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Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye syndrome can lead to redness, itchiness, irritation, and soreness. This severely affects your well-being and vision quality.

Choate Eye Associates uses the latest tools and techniques to diagnose, treat, and manage severe cases of chronic dry eye.

Learn how board-certified doctor Walter Choate helps dry eye patients throughout Nashville, TN, Goodlettsville, and Hendersonville...

Don't Ignore the Symptoms Request a consultation and protect your sight

Dry eyes can be just a minor annoyance, but they can also be the symptom of more serious eye issues. If you experience dry eyes or sudden changes to your vision, it is best to get it checked out as soon as possible. Call our eye clinic and request an appointment today.

The Basics of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome impacts your ability to wear contact lenses, causes discomfort, and makes daily activities such as driving and reading more difficult. These are three common reasons why patients with dry eye experience soreness, irritation, and reduced moisture.

Poor Tear Composition

Tears are composed of three main substances. There's saline that nourishes the surface of the eye, mucus that binds moisture to the surface of the eye, and oil from the meibomian glands that slows evaporation. If composition is off, dry eye can occur.

Reduced Tear Production

Your tear composition may be fine, but if you aren't producing enough of them, you're likely to suffer from dry eye disease. The lack of moisture varies from person to person. Some may lack sufficient moisture while others may not produce any tears at all.

Rapid Tear Evaporation

If the ratio of saline, oil, and/or mucus is off, it can make tears evaporate at a much faster rate than normal. Even with regular function from the lacrimal glands, evaporation will lead to frequent bouts of dry eye syndrome, especially in dry and windy environments.

Understanding Dry Eye and Why It Happens

Dry eye has different causes, and each will determine which type of treatment you need. Dr. Choate and his team will determine what kind of dry eye you're suffering from and then develop a treatment plan just for you.

Dry Eye Is More Common Than You Think

Given the prevalence of dry eye symptoms among Americans of all ages, it's a good idea to visit Dr. Choate for an exam. Using advanced technology, he can determine the cause or causes of your dry eye.

Schedule a Consultation We Offer Advanced Dry Eye Treatment and Management

Dr. Walter Choate is board-certified in the treatment and management of eye diseases such as dry eye. He has provided the communities of Nashville, TN, Goodlettsville, and Hendersonville with compassionate eye care and vision enhancement since 1979. This dedication has made our practice one of the most trusted and respected centers in the state of Tennessee.

Dr. Choate's experience has led him to be an FDA investigator for the latest contact lenses, pharmaceuticals, and other ophthalmic equipment. His patients get access to these exciting new treatments before anyone else in the South.

If you live in the Nashville area and would like more information about treating dry eye and other eye conditions, contact Choate Eye Associates online. You can also call our team at:

Eye exam on patient
Dr. Choate customizes each dry eye treatment to the patient's unique needs to ensure the best results.

"I Wouldn't Go Anywhere Else" Nashville's Most Trusted Eye Care Provider

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Joseph Robinson

2020

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I am very satisfied with the services provided by Choate Eye Associates. Dr. Choate and all of staff provide an exceptional level of service from. All were extremely friendly and very knowledgeable in their individual specialties. I would recommend them to anyone who is in need of the full range of eye care.

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Julie Malone

2020

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Dr. Choate has been my Ophthalmologist for 7 years now, and I wouldn't go anywhere else. I moved last year, and I now drive for an hour to see him. The selection of frames is amazing, the office staff is WONDERFUL, and I always know that I am receiving the best care possible. I would recommend Choate Eye Associates to anyone and everyone!

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Dry Eye and Advanced Age

Advanced age is just one of many risk factors associated with dry eye syndrome. That's why it's important for older patients to undergo regular exams. Dr. Choate can identify signs of dry eye disease and other ocular conditions.

Are You at Risk for Dry Eye Syndrome?

Certain conditions make dry eye more likely. Be mindful of these dry eye risk factors, and reach out to our Nashville area center for an exam if you suffer from any symptoms.

Advanced Age

As people grow older, changes in hormones and other wellness factors can lead to changes in tear composition, reduced tear production, and other issues that could make dry eye more likely.

Certain Medical Conditions

Dry eye is linked to a number of health conditions, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, and nutritional deficiencies.

