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Dry Eye Treatment in Cocoa

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(321) 638-3931

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 Visionary Optometry - Dr. Micah Girard 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 Cocoa 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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372 Reviews
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- Nov. 29, 2024
Amazing doctor and great staff.
- Nov. 21, 2024
Thank you for being so professional and personable over the years. You deserve 10 stars!
- Nov. 20, 2024
Excellent optometry practice. Dr. Girard and his staff are all highly qualified professionals and h... ave a real knack for putting their patients at ease. Dr. Girard discusses your exam and finding with you in plain language. He is one of the best eye doctors I have ever had. Highly recommend this business.
- Nov. 19, 2024
Always a great experience with Dr. Girard and staff. Friendly and professional.
- Nov. 12, 2024
The staff and doctor were very helpful and friendly.
- Nov. 09, 2024
The doctor and staff are absolutely fantastic.
- Nov. 07, 2024
The office staff is very kind and helpful and efficient. Theres not a long wait. Dr.Girard very thor... ough and listens to your concerns. The facility is kept nicely cleaned and always smells wonderful.
- Aug. 08, 2024
Dr Girard is amazing. Best eye doctor I have been too. Great staff also. Give them a try they are ... fantastic.
- Aug. 04, 2024
Everyone from the receptionist to the technician and the wonderful Doctor was great 👍😃. He rea... lly cares. I 💕 him, .
- Jul. 29, 2024
Love the staff at Visionary Optometry! Dr. Girard is an excellent eye doctor.
- Jul. 09, 2024
This place is it! I felt so welcomed and comfortable. I was worried about keeping my appointment bec... ause my babysitter canceled on me. They not only welcomed the idea of me bringing my 4-year-old but they also had a play area to keep her entertained as I filled out my information on a user-friendly tablet. We started our appointment immediately afterward. Everyone we interacted with was kind and professional, especially the doctor. He was thorough in his exam and ensured I had no doubts. The shopping experience for glasses was surprisingly affordable, and the assistant helped me understand all my options, leaving me satisfied and happy. I highly recommend this optometry practice and can't SEE going anywhere else (pun intended).
- Jun. 19, 2024
Absolutely wonderful, my only regret is I had not gone here earlier. Don't put off your eye exam an... d I would not go any place other than here. Once you try this office you will never go anywhere else. I know I have received the top notch eye exam by an eye doctor who surpasses any words I could use in my recommendation.
- Jun. 17, 2024
They care about the customers
- Jun. 13, 2024
DR. GIRARD WORKS IN DETAIL AND DISCOVERED MY CATARACTS. HE ALSO CHECKED THE POSSIBILITY OF HAVING G... LAUCOMA DUE TO FAMILY CASES BUT AT THIS TIME I AM CLEAR. GREAT DOCTOR.
- Feb. 19, 2024
The entire staff were phenomenal with my six year old son! Very patient and compassionate! Highly re... commend!!
- Feb. 12, 2024
First time patient and was absolutely thankful for there care and patience glad to have them as my n... ew optometrist.
- Feb. 10, 2024
Dr Girard and his staff are outstanding! I’ve been a patient of theirs for many years. I have my r... outine eye exams done every year and have bought many sets of glasses for them. They always remember me and treat me with kindness. Special shout out to Casey. She is SO sweet and helpful! Every time I order glasses or just need an adjustment, she does it with a smile and sense of humor. This type of customer service can be rare these days but very much appreciated. THANK YOU!! Dr Girard you have a long time patient who recognizes excellence in your services and staff.
- Sep. 26, 2023
I love Visionary Optometry! I’ve been going to them since 2008 and they’ve always accommodated m... y every need. The staff is first class and Brooke and Casey put up with me no matter what. They’re awesome!
- Sep. 23, 2023
Great service. Always a relaxed and smooth visit. All vision details explained in simple terms. Sati... sfied patient going on 5 years.
- Sep. 18, 2023
Have gone there over 20yrs. All of staff very knowledgeable and friendly. Dr is great. Would high... ly recommend.

View All 372 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Cocoa

Our optometry practice in Cocoa

Photograph of Micah  Girard
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
    1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Medicare
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Cigna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Spectera
  • Davis Vision
  • Humana
  • Tricare
  • EyeMed
  • Avesis
  • UMR
  • MetLife
  • Cigna Vision
  • PHCS
  • Aetna
  • Guardian
  • Vision Care Plan
  • Allegiance
  • GEHA
  • Humana Military & Tricare
  • Principal
  • Florida Blue
  • Medical Mutual Ohio
  • Standard Life
  • Tricare for Life
  • Health First
  • Unum Vision
  • AARP Supplement Plans
  • Ironworkers
  • Medicare Part B
  • Mutual of Omaha
  • Optim Healthcare
  • Superior Vision by Versant Health
  • Solstice
  • Well Med

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(321) 638-3931