What is Dry Eye?

Most people have had dry eyes at some point in their lives. Over-the-counter eye drops often help for these occasional moments. However, when your eyes are continually irritated, you may have an underlying condition that cannot be relieved by simple drops. In addition to conditions such as ocular rosacea, allergic eye disease and blepharitis, there are two types of dry eye:

  • Evaporative Dry Eye: a blockage to the eyelid glands (meibomian glands) creates a shortage of oil on the surface of the tears and tears evaporate quickly
  • Aqueous Dry Eye: a shortage of tears is produced by the lacrimal glands

Symptoms of Dry Eye & Ocular Surface Disease

  • Excessive watering
  • Burning
  • Redness
  • Gritty feeling
  • Light sensitivity
  • Blurriness

These symptoms can make wearing contact lenses not only uncomfortable but potentially dangerous for your corneal health. We highly recommend switching to glasses if you are experiencing dry eye, especially if your symptoms are being caused by seasonal or ongoing allergies. You don’t want to risk making microabrasions on the outer layer of your eye if you are rubbing your eyes or if allergens get underneath your contacts. (Please never rub your eyes!)

Schedule an Eye Exam

Dry Eye Treatments

The most important step of a dry eye treatment protocol is to first identify the root cause of your symptoms. Our team can properly diagnose your type of dry eye so the most effective treatment can be administered for the fastest relief possible. We provide customized eye care to address all of the causes of ocular surface disease such as ocular rosacea, allergic eye disease, reduced tear production, Demodex mites, blepharitis and more. Our team may recommend:

  • Xiidra® prescription eye drops used twice a day to treat eye inflammation
  • RESTASIS® Ophthalmic Emulsion prescription eye drops twice a day to increase tear production for patients with Aqueous Dry Eye
  • Punctal plugs to prevent tear drainage from the eyes by inserting tiny plugs in the tear canal to temporarily close tear ducts

Why Choose Us?

Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun have been serving the East Tennessee community with dry eye treatments since 1952. Dry eye symptoms are extremely frustrating and can interfere with your daily life. Thousands of people have found lasting relief from their troublesome symptoms with our advanced treatments.

We feel it is important for our patients to understand the importance of a healthy tear film. We spend time with each patient to explain why they are having eye irritations, why we are recommending certain treatments and what to expect with each one. You’ll receive premium treatment every step of the way. If you need dry eye care, we’re simply the best choice in East Tennessee.

Our Dry Eye Doctors in Knoxville

Our dry eye doctors in Knoxville are local specialists in their field of expertise. They are fully ingrained in the East Tennessee community and are committed to bringing modern, premium eye care to our area.

  • C. Tobin Taylor, M.D.
  • A. Kirk Haun, M.D., F.A.C.S.
  • Jake C. McMillin, M.D.
  • Eric Sollenberger, M.D.
  • Andrew Johnston, M.D.

Featured Testimonial

“I so appreciate how quick the appointment was made, my eyes have been watery for 3 months, previous optometrist diagnosed “dry eyes’ recommended otc eyedrops, which didn’t help. Unfortunately the problem exists my primary referred me to this eye group, so glad she did! The Dr did a thorough exam of both eyes, very professional and gentle, he prescribed the accurate drops for my eye condition, 4 days later no more tears, wow! feels great. The front desk personnel were so helpful and friendly. Yes, I highly recommend this group if you have small or large issues with your eyes. 10 Stars”
– Kimberley H.