Use of Certain Medications

People who take certain medications run a higher risk of developing dry eye. These drugs include antihistamines, antidepressants, hormones, blood pressure medications, and birth control.

Prior Laser Eye Surgery

LASIK, PRK, and other laser vision correction patients may experience dry eye as a surgical side effect. Eye doctors screen for dry eye syndrome prior to refractive surgery to avoid complications.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) can cause the build-up of debris in your tear film, preventing you from keeping your eyelids moist and causing dry eye symptoms.

"I Had a Great Experience" What Nashville Patients Are Saying

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Angie Bond

2020

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Excellent eye doctor and assistants. The opticians are the best. Choate has gorgeous eye wear!!! Dr. Choate went out of his way to take care of my vision issues to help me see as much as I possibly can. I appreciate the help he gave me.

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Jacoby Knight

2020

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Every one of the staff members were kind and friendly. I had a great experience. All of the procedures were explained to me in such a way that a kindergartener could understand. I am very pleased with the services that were provided to me.

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Contact Our Eye Doctor to Receive a Diagnosis

With more than four decades of experience, Dr. Choate is proud to provide some of the finest eye care and optometric services in the Nashville, TN, area. Quality care has remained his focus throughout his career. Dr. Choate is a proud member of numerous eye care organizations, including:

  • American Academy of Optometry
  • American Optometric Association
  • National Board of Examiners in Optometry

For more information about the latest treatment options for dry eye in the Nashville area, contact Choate Eye Associates online. You can also schedule a consultation by phone at:

(615) 851-7575

Dr. Walter Choate of Choate Eye Associates
Dr. Choate can help you properly diagnose your condition and get the treatment you deserve.
"I was put in Dr. Choate's care by my former opthalmologist that opted to just do surgery. I have been under Dr. Choate's care for several years. He is very thorough and professional. The staff is pleasant and efficient. The office is clean and beautiful. I am an 88 year old artist and writer, so my eyes are very important to me." Elizabeth Sims

Common Treatment Options

There are many ways to treat dry eye syndrome and manage its symptoms. Dr. Choate and the team at our center serving Nashville and surrounding cities will determine the ideal treatment or combination of treatments to help you experience better vision and health. Some of our most common treatments include:

Artificial Tears

Artificial tears are a common way to manage dry eye syndrome. Patients use these lubricating eye drops to soothe dryness and irritation. In some cases, artificial tears combined with lifestyle modifications are sufficient to treat dry eye syndrome.

Learn More about Artificial Tears

Prescription Eye Drops

Eye drops such as RESTASIS®, Xiidra®, Lotemax, or doxycycline may be prescribed in order to treat dry eye syndrome. These medicated eye drops, which are different than over-the-counter artificial tears, provide lubrication and symptom relief.

Contact Us to Learn More

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are small devices placed into the tear ducts. By blocking the ducts, moisture coating the surface of the eyes will not drain away. Punctal plugs effectively prevent dry eye by keeping existing moisture in place longer.

Learn More about Punctal Plugs

LipiFlow

LipiFlow® is a nonsurgical dry eye treatment that treats meibomian gland blockages and dysfunction. The gentle combination of heat and pressure unblocks the glands in less than 15 minutes, reducing the severity of dry eye episodes.

Learn More about LipiFlow

ThermiEyes

ThermiEyes® is similar to LipiFlow in that it also treats meibomian gland dysfunction in about 15 minutes. ThermiEyes warms, soothes, and unblocks the meibomian glands by delivering safe radiofrequency energy along the eyelids.

Learn More about ThermiEyes

Tailoring Dry Eye Treatment to the Patient

Dr. Choate chatting with a patient
Personalized care is essential for relieving all kinds of conditions that affect your vision quality and health. Our team of vision care experts always puts your needs first so you can see clearly and rest easy.

