Lee’s Summit’s Leaders in Eye Care and your Experts in Dry Eye

Our doctors can diagnose and treat dry eye disease. Our eye doctors have years of experience treating dry eyes. Eyecare Associates is widely recognized as a leader in the treatment of dry eye conditions. Learn more about Dry Eye Disease on our website.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry Eye (Ocular Surface disease) is a common condition which affects millions of people each year. This is a progressive condition where the eye’s ability to produce healthy lubricating tears is reduced and may subsequently lead to potential cornea scarring and other serious eye damage.

How do I know if I have Dry Eye?

Dry Eye has many causes, which may include arid conditions (dry, windy weather), extensive computer use, aging, certain medications and surgery. If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, you may have Dry Eye:



• Arthritis or Joint Pain
• Burning or Stinging
• Contact Lens Discomfort
• Eye Soreness
• Foreign Body Sensation (feels like something is in your eye)
• Itching
• Red Eyes
• Sensitivity to Light
• Sandy or Gritty Feeling
• Watering or Tearing Eyes

Is Dry Eye Treatable?

Dry Eye is a treatable condition, which can be easily diagnosed by your doctors at Eyecare Associates of Lee’s Summit. Options to treat Dry Eye include:

1. Over the Counter Drops: These eye drops can be purchased at any pharmacy and are used to lubricate and moisturize your eyes. Over the counter drops help to soothe and relieve many Dry Eye symptoms. Your eye doctor can recommend which lubricating drops will help to relieve your symptoms. Avoid using medications that ‘get the red out’, but use a lubricant that will moisten and protect your eyes.
2. RESTASIS® (Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Emulsion) 0.05%: RESTASIS® is an FDA-approved prescription therapy which enhances the production of healthy tears in your eyes. RESTASIS® is often used for patients suffering from Chronic Dry Eye and requires a prescription from your Eyecare of Lee’s Summit provider.
3. Punctal Plugs: Punctal plugs are used for patients who suffer from Dry Eye. This is a painless procedure that can be performed in the office by your eye doctor at Eyecare Associates. The plugs (like a tiny sink stopper) are inserted into the lacrimal (or tear) duct to help plug or stop the tears in your eyes from draining so quickly. This allows the tears to bathe your eye for a longer period of time.
4. Blepharitis Control: Often, dry eye symptoms can be exacerbated by blepharitis (eye lid inflammation). There are a series of treatments to help control the inflammation and control the dry eye symptoms.

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is an uncomfortable and often painful condition, but it can be easily managed by our eye doctors. If you think you may have Dry Eye Syndrome please call us today at 816.524.8900 make an appointment to see your experts at Eyecare Associates of Lee’s Summit, and know that relief is on the way.

Talk to our eye doctors today

If you have used many types of OTC eye drops several times a day, talk to our eye doctors. Don’t wait until your next annual eye appointment. An eye doctor can examine your eyes and determine whether you suffer from Chronic Dry Eye. Then, ask our eye doctors if a prescription for RESTASIS® is right for you.

Use our Dry Eye Actionnaire as a discussion guide with our eye doctors at Eye Care Associates of Lee’s Summit

You can help by providing as much information as you can when you go to your eye appointment. Answer the questions thoughtfully, take it with you, and share this information with our doctors. Then, ask if a prescription for RESTASIS® is right for you.