woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Pagosa Springs

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(970) 731-4300

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 ABBA Eye Care - Pagosa Springs 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 Pagosa Springs 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
200 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Sep. 28, 2024
The staff here is phenomenal
- Aug. 25, 2024
Great experience and staff outstanding!
- Aug. 20, 2024
I had a virtual eye exam for the first time today and it was so easy and relaxed! The remote Dr was ... nice and answered all my questions - Got cute glasses and sunglasses and they had great packages/discounts which is always awesome. I won’t go anywhere else, thanks ladies of ABBA Eye Care!
- Aug. 03, 2024
First time having a virtual exam and the staff were all very helpful at explaining the process. Rel... axed atmosphere and friendly staff. All questions were answered and test results explained. Can' wait to get my new glasses.
- Aug. 01, 2024
I've had a lot of eye exams since I was a kid in the 90s and 2000s, technology has come a long way. ... This was definitely the coolest experience so far.
- Jul. 13, 2024
The staff at this location are awesome! Everyone was friendly, knowledge, helpful and efficient. The... Doctor I saw took the time to answer all my questions and the staff helped me to pick out the perfect pair of glasses! Definitely recommend them!
- Jun. 26, 2024
Passed through on a road trip and need emergency eye glass repair…done with a smile. Thank you �... ��
- Jun. 24, 2024
I had a wonderful experience with ABBA Eye Care! Thank you for helping make my day better and guide ... me through the process.
- Jun. 19, 2024
I am not sure if my other review was received. Soooo here is another one. The staff at Abba Eye Care... was fantastic. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. I actually had a good time taking the eye exam. The remote doctors were as friendly and helpful as the people at Abba. I am 72 years old and this is the first prescription glasses I have ever owned. I am very happy and look forward to getting the glasses. A special thanks to Michel who helped me through the eye exam and choosing the frames plus she is the first person to ask for my autograph in 35 years. HA!
- Jun. 16, 2024
The staff are friendly, kind, and helpful. I am so glad I chose this place for my eye care checkup
- Apr. 18, 2024
The best place, they are patient and super helpful and willing to take every ounce of precaution to ... insure you will be well taken care of. Very friendly atmosphere I always go in With anxiety and leave with confidence.
- Apr. 01, 2024
We've been treated very well each time we're in for an appointment. Moved here in 2001, and have bee... n served by Abba Eyecare ever since.
- Mar. 30, 2024
Great people work here. Terrific selection for products. Quick turnaround for glasses orders was ver... y nice.
- Nov. 21, 2023
Great Team of friendly, patient, knowledgeable professionals.
- Nov. 05, 2023
I am so grateful for the technology and prompt referral from the local staff. Angie did a great job ... spotting a potential problem and referring me for advanced care, not otherwise possible in our small mountain community. Thx Abba.
- Jun. 18, 2023
Very nice and helpful staff
- Jun. 13, 2023
The staff is friendly and efficient.
- Jun. 10, 2023
Friendly nice good experience enjoyed it have a good day
- May. 24, 2023
Very welcoming staff! They are always friendly and happy!
- May. 13, 2023
Had a problem and was seen right away. Also a great selection of frames and sunglasses.

View All 200 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Pagosa Springs

Our optometry practice in Pagosa Springs

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
  • Medicare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(970) 731-4300