Choose a Dry Eye Center That Offers Comprehensive Treatments

Treating dry eye syndrome begins with determining the cause. Following your initial consultation, Dr. Choate will do a complete dry eye work-up to analyze tear quantity, tear quality, and gland function. This will enable him to determine the most effective course of treatment for your case. Our other treatments include:

  • Hot compresses such as the BRUDER® Moist Heat Eye Compress 
  • Antibiotic eyelid scrubs such as OCuSOFT®
  • Antioxidants and fish oil high in EPA/DHA/GLA and astaxanthin
  • An anti-inflammatory diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins 
  • Multiple types of artificial tears and steroids including SYSTANE® ULTRA, SYSTANE BALANCE, SYSTANE Preservative-Free, SYSTANE Gel Drops, SYSTANE Nighttime Ointment, REFRESH® OPTIVE, REFRESH OPTIVE Advanced Preservative-Free, REFRESH Liquigel, and REFRESH Lacri-lube Ointment
  • Blinking exercises 

Through proper diagnosis and custom treatment plans, Dr. Choate has helped many patients achieve relief from their symptoms—for good.

Contact Our Vision Center  Relieve Your Dry Eye Symptoms—For Good

Whether he is treating dry eye or helping patients select the right glasses or contact lenses for their needs, Dr. Choate remains a leader in quality eye care for people in the Nashville, TN, area.

Dr. Choate and his dedicated staff are always thorough and warm, making everyone feel welcome and comfortable with each visit. We put you first and focus on your current vision needs as well as your lasting wellness.

For more information about lasting relief from dry eye syndrome, contact Choate Eye Associates online. You can also reach our practice by phone at:

(615) 851-7575

Choate Eye Associates
Our practice is designed with your comfort and safety in mind.

"Professional, Efficient, and Personable" Reviews for Nashville's Leading Eye Care Physician

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Ernestine Wilson

2020

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Dr. Choate and his staff are professional, efficient, and personable. The services provided are stellar with the end product of better eye care. I appreciate his thoroughness.

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Scott Ball

2020

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Probably one of the most detailed and complete doctors I have the pleasure of working with.

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Dry Eye Treatment Can Improve Your Quality of Life

There are many benefits to undergoing professional dry eye treatment. Our patients typically report the following improvements thanks to their custom treatment plan.

Greater Comfort

Proper treatment means you no longer have to deal with irritation, burning, or the feeling of something caught in your eyes. You can go about your day normally and comfortably.

Reduced Redness

Now that your eyes are soothed and properly lubricated, they won't appear raw, bloodshot, or fatigued. This can work wonders for your appearance and overall self-image.

Better Vision Quality

Dry eye treatment prevents blurry vision and poor night vision. You'll see clearly again and can enjoy reading, hikes, and other physical activities without any hassles.

Restored Ability to Wear Contact Lenses

Chronic dry eye keeps many people from wearing their contact lenses. After dry eye treatment, you can wear contact lenses normally without itchiness or excessive tearing.

"I Highly Recommend Choate Eye Associates!"

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Janet Blakemore

2020

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Dr. Choate and staff are courteous and professional. I’ve been a patient of his now for at least ten years. I’m a firm believer in the saying, you get what you pay for and he is worth it. He was referred to me by a former classmate and I will always be grateful for that. I like that he educates his patients on the nutrition aspect of eye health and can recommend the supplements one needs. His knowledge of the latest treatment is impressive and reassuring. I would recommend him to anyone and on a fun note, his office music and magazine choice is very enjoyable.

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Deborah Kell

2020

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Very thorough eye exam by extremely caring professionals. Love how Dr. Choate took the time to explain what the results of my exam meant and how we could best correct my vision for my specific needs in my work and in my everyday life. Could not be happier with the selection of frames to help me look my best, too! Barbara was amazing helping me pick everything out and making sure I'd have the perfect fit for my vision needs. I highly recommend Choate Eye Associates!

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Dr. Choate

Choate Eye Associates

Choate Eye Associates has been delivering high-quality, compassionate eye care to the Nashville community since 1979. We are affiliated with various leading organizations in the field, including: 

  • American Academy of Optometry
  • American Optometric Association 
  • National Board of Examiners in Optometry 

To schedule a consultation at our practice, call us at (615) 851-7575 or request an appointment online

Contact Us Today

"I am very pleased with the attention I received at Choate Eye Associates. Dr. Choate is very thorough and does a wonderful job of explaining what he is doing and what he is looking for in the exam." Dianal - Comprehensive Eye Care Patient

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