woman with gray hair and blue eyes

Dry Eye Treatment

Chronic dry eye symptoms include eye irritation, redness, excessive tearing, and difficulty wearing contact lenses. Unfortunately, many people don't know that there are a number of effective and affordable treatment options. Our offices in Hobart and Merrillville, IN, offer a full range of non-invasive and surgical dry eye treatment options.

Paying for Dry Eye Treatment

When people schedule an appointment at our practice, we want to make sure that their diagnosis and treatment plan is as affordable as possible. Here is what we do to help lower your overall costs and keep care within your budget:

Check With Your Insurance Provider

Our team wants to make sure you get as much coverage as possible through your insurance plan. We work with most medical insurance providers and will check the terms of your plan to help you claim as much coverage as possible.

Cost-Effective Care

If you need to pay for any costs out-of-pocket, we are proud to offer the latest treatments cost-effectively. This means a wider range of patients can receive the vision care they need.

Payment Plans

We accept financing options through CareCredit®, which offers interest-free and low-interest plans with affordable monthly payments. We also offer structured payment plans.

Other Payment Options

We also accept standard payment options like cash and most major credit cards.

Dry Eye Treatment Improves Your Health & Appearance

before and after dry eye treatment
The symptoms of dry eye don't just affect your eye health. They also affect your appearance. Undergoing treatment can brighten your appearance and improve your quality of life.

5-Star Google Reviews

1

chris bland

2021

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Dr Gross did my cataract surgery, I highly recommend. I see better that I have for 50 years, him and his staff are excellent.

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1

Joe Holloway

2020

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David and his Team at Deen-Gross Eye Center are the best! If anyone in the area is looking to get Lasik done, I highly recommend them. THANK YOU!

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Contact Our Practice

Our ophthalmologists have more than 35 years of combined experience. Dr. David Gross has been in practice for 25 years, and Dr. Jeffrey Nelson has been in practice for 10 years. They can pinpoint the cause of your dry eyes and take your insurance coverage and budget into consideration to develop an effective vision care plan that works for your unique needs.

We serve patients from across Indiana at our state-of-the-art ophthalmology offices in Merrillville and Hobart, INContact us online today to ask a question or request a consultation. You can also reach us by phone:

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Ophthalmologists David Gross and Jeffrey Nelson, with optometrist Jamie Taffora

Why Do I Have Dry Eyes?

The tears are composed of three layers: the water or aqueous layer, which nourishes the eye; the mucous layer, which binds the aqueous layer to the surface of the eye; and the oil layer, which keeps tears from evaporating too quickly. If the balance of these layers is disrupted, it can result in uncomfortable dry eye symptoms. Determining the cause of your dry eyes is critical to finding the most effective approach to care. Generally, there are two causes of dry eyes:

Evaporative Dry Eye

This type of dry eye accounts for the majority of cases. It is caused by a blockage of the meibomian glands, which are tiny oil glands located at the margin of the eyelids near the lashes. If insufficient oil is produced by the meibomian glands, tears evaporate at a much faster rate than normal.

Aqueous Dry Eye

The eyes need a sufficient amount of water and proteins to remain comfortably lubricated. If the lacrimal glands don't produce enough water, the tear film becomes unstable. This results in the surface of the eyes becoming dry, red, and itchy on a daily basis.

Dry Eye Risk Factors

There are many other causes and risk factors for dry eyes, including:

  • Advanced age
  • Certain medical conditions
  • Use of certain medications
  • Prior laser eye surgery
  • Blepharitis
  • Your environment

Dry Eye Treatment

Our eye doctors have experience with multiple medical and surgical options for dry eye. During an exam at one of our offices in Hobart or Merrillville, we can diagnose the condition, determine its cause, and recommend treatment. In many cases, we begin with more conservative and non-invasive options before considering surgery.

Lifestyle Changes

Recommended lifestyle changes may include:

Hot compresses to open up the glands

Antibiotic eyelid scrubs to remove debris and buildup

Antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acid supplements like fish oil, which is high in EPA/DHA/GLA and astaxanthin

Consuming a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins

Avoiding dry, dusty, or windy conditions

Getting at least eight hours of sleep each night on a regular schedule

Using a humidifier

Quitting smoking

Avoiding prolonged screen time or taking frequent breaks during screen time

Eye Drops for Dry Eyes

Artificial Tears

Artificial tears can be purchased over the counter to lubricate the eyes when the symptoms of dry eye occur. For some patients, a combination of lifestyle changes and artificial tears can treat dry eyes.

Prescription Eye Drops

We may prescribe eye drops if more conservative options don't provide sufficient relief for your dry eyes. Steroidal eye drops and products like RESTASIS®, Xiidra®, or Lotemax can help.

man using eye drops
Medical Heat Therapy

Medical Heat Therapy

For dry eyes caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, a combination of heat and pressure or radiofrequency energy can be delivered along the eyelids to open up blockages. This quick 15-minute treatment can significantly reduce dry eye.

Punctal Plugs

Punctal Plugs

All four eyelids have a tear duct opening (also known as a puncta) that allows tears to drain from the eyes. Punctal plugs are small devices that can be inserted into tear duct openings to increase the tear film that coats the eyes, keeping them moist and comfortable. Dissolvable or semi-permanent punctal plugs can be placed.

Surgery to Close the Tear Ducts

Surgery to Close the Tear Ducts

Patients looking for a more permanent solution for dry eyes may wish to undergo surgery to close the tear ducts. Like punctal plugs, this option increases the tear film and keeps the eyes lubricated. This is typically a last resort option.

"I Can See Like I Did When I Was a Kid."

1

Paul Forsythe

2020

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I went in today for a typical check up after cataract surgery a couple of years back with Dr. Gross. At that time, I had high intraocular pressure and was taking glaucoma-type eye drops to lower that pressure. Dr. Gross suggested iStents at that time and I have been free of eye drops and remain at a normal pressure--no longer glaucoma high. That was a win! Today was another win. My right eye was losing a little clarity due to some growth over the lens after the cataract surgery. Dr. Gross did on- the-spot laser surgery today, and I can see like I did when I was a kid. I can focus on a blade of grass driving down the road!

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1

Rebecca Persky

2020

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WOW. Where do I even begin?! I'll start off with the most detail.... Ready? FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER 20 YEARS, I CAN OPEN MY EYES AND SEE.... PERFECTLY. No more fumbling for my glasses (praying that I didn't roll onto them while I slept or that one of my kids didn't pop a lense out), fishing my overly dry contacts out of my very sensitive & dry eyes, I can wake up & JUST SEE! Was I extremely nervous to trust someone with my eyesight... I cannot recommend this office highly enough. Dr. Gross, Dr. Taffora, & the entire staff & surgical staff at Deen Gross Eye Center were absolutely wonderful! Thank you all!!!!

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Deen-Gross Eye Center team

Deen-Gross Eye Centers

At Deen-Gross Eye Centers in Merrillville and Hobart, IN, we provide advanced solutions in a range of specialties. Using the latest technologies and techniques, Dr. David Gross, Dr. Jeffrey Nelson, and Dr. Jamie Taffora can truly transform your vision. Our doctors are affiliated with several notable organizations, including:

  • The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • The American Osteopathic Association
  • The American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • The Indiana State Medical Association

We are available 24/7 to treat emergencies. To get in touch with us, you can request a consultation online or call (219) 769-8989.

Contact Us

"After wearing glasses my entire life, Dr. Gross corrected my eyesight to better than 20/20 vision." Richard B - St. John, IN

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