staff is always pleasant, and Dr. Sikalis is wonderful!
- Jul. 27, 2022
Loved
- Jun. 29, 2022
I brought my dad here as a new patient, Dr. Harney is very efficient, took his time and explain ever... ything relating to diabetic eye disease.
- Apr. 28, 2022
Very friendly coming in. The doctor took time in explaining his findings and what they meant. Friend... ly with helping pick out glasses.
- Apr. 07, 2022
Dr Chris K is such an awesome human being. He has taken care of my dad and daughter’s eyes for yea... rs. The team is amazing at this practice. I strongly recommend Advanced Eye Care Associates.
- Mar. 30, 2022
The staff was kind and efficient! I would definitely recommend Advanced Eye Associates!
- Mar. 17, 2022
I really liked this place and was comfortable being there.. very nice people here.. would definitely... recommend it
- Feb. 21, 2022
Very friendly, very efficient, thorough eye exam. Doctor took the time to talk and explain. Everyb... ody works together seamlessly - it is obviously a very well-run office, and it is also obvious that everybody loves working there and being a part of the team. Wife had diabetes, glaucoma, and other conditions. She went here for several years and loved them and the care she got. They took good care of her, and she - and I - couldn't say enough nice things about them.
- Feb. 17, 2022
Dr Sikalis is an excellent educator on your eye health and well-being. Glad I found this office many... years ago.
- Feb. 01, 2022
Gone there for years, everyone is so nice and helpful!
- Jan. 28, 2022
They are very friendly ,very professional They explained everything to me what's going on I was very... pleased with the service i would recommend it to everyone.
- Jan. 25, 2022
I had the BEST experience at Advanced Eye Care with Dr. Karalekas! I was in need of an immediate ap... pointment, and found this practice on the VSP website under their premier office listings. The staff was extremely professional and helpful, and booked a same-day appointment for my emergency. Dr. Karalekas was kind, empathetic, and had a wonderful manner with me as a patient. He addressed all my concerns and was able to refer me to a specialist (also the same day!) for a second opinion on my issue. The staff at Advanced Eye Care Associates was wonderful and I'll be switching my routine wellness visits to this office. I was so pleased and happy to have found this practice on a quick search, and am looking forward to receiving my regular care here. Thank you again from a very satisfied NEW patient!!!

View All 118 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Greater Lowell

Our optometry practice in Greater Lowell

Photograph of Steven P. Sikalis
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 - 12:00 pm
    1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(978) 452-0127