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Dry Eye Treatment in Hannibal

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(573) 248-1616

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 International Eyecare Center - Hannibal for effective and lasting dry eye relief.

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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 Hannibal 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
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400 Reviews
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- Nov. 28, 2024
Staff were helpful and explained everything, as well as kind and caring. Dr. Mueller was very friend... ly and open. All in all, a really good experience! It didn't feel like going to the doctor at all!
- Oct. 26, 2024
I love IEC because they treat me like family and are very knowledgeable in their field! Dr. Daack i... s the best!
- Oct. 24, 2024
Hands down best and easiest time I have ever had getting an eye exam. Everyone was super friendly a... nd helpful. Appreciate the fact they were fast and respectful of my time.
- Oct. 16, 2024
The doctor and staff are super friendly and helpful and it is a pleasant experience every time I go ... to the eye doctor.
- Oct. 07, 2024
Great people here.
- Aug. 28, 2024
Excellent eye care faculty. From scheduling an appointment, to picking out frames everyone is very p... rofessional, yet friendly and understanding of each patients different needs. Dr. Daack not only treats you for your eye care needs but truly gets to know you and ask about major life events that are currently happening. This makes you feel as part of their family not just another patient. Highly recommend Dr. Daack and IEC.
- Aug. 23, 2024
Absolutely hands down the best of the best of the best years man!!!! Especially my personal favorite... s Chandra eye tech and of course Dr. Kenneth Mueller. Thanx to y'all for everything u all do. I really appreciate it ALL!!
- Aug. 08, 2024
Great place. Friendly and knowledgeable staff and doctors.! Many test done in office on your first v... isit. Totally compressive care. It's the place to go! Check it out for yourself.
- Aug. 04, 2024
I love international eye care except one receptionist I think her name is renea or Rhonda she's rude... and mean
- Jul. 03, 2024
Very nice staff, great doctor
- Jul. 01, 2024
All staff was wonderful and made me feel comfortable! I would recommend IEC to everyone. We have bee... n going for years.
- Jun. 23, 2024
The staff is friendly and helpful.
- Jun. 21, 2024
excellent and caring staff and Kent Mueller is the best!!
- Jun. 20, 2024
Great experience .. and love my glasses..
- Jun. 17, 2024
they are great place i take my yungest there and my oldest daughter and grandbabies even go it great...
- May. 26, 2024
I was very pleased with the eye exam I received the lady who helped me pick out glasses was very car... ing and making sure that I got the right glasses for me and that I was getting the best price for my glasses
- May. 18, 2024
Getting an appointment is easy. They are friendly, caring, understanding, knowledgeable, all around ... just a very pleasant place and employees.
- May. 14, 2024
Best overall team out there for eye care !!
- May. 06, 2024
Hannibal IEC is Great with children
- Apr. 11, 2024
Dr. Mueller is top notch, cares about his patients, very pleasant.

View All 400 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Hannibal

Our optometry practice in Hannibal

Photograph of Calvin  Daack
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday By appointment only
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
  • MetLife
  • Spectera
  • United Healthcare
  • VSP

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Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(573) 248-1616