Dry Eye Care in The Villages, FL

Common signs

Tell us when your eyes feel worst. Mornings, evenings, while reading or at the wheel can each point to a different cause, and that detail helps Dr. Russell choose where to look first.

The National Eye Institute lists stinging or burning, a scratchy feeling like something is in your eye, red eyes, sensitivity to light and blurry vision. Dry eye is more common at age 50 and older, in people who wear contact lenses, and in people who spend a lot of time on a computer, tablet or phone. Some medicines can cause it too.

Many of our patients are new to Florida. If your symptoms started after you moved, mention that at your visit.

What we check

During the exam, Dr. Russell looks at your eyelids, the tear film and the front of the eye under magnification. He asks about your medicines, since some can dry the eyes, and about your habits. [to confirm: any additional dry eye testing the office offers]

First, we listen to your story. Then we examine your eyes, and after that we explain what we found. Because dry eye can overlap with other eye problems, the exam also checks the general health of your eyes.

Ways to ease it

For mild dry eye, the National Eye Institute says the most common treatment is artificial tears, which you can buy without a prescription. It also suggests avoiding smoke, wind and air conditioning. Your doctor may suggest more depending on the cause. [to confirm: in-office dry eye treatments offered, such as punctal plugs]

Because artificial tears are sold in many forms, ask Dr. Russell which kind to try. Also tell him how often you use them, since that helps him judge how your eyes are doing. If drops do not help, an exam is the next step.

Who is more likely to have dry eye

The National Eye Institute names several risk factors. Age 50 and older raises the chance, and so does being female. Wearing contact lenses, low vitamin A or omega-3 intake and some autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren syndrome can also play a part. Dry or windy air matters too. If any of these sound like you, tell Dr. Russell, because they help explain your symptoms.

What to tell Dr. Russell

A few details help us a great deal. When do your eyes feel worst? Do you wear contact lenses? Do you use a computer or tablet for long stretches? Which drops have you tried already? Because dry eye has several possible causes, these answers guide the exam.

If your symptoms last, do not wait. Schedule a visit so Dr. Russell can look for the cause and talk through options with you. Dry Eye Care in The Villages starts with a conversation, and then an exam gives us the facts.

Before your visit

Bring your glasses, your contact lens case if you wear contacts, and a list of your medicines and eye drops. Also note which drops you already use and how often. We accept Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Medicare, Cigna, Humana and other plans, and CareCredit. Because coverage varies, and a medical eye visit can bill differently from a routine one, call (352) 399-5412 with your plan name and we will explain what applies.

When to call right away

Sudden flashes of light, a shower of new floaters, a curtain over your vision, sudden vision loss or a chemical in the eye: call (352) 399-5412 right away, or go to the nearest emergency room.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Please talk with your eye doctor about your own eyes.

Sources: NEI (nei.nih.gov), MedlinePlus (medlineplus.gov/eyecare.html).

Book Dry Eye Care in The Villages

To book dry eye care in The Villages, call (352) 399-5412 or use any Request an Appointment button. We are in Pinellas Plaza at 2478 Burnsed Blvd, an easy golf-cart ride from most of the south Villages.

Common questions

Why are my eyes watery if they are dry?

Dry eye can have several causes, and an exam helps find yours. Ask Dr. Russell about the cause of watery eyes.

Do I need an exam, or can I just use drops?

Drops can help, but an exam finds the cause and rules out other problems. If symptoms last, schedule a visit.

How do I book Dry Eye Care in The Villages?

Call (352) 399-5412 or request an appointment on this site. We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.