Dry Eyes in Brooklyn Are More Common Than You Think
Dry eye treatment in Brooklyn is something we help patients with every week at Vision Palace Optical on Avenue U. If your eyes feel scratchy, burning, or like there's something stuck in them, you're not imagining it. Dry eye is one of the most common conditions we see, and it's very treatable once we figure out what's driving it for you.
The good news is you don't have to live with that constant irritation. Dr. Julia Sheyko and Dr. Alexander Shlivko have helped patients from Sheepshead Bay, Gravesend, Marine Park, and all across Brooklyn find real relief. It starts with a thorough evaluation at our office at 1723 Avenue U.
What Dry Eye Actually Feels Like
People describe dry eye in a lot of different ways. Burning, stinging, redness, watery eyes (yes, watery eyes can actually be a sign of dryness), sensitivity to light, or that feeling like your eyelids are dragging across your eyes.
A lot of Brooklyn patients come in thinking it's allergies, or just "tired eyes from screens." Sometimes it is. But dry eye has its own specific causes, and treating the wrong thing doesn't help. That's why an in-office evaluation matters before reaching for over-the-counter drops.
If you're staring at a screen all day, commuting through wind on the Q or B train, or running the heat all winter in a tight apartment, your tear film is working hard. Our Brooklyn winters and summers both stress the eyes in different ways, and dry eye flares up in both seasons.
How We Evaluate and Treat Dry Eye at Our Avenue U Office
When you come in for a comprehensive eye exam and mention dry eye symptoms, our doctors take a close look at your tear film, your eyelid health, and the surface of your eye. Dry eye can stem from your tears evaporating too fast, your glands not producing enough oil, or a combination of both. The cause shapes the treatment.
Treatment can include prescription eye drops, lid hygiene routines, warm compress therapy, or changes to your contact lens routine. If you wear contacts and your eyes feel dry by midday, that's worth mentioning at your visit. A lens swap or wearing schedule adjustment can make a surprising difference.
We'll also look at other eye conditions that sometimes overlap with dry eye symptoms, like allergies or blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins). Getting the right diagnosis means getting the right treatment, not just temporary relief.
Contact Lenses and Dry Eye: What You Should Know
Dry eye and contact lens wear often clash. If you're rubbing your eyes constantly or popping drops throughout the day just to keep your contacts in, your current lenses may not be the right fit for your eyes anymore.
We offer contact lens fittings with dry eye patients in mind. Daily disposables, for example, often feel more comfortable for people with dry eyes because there's no buildup from overnight storage. Some patients do better with lenses made from different materials that hold moisture longer.
The key is that there's usually a solution. Don't just push through the discomfort. Let us take a look and see what might work better for your eyes.
Insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare for Dry Eye Visits
A lot of Brooklyn patients assume dry eye treatment isn't covered by insurance. In many cases, it can be, especially when it's diagnosed and treated as a medical condition rather than a routine vision issue.
We accept Medicaid, Medicare, EyeMed, 1199SEIU, Fidelis Care, MetroPlus, EmblemHealth, and many other plans. Coverage varies by plan, so call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit. Our team speaks English, Russian, and Spanish, so you can get answers in the language that's most comfortable for you.
You can also read more about using Medicaid for your eye exam if you want to know what Medicaid typically covers in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dry eye?
Dry eye can have many causes: aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, screen time, dry indoor air, contact lens wear, and conditions like blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction. Your doctor will evaluate your specific situation to identify what's driving your symptoms before recommending treatment.
Can dry eye go away on its own?
Mild cases sometimes improve with simple changes like using artificial tears or taking breaks from screens. But chronic dry eye usually doesn't fully resolve without proper treatment. If your symptoms have lasted more than a few weeks or are affecting your daily life, it's worth coming in for an evaluation at our Avenue U office.
Is dry eye treatment covered by my insurance?
It can be, depending on your plan and how the condition is documented. Medical insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, may cover dry eye treatment when it's treated as a medical diagnosis rather than a routine vision issue. Coverage varies by plan, so call us at (718) 998-8400 or book through Zocdoc to confirm your benefits before your visit.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have dry eye?
In many cases, yes. Our doctors can help find a lens material, replacement schedule, or wearing routine that's more comfortable for dry eyes. Some patients also benefit from taking breaks from lens wear on particularly dry days. A contact lens fitting with dry eye in mind gives you options you might not know you have.
How do I know if it's dry eye or allergies?
Both can cause redness, irritation, and watery eyes, which makes them easy to confuse. Allergies often come with itching and seasonal patterns, while dry eye tends to be more constant and tied to environments like heated rooms or windy days. The only way to know for sure is an in-office evaluation, where our doctors can look at the actual surface of your eye.
Get Real Relief for Dry Eyes in Brooklyn
You don't have to just live with dry, uncomfortable eyes. Whether you're a longtime Sheepshead Bay resident or just moved to the Avenue U area, we're here to help. Dr. Sheyko and Dr. Shlivko treat dry eye patients every week and will take the time to figure out what's actually going on with your eyes.
Book your eye exam at Vision Palace Optical, book through Zocdoc or call us at (718) 998-8400. We're at 1723 Avenue U in Brooklyn, open Monday through Saturday.