Eyes Are for Looking, Not Feeling
The body is an incredible thing, and each part is specially designed to keep you comfortable and healthy. We rarely think about the many processes taking place in our bodies every second—until they aren’t working properly.
When we blink, our tears spread across the surface of our eyes, moistening them and keeping them comfortable. When this delicate process breaks down, eyes can feel scratchy, sore, and irritated.
Your eyes are for sight—when you can feel them, that’s a problem. Millions of Americans are affected by dry eye disease and its uncomfortable symptoms. But, relief is available.
The Bixby Eye Center offers dry eye diagnostics and a variety of treatment options for dry eye disease. Request your appointment today.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
Environmental conditions can certainly cause acute bouts of dry eyes, but when the issue becomes chronic, it’s time for an eye exam.
Symptoms of dry eyes can include:
- Redness
- Tired eyes
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Stringy mucus
- Watery eyes
- Stinging
- Burning
- Scratching
- Foreign body sensation
Why Are They Dry?
There are 2 main types of chronic dry eyes—evaporative dry eye and aqueous deficiency dry eye.
Aqueous Deficiency Dry Eye
If you have aqueous deficiency dry eye disease, your eyes don’t produce enough tears. This type of dry eye disease is the least common, and it can be caused by autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome.
Evaporative Dry Eye
The more common type of dry eye disease is evaporative dry eye disease. If you have evaporative dry eyes, your eyes aren’t producing quality tears.
The Tear Film
Your tears are made up of 3 important layers that all have a specific function. There is a mucus layer, an oil layer, and a water layer:
- The oil layer keeps the tears from drying up too quickly
- The water layer keeps the eyes hydrated
- The mucus layer makes sure the moisture spreads over the surface of the eye
If any of these layers is out of balance, dry eyes can result.
Meibomian Glands
The oil layer of your tears is created in the meibomian glands. These tiny glands are located along your top and bottom eyelid margins.
If these glands become blocked or are not producing oil for some reason, dry eyes can result.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
You know now that dry eye disease emerges from a tear film dysfunction and can manifest in one of two ways—but what leads to that point?
If your symptoms result from decreased tear production when you’re not able to produce enough lubrication, some causes include:
- Aging
- Certain medical conditions, including allergic eye disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and thyroid disorders
- Certain medications, including antihistamines, nasal decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, and birth control
- Less sensitive corneal nerves caused by contact lenses, nerve damage, or previous laser eye surgery
When you are able to produce enough lubrication, but your tears evaporate too quickly, your dry eye symptoms could be caused by various factors, including:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction
- Blinking less frequently while reading, using digital screens, driving, or partaking in other activities that require concentration
- Eyelid issues
- Eye allergies
- Preservatives in topical eye drops
- Wind, smoke, or dry air
- Vitamin A deficiency
How We Can Help
It’s vital to treat your dry eye symptoms because it’s a chronic disease that can progressively damage the front surface of your eye.
Once we assess your eye health during your appointment, we can guide you towards a suitable treatment plan for your needs.
OCuSOFT Thermal 1 Touch Treatment
Bixby Eye Center is proud to be one of the only practices in this area to offer OCuSOFT Thermal 1 Touch treatment. This is an in-office treatment designed with the precision to emit constant heat over the eyelids. Your optometrist uses this device, applying gentle pressure to loosen blockages in the meibomian glands.
OPTASE Take-Home Dry Eye Kit
Take your dry eye treatment home with this ready-made from OPTASE. This kit has what you need to alleviate symptoms. Contents include a reusable and washable moist heat mask, tea tree oil-based eyelid wipes, and preservative-free eye drops.
Over-the-Counter or Prescription Eye Drops
You can use eye drops (artificial tears) to help reduce redness, inflammation, and support tear production. Depending on your dry eye symptoms, we may suggest over-the-counter eye drops with lubricants and electrolytes or prescribe medicated eye drops with anti-inflammatory properties.
Therapeutic Eye Masks
Your meibomian glands can get blocked and limit the oil required for adequate tear production, leading to dry eye symptoms. Find relief with warm therapeutic eye masks designed to soften and loosen the buildup in your glands, allowing tear production to improve.
Omega-3 Supplements
Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids might help maintain healthy vision. These powerful nutrients are found in fish oil, conveniently converted into supplements you can purchase from your local grocery store.
At your appointment, we’ll discuss which treatment plan suits your needs.
Find Relief Today
When the symptoms of dry eye disease make it hard to concentrate or focus on daily tasks, it’s time to look at options for relief.
At The Bixby Eye Center, we’ll examine your eyes and discuss any lifestyle factors that might be contributing to your condition. We can then tailor a treatment plan for you.
Please request an appointment for a dry eye diagnostic today.
Our Location
Our Address
- 6807 N. Knoxville Ave.
- Peoria, IL 61614
Contact Information
- Phone: 309-692-0000
- Fax: 309-692-8082
- Monday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Tuesday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Wednesday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Thursday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM – 12 PM*
- Sunday: Closed
*Once per month, call for details
After requesting an appointment, we will call you to confirm. If you don’t hear from us, please call 309-692-0000
Our Brands
Our Testimonials
I look forward to coming to Bixby Eye Center. They are caring and thorough.
Ken
Dr. Jensen was very professional and thorough during my exam. He took time to explain what he was observing and addressed any concerns. The staff was very welcoming and easy to talk. Robin made the experience of selecting glasses enjoyable and helped me find a pair that were best for me. Great team there!
Donivine
I have been consistently impressed by the team at Bixby. Having been a former patient of Dr. Lasken, I began seeing Dr. Jensen a few years ago. I have a complicated case of keratoconus, and Dr. Jensen and the team at Bixby have worked seamlessly with vision experts in Chicago, Iowa City, and Bloomington to ensure my needs are met. In a day and age where business often supersedes genuine performance, I am extremely grateful for this team’s willingness to continuously provide excellent/kind care & attention to my specific needs. Highly recommend if new to the area or seeking a change in optical providers.
Matt
Everyone is wonderful there!!!!
Julie
I felt heard by the technician and the physician, which goes a LONG WAY in healthcare!! Thank you for taking the time to listen to my concerns rather than making me feel rushed to get out.
Kimberly
I arrived early, yet, even so, I was not left waiting. Don is definitely the nicest and funniest ever. I actually had fun at an eye appointment.
Kristi
I was two hours early, and was in the right place at the right time. I was able to be taken care of then. The thorough explanation of which add ons to the lenses was a huge help in my decisions, and it was just nice to feel important; not just an appointment. I asked questions I was scared to ask before, and my doctor was patient, thorough, and very helpful in my understanding of certain terms. It also gave me more confidence in my vision. I cam to find out after all these years since my injury as a kid, I still have 20/20 vision, and there isn’t a scar or the potential for symptoms of one in the future. If people I am talking to have insurance that Bixby takes, I’m making sure they at least check you guys out, because the service is just all around awesome! There is absolutely nothing to change. Everything was done professional. You know how the saying goes, :If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” From the moment I walked in to the moment I walked out, I went from being nervous and worried to smarter and confident about my vision health and concerns. Thank y’all so much; very happy I’m now a client!
Calvin
The entire staff, from the lady at the reception desk to the person who helped me pick out new glasses was very professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. My best visit ever!
Judith
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Bixby Eye Care Center
- 6807 N. Knoxville Ave.
- Peoria, IL 61614
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P: 309-692-0000