woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Brentwood

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(615) 373-0080

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 Primary EyeCare - Brentwood. 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 Brentwood 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
4.9
345 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Apr. 09, 2024
Dr. Engle and the rest of the staff at Primary EyeCare in Brentwood are amazing. Always helpful, fri... endly and knowledgeable. They are happy to take the time to answer any questions and make sure you are comfortable with the exams and testing.
- Apr. 08, 2024
Highly recommend! I had my appointment with Jessica Ditto and she was amazing!
- Mar. 12, 2024
I'd been going to America's Best for years but in the last year, I was never happy with my vision. I... 'd have to take glasses off to talk to someone, but put them on to see far. It was frustrating. A friend recommended Primary EyeCare and I made an appt online. Dr Martin spent so much time with me, explaining why my vision was getting wonky (I'm getting old) and she gave me a few options. After Lasik worked but my eyes had changed over time, I'd asked for contacts at another doc and they told me contacts would be too uncomfortable. Dr Martin suggested them herself and let me try a sample, also suggesting monovision. The ladies who helped with pretesting and choosing glasses/lenses are also stellar. I also liked their selection of frames and found a few options. I'm really happy with my optometrist change and feel I have more knowledge about my eyes and vision than I had before.
- Dec. 12, 2023
Out of all my experiences with the healthcare industry as a professional and a patient I cannot thin... k of a nicer person than Dr. Engle. Absolute champ and knowledgable. Thank for helping me out.
- Nov. 08, 2019
This is an enjoyable place to visit even if you’re going to the doctor :-). The doctors are quite ... capable and enjoyable people. The people that help you pick out glass frames are good at what they do and the ladies behind the front desk are also top notch!
- Nov. 07, 2019
I have severe case of dry eye and for years I could not wear contacts since I’ve been seeing Dr. p... ace my dry eyes have improved 99% and as of today I’m wearing contacts my eyes feel great. Love this place all of the doctors are great.
- Oct. 29, 2019
This is the best in vision care! I love going here and can rest assured I’m receiving the best car... e available in Nashville!!!
- Oct. 23, 2019
They are always first class. Dr Van Hoven diagnosed my diabetes before my primary doctor did.
- Oct. 22, 2019
I always have a great experience when I come to see Dr. Engel. The staff is very friendly, efficient... , and there are no lengthy wait times. Dr. Engel is interested in making sure I get the best care possible and right solutions for my eyesight and any issues I may have. He doesn’t just push the newest, most-expensive products. I appreciate the consideration!
- Oct. 09, 2019
Very grateful for all the love and care my 4 year old received.
- Oct. 07, 2019
Always friendly and feel taken care of!
- Oct. 07, 2019
Great staff throughout the practice. Great selection of frames.
- Oct. 02, 2019
Love them here! Dr. VanHoven and his staff always make us feel welcomed and cared for. I would ref... er anyone to them!
- Sep. 30, 2019
My experience at Primary Eye Care is always 100 percent rewarding. From the moment I enter all staff... members are professional and welcoming. Dr. Van Hoven is brilliant; the ultimate and best physician ever! He makes me feel right at home!
- Sep. 25, 2019
Another wonderful visit! Everyone is so friendly and helpful. I can't recommend this place enough.
- Sep. 24, 2019
(Translated by Google) Best of the BEST. ! Dr Van Hoven. Ten Stars! (Original) Best of the BEST. ... ! Dr Van Hoven. Ten Stars !
- Sep. 19, 2019
Thorough exam and friendly employees. I will recommend this place to friends and family.
- Sep. 16, 2019
I have seen Dr Vanhoven for years. He is an amazing eye doctor and I will never ever see anyone else... . I recently had a eye concern that he referred me to be treated and bc of that the condition has been resolved; however he took the time to explain what it is and has also been excellent with explaining why my vision is changing, I’m 45 almost 46. He reassured me that this normal and is doing everything he can to “kick the can” as far as we can with lenses etc to ease me into the bi-focal world!! I highly recommend him as he is very patient d really takes the time to address any and all eye care concerns:)
- Sep. 13, 2019
I have loved Primary Eyecare Group of Brentwood from my very first visit there. The girls at the fro... nt are always so welcoming and helpful, and the girls in the back are efficient and knowledgeable. I have seen Dr. Van Hoven a couple of times and love his personality/bedside manner. I always enjoy seeing him for my annual eye exams. Recently, I was having some issues with my contacts and was quickly seen by Dr. Pace; she did an excellent job. She listened to me, was very thorough and we resolved the problem. My only problem now is...how can I choose between the two!? Regardless of who you see, you can not go wrong with this place, I recommend it to everyone!
- Sep. 11, 2019
Excellent eyecare practice. high quality people, extremely capable and committed to their work. Best... eyecare practice I have ever utilized. Out family have been clients for ten years.

View All 345 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Brentwood

Our optometry practice in Brentwood

Photograph of David  Nelson
Hours
  • Monday 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Tuesday 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
    1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Friday 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(615) 373-0080