woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Knoxville

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(865) 577-4492

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 The Eye Group - Chapman Highway 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 Knoxville 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
4.8
402 Reviews
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- Dec. 05, 2024
The office manager is amazing and very caring
- Nov. 15, 2024
I recently had an eye appointment at The Eye Group, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience.... The staff were incredibly welcoming and professional, making me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. They were patient in answering my questions and explained every step of the process clearly. Dr. Cross was equally amazing—thorough, knowledgeable, and kind. They took the time to address all my concerns and ensured I understood my eye health and treatment options. I left feeling confident that I was in great hands. I highly recommend The Eye Group to anyone looking for exceptional eye care in a friendly and professional environment. I’ll definitely be returning for future visits!
- Oct. 31, 2024
Great staff convenient location. Very good Doctor's
- Oct. 11, 2024
I highly recommend this office! I went for my first visit yesterday and it was a great experience. N... ot only were they significantly more afforded than other offices I called for my contact prescription, but they have an amazing staff. Dr. Cross is so kind, patient, and easy to talk to. He answered all of my questions without making me feel rushed, and genuinely seems like he cares about his patients. The front desk staff was nice, and after my appointment Precious was extremely kind and helpful explaining my insurance benefits and helping to price out contacts and glasses. I’ve lived in Knoxville 4 years now and I’ve been seeing different optometrists each year for my glasses and contacts, but I’m so glad I found Dr. Cross! I will absolutely be returning to this office next year!
- Oct. 10, 2024
Amazing staff, super friendly and helpful!
- Oct. 02, 2024
Dr. Lora Cretella is one of the greatest optometrists I’ve ever encountered. She took her time exa... mining my infected eye, alleviating my fears about a potentially critical condition. Thanks to her expertise, my eye is now stable, and the medication worked effectively. Dr. Cretella is not only extremely knowledgeable, but she also took the time to get to know me as a new patient. I would recommend Dr. C to others!
- Sep. 27, 2024
Dr.Crettela and Precious were a pleasure to work with and very patient,will definitely be returning... for future eye exams
- Sep. 26, 2024
What an amazing office! Dr. Dorian D. Lain was kind, professional and answered every single one of m... y questions, taking all the time necessary to explain to me about my condition. I have childhood phobia from eye doctor visits as I never had Good news out of any, this experience was better and I was taken care of. Highly recommend
- Sep. 24, 2024
Dr.Laura was so patient and sweet. Most importantly, she was so thorough. The receptionist was very ... polite. Precious in the eye glass area was so helpful and informative. She was a pleasure to chat with. My daughter and I were so happy with the whole experience.
- Sep. 14, 2024
100% better service than previous eye doctor.
- Sep. 06, 2024
Great service allot of attention to detail ! Thank You
- Sep. 06, 2024
Dr. Lain is the epitome of what a healthcare professional should be.
- Sep. 02, 2024
Love my glasses..
- Aug. 29, 2024
Dr. Amburn is literally the best. He always gets my eyes adjusted perfectly and is super efficient. ... The frame selection is pretty stylish as well. 10/10. Super grateful to have this option in South Knox/Seymour area!
- Aug. 24, 2024
Very nice staff, service was thorough, and all my concerns and questions were answered. I was actual... ly able to get an appointment for my daughter quickly, after calling around and not being able to get an appointment for months.
- Aug. 10, 2024
Dr Cross and his staff are so friendly and professional. I love that Dr. Cross is so thorough going ... over my eye exam.
- Jul. 30, 2024
Dr. Combs is wonderful. Very professional. Very thorough and precise. Staff has excellent customer s... ervice.
- Jul. 16, 2024
Outstanding service and I would highly recommend Dr Cross to anyone
- Jul. 11, 2024
Great customer service!
- Jun. 07, 2024
Night recommend Dr. Kevin Cross!

View All 402 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Knoxville

Our optometry practice in Knoxville

Photograph of Dorian  Lain
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • Tricare
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Avesis
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • AARP
  • AlwaysCare
  • Amerigroup
  • TriWest
  • EyeQuest
  • Blue Care
  • TennCare

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Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(865) 577-4492