Vision Therapy in Sharpstown

Spotting the Signs of Dry Eye

(713) 774-1124
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 Lifetime Eyecare & Contact Lens Center 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.


Dry Eyes in Sharpstown

Our optometry practice in Sharpstown

Photograph of Allen H.  Chin
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday Closed
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • BCBS Federal Employee Program
  • Aetna
  • United Healthcare
  • Cigna
  • EyeMed
  • VSP
  • Spectera
  • Versant Health
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • Medicare
  • Medicare Part B

Patient Reviews
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90 Reviews
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- May. 17, 2024
I have been going to Dr. Chin since I was 12 and I an 49 now. The service is always polite and court... eous. The atmosphere is welcoming.
- May. 15, 2024
I've been a patient for more than 30 years and can't speak highly enough of both Dr. Chins. They are... kind, patient, knowledgeable, and honest and the entire staff has always been impressive and personable.
- May. 06, 2024
Only share as anonymously
- Apr. 28, 2024
It was a great experience as usual. Eye glasses are the best vision I've had in 15 years.
- Apr. 23, 2024
Good customer service and fair price 👍
- Apr. 17, 2024
Dr. Allen (Chin) is a wonderful provider. Takes the time to listen and explain what is needed.
- Apr. 16, 2024
Great service and caring staff!!
- Apr. 04, 2024
A+. Knowledgeable and caring, a perfect combo.
- Mar. 28, 2024
I have been going to Dr. Chin for over 20 years and his staff works together like a family.
- Sep. 02, 2023
I have gone here for 30+ years. They know their business. Highly recommended
- Dec. 18, 2022
Have been going here for years. Dr Allen Chin is the best.
- Oct. 11, 2022
Alway a great experience! I experienced an emergency during the week and was not able to go into the... office. I reached out to the office on Saturday, October 8th only to find nothing available. In speaking with Amelia she held me on the phone until she was able to see if a cancellation or short break in the schedule. There was an opening and headed to the office 45 minutes away. Upon my arrival Amelia greeted me with all smiles and told her she was like a breath of fresh air. Shortly after arriving Emily took me back and took great care of me ensuring all my concerns were addressed. Dr. Chin came in to resolve immediately by checking the eyes. Told it was allergies and ordered eye drop for allergy/infection. Thank you guys for being my eye care team since early 80’s.
- May. 16, 2022
Dr. Chin is great! I haven't ever had an appointment with his father, but I'm certain he is wonderfu... l too! Staff is friendly. Large selection of frames. I like that you have options with contact lenses.
- May. 11, 2022
Been going to Dr. Chin for a quiet some time I want to say a little over 10 years great service Dr. ... Chin very knowledgeable when comes to your eye care. Absolutely love the place. Keep it up Dr.Chin I will miss you when you retire I know it’s coming soon.
- Apr. 10, 2022
I have been a patient of a Dr Chin since the late 70's. Starting with Dr Allen H Chin who gave me ex... cellent care when I wore contact lenses. Later my care was assumed by Dr Allen J Chin, his son. I give each of them high marks for the care of my eyes.
- Oct. 02, 2021
Dr. Chin is a great doctor and taking care of the patient! Once my daughter had eyes infection in th... e morning after wearing OK Lens at night. That day unfortunately the doctor's office is closed. I called Dr. Chin's office and explained the situation, Dr. Chin called me and asked us to his office for eyes examination, I was so much released after knowing my daughter's eyes infection is not serious. Thank you so much Dr. Chin!
- Jun. 13, 2021
I’ve been a pt of Dr. Allen Chin since 1984 and have never left. He is very professional, and a c... aring Optomologist . In 2021 I remain his patient. His staff is very professional . As a professional Health Care Provider for46years- I know professionalism and a caring person. I thank God for Dr. Chin
- May. 07, 2021
Best eye doctor I’ve ever been to. Went in with an emergency after getting something stuck in my e... ye and took me right away with no hesitation. Very friendly nurses and doctors! I’m recommending all of my family to come here if they ever need to visit an eye doctor.
- Jun. 25, 2020
I have some complicated eyes. Most doctors gave up on me after trying contacts more than 3-4 times t... o get the right fit, but no Dr. Chin! I thank God I found Dr Chin Sinior !!! I had been going to see him for about 10 years now. I can't say enough good things about him and the people that works there. I drive a long way to go see him. I would not trust my eyes to another Doctor. I highly recommend this practice especially if you have Keratoconus or any other cornea problems. Esteban.
- Mar. 06, 2020
Dr. Chin and his staff were fantastic! I visited his office on a recommendation from my insurance pr... ovider and the proximity of his office to my home. Initially I was rather hesitant even with the great patient reviews because I'd been seeing my previous optometrist of 15+ years. Within minutes of arriving, Dr. Chin and his staff put any and all concerns I may have had at ease. During the pre-exam testing, the staff member that assisted me went above and beyond. She immediately opened up to me regarding herself, which allowed me to more easily provide insights from my own medical and family history. When she handed me off to Dr. Chin, the level of empathy and commitment that he displayed to me was every bit as amazing as hers. Overall, their eagerness to engage in dialogue while offering advice and feedback made me feel like a valued patient in a way that I have never really felt before. I am talkative and inquisitive person by nature, and at no point did they make me feel rushed or as if I was a burden. Dr. Chin even took the extra time to explain the nuances of my vision, and why his findings varied slightly from my previous prescription. He also provided key details regarding the specialty contacts that I've been wearing for 12+ years, that I had never known before (they have an aligned fit)! Further, I highly recommend the optional $30 proactive screening if you can afford it. Upon reviewing the data from my screening, Dr. Chin immediately noticed minor scar tissue that we'll need to monitor, but thankfully it isn't currently a threat to my eye sight. It is great piece of mind to know that as of right now I have nothing to worry about, and we'll continue to monitor the issue with future exams. Not only that, but also let let me know of a $50 rebate on my contacts that will more than offset the cost of the proactive screening. I will certainly be back for my annual screening with Dr. Chin and his staff having full faith in their expertise, level of attentiveness, and care for my well being. Overall, the dialogue and level of engagement during the exam made me feel like I had part ownership of my eyesight wellness for the first time in my 41 years. I've been wearing glasses since I was 8 years old, and I have never "enjoyed" an optometrist exam and visit... until now. Thanks Dr. Chin and Associates! PS - Filling out the paperwork online pre-exam via Zocdoc was a godsend. I wish more health practitioners provided the option.

View All 90 Reviews


man putting eye drops in eyes

Consult Our Dry Eye Experts

At Lifetime Eyecare & Contact Lens Center, 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.

(713) 774-1124