Vision Therapy in Falmouth

Spotting the Signs of Dry Eye

(508) 540-3937

Understanding the Symptoms

Dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and its symptoms can vary in severity. It's crucial to recognize the signs of dry eye early to seek appropriate treatment and improve your eye health and comfort.

man with sore eyes


Common Symptoms to Look Out For

woman with red eyes

Experiencing dry eye symptoms can greatly affect your daily life and overall health. These symptoms can disrupt your work, hobbies, and even your ability to carry out everyday tasks comfortably.

The constant discomfort and distraction caused by these symptoms can lower your productivity and overall quality of life. 

Here are common signs that may indicate dry eye syndrome:

  • Dryness:
    A persistent sensation of dryness, grittiness, or eye irritation.
  • Itching:
    Frequent itching or a burning sensation in and around the eyes.
  • Redness:
    Bloodshot or red eyes, often accompanied by discomfort.·
  • Excessive Tearing:
    Paradoxically, your eyes may produce more tears as a response to dryness, leading to watery eyes.
  • Blurry Vision:
    Vision may become temporarily blurred, particularly when reading or using digital screens.
  • Light Sensitivity:
    Increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia.
  • Foreign Body Sensation:
    Feeling as though something is in your eye.
  • Eye Fatigue:
    Increased eye fatigue, especially during prolonged periods of reading, screen time, or other visually demanding tasks.

Ignoring dry eye symptoms can lead to worsening discomfort and potential complications. Chronic dry eye can damage the eye's surface and increase the risk of eye infections, scarring, and vision loss. Seeking professional guidance if you're experiencing any of these symptoms is crucial.


Dry Eye Diagnosis and Expert Care

When you choose Cape Cod Vision Associates for your dry eye care, you benefit from our expertise in comprehensive diagnosis. We understand that your unique health history and lifestyle can affect your dry eye differently, which is why we practice personalized care tailored to you. Our approach includes:

  • In-Depth Eye Exams

    During a comprehensive eye exam, we evaluate your eyelids, eye surface, and your complete health history and lifestyle to identify potential underlying causes of dry eyes.

  • Tear Assessment

    We conduct a detailed assessment of your tears, measuring their volume and quality. This assessment helps us identify any deficiencies in tear quantity or quality, crucial factors in dry eye diagnosis.

  • Tear Breakup Time

    Using advanced techniques like tear breakup time measurement, we identify specific areas of your eyes where tears may evaporate more rapidly. This information aids in tailoring your treatment plan.

  • Specialized Dry Eye Test: Schirmer Test

    This test involves placing blotting test paper strips on the lower eyelids to measure tear production over a specific time. It helps determine the volume of tears your eyes produce.

Patient Reviews
4.9
142 Reviews
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1
- Feb. 27, 2025
Friendly, on time and no heavy sales pitch
- Feb. 11, 2025
They deserve more than 5 stars! Over the weekend I noticed a shadow across my left eye, concerned,... I called Monday morning and the front desk person asked a few questions and she said to come in right away - squeezing me in a busy schedule. I went, they did the tests, and Doctor Child said I had a detached retina and needed surgery. Returning to the front desk, she had already set up an appointment with surgeon (OCB) and off I went to OCB for pre-op and next day the operation. Bottom line, the knowledgeable staff member at the front desk knew my issue was likely serious and got me in, and the tests and doctor confirmed the problem. I highly recommend them and I thank them.
- Feb. 01, 2025
Was able to get me in much earlier than expected. Kind, patient and professional staff with a wonder... ful Dr.! I can't recommend them enough!
- Dec. 16, 2024
The staff is fabulous!
- Dec. 13, 2024
Friendly expert knowledge.
- Nov. 24, 2024
Dr Childs and his Staff were warm, accommodating and had the most advanced technology to do a comple... te assessment of my eyes. VERY IMPRESSED!
- Nov. 15, 2024
Everybody at this business was friendly, cordial, and professional! From being checked in, to evalua... ted, and seen by Dr. Childs it was 100% positive experience
- Nov. 02, 2024
Awesome, caring, well organized office. Always a great experience.
- Oct. 29, 2024
All staff are very helpful, accommodating and listened to my concerns. It was wonderful experience ... from start to finish!
- Oct. 14, 2024
The team at Cape Cod Vission does a great job ! Highly recommend
- Sep. 17, 2024
Always a great experience in the office, I was happy to return after moving back to Falmouth.
- Aug. 27, 2024
Great service
- Jul. 26, 2024
Always a very pleasant experience ๐Ÿ˜€
- Jul. 01, 2024
Great
- May. 31, 2024
Always professional, friendly, helpful and informative.
- Apr. 18, 2024
I canโ€™t say enough about this office. From the minute you walk in . Everyone in this office is ama... zing. Of course Dr. Child is the best. Canโ€™t say enough about this office. 5 star for sure.
- Apr. 16, 2024
Always great to deal with super professional people.
- Apr. 05, 2024
A quick an easy exam with the very professional staff at Cape Cod Vision.
- Feb. 20, 2024
Always a great experience! I've been seeing Dr. Childs since I was 12 years old. I wouldn't go to an... yone else.
- Feb. 07, 2024
Very friendly office & helpful to my needs. Dr Child deals with my vision problems the best and I ha... ve been coming to him for years.

View All 142 Reviews

Dry Eyes in Falmouth

Our optometry practice in Falmouth

Photograph of John A.  Child
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Blue Cross
  • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
  • Mass General Brigham Health Plan
  • Mass Health
  • Medicaid
  • Cigna
  • Eye Med
  • Tricare
  • United Healthcare

man putting eye drops in eyes

Consult Our Dry Eye Experts

At Cape Cod Vision Associates, our experienced eye care specialists are ready to help you find relief from dry eye symptoms. We understand these symptoms' impact on your daily life and are committed to improving your eye health and comfort.

Contact us to schedule an appointment and discuss your dry eye symptoms. Let's work together to find the most suitable treatment and enhance your quality of life.

(508) 540-3937