Vision Therapy in Washington

Discover the Right Dry Eye Treatment for You

(202) 467-5555

Reclaim Vision Comfort and Clarity

Many people struggle with dry eye symptoms that hinder them from reaching their full potential. Don’t let dry eyes prevent you from seeing clearly and comfortably.

Dry eye symptoms can be more than just a minor inconvenience. They can impact your daily life, making it difficult to focus on work, enjoy your favorite activities, or simply relax. Imagine constantly battling the sensation of dryness, grittiness, or irritation in your eyes or dealing with redness and discomfort that affects your confidence.

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Why Choose Dry Eye Treatment?

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Even daily activities like reading or using digital screens can become a challenge when your vision is blurred or your eyes are overly sensitive to light.

The constant discomfort and distraction caused by these symptoms can lower your productivity and overall quality of life. That said, there's hope! Tailored dry eye treatment can bring swift and long-lasting relief, improving your eye health and quality of life.


Exploring Dry Eye Treatments:

Finding the most suitable treatment for dry eyes is essential for lasting relief and optimal eye health. Let's explore a few effective options to help you regain comfort and clarity in your vision.

  • Comfort and Clarity with Specialized Contact Lenses

    Contact lenses have emerged as a popular choice for dry eye sufferers. Specifically designed soft contact lenses can help maintain a stable tear film, reducing friction between the eyelids and the cornea.

    Contact lenses for dry eyes retain moisture and provide ongoing hydration, offering comfort and improving vision. They are a convenient option that can significantly alleviate dry eye symptoms.

  • Instant Relief with Lubricating Eye Drops

    One of the most straightforward and accessible solutions for dry eye is using artificial tears and lubricating eye drops, available over the counter. Adding moisture to the eyes, these products offer temporary relief and comfort whenever needed.

    In severe cases, prescription atropine eye drops may be recommended by an eye doctor to provide targeted relief for your dry eye condition.

  • Non-Invasive IPL Therapy for Chronic Dry Eyes

    Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment is another effective solution for chronic dry eyes. This non-invasive procedure uses precisely calibrated light pulses to target and reduce inflammation and eliminate demodex in and around the meibomian glands. These glands are responsible for producing the oil layer of the tear film. IPL therapy can improve the quantity and quality of tears, offering long-term relief. IPL therapy is an appealing option for those seeking a non-surgical approach.

  • Innovative Radiofrequency Treatment for Lasting Relief

    Radiofrequency treatment is another cutting-edge option for effectively managing dry eyes. This procedure involves the application of radiofrequency energy to the meibomian glands, stimulating oil production and enhancing tear stability.

    Radiofrequency treatment offers lasting relief from dry eye symptoms and can significantly improve overall eye comfort. Radiofrequency treatment is worth exploring for individuals seeking a non-invasive and sustainable solution.


Tailored Dry Eye Treatments

Personalized plans are vital due to varying dry eye symptoms, and our specialists at Metropolitan Optical – 18th Street work closely with you to create an individualized treatment.

woman putting in eye drops

Comprehensive Approach:

Your plan may involve a combination of treatments targeting the root causes of your symptoms, ensuring effectiveness.

Expert Assessment:

Our optometrists assess your condition and consider your lifestyle for tailored recommendations.

Optimizing Comfort

We aim to provide lasting relief and clarity in your vision by customizing your dry eye treatment plan for comfort and eye health.

Patient Reviews
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156 Reviews
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- Sep. 06, 2024
I would give more than five stars if I could - highly recommend to anyone looking for comprehensive ... eye care in the DMV area! The entire team is so friendly and knowledgeable. As a new patient, Lucinda immediately made me feel welcome throughout the intake process. When my previous eye doctor no longer accepted my insurance, I was worried it would be difficult to find comparable care, but Dr. Stupiansky is even better! She gave a great exam, taking the time to answer all of my questions and going above and beyond to recommend exercises to help alleviate my eye strain. HUGE shout out to Jesse and Corey, who were both so helpful and patient with me as I returned several times to adjust my new glasses to fit me just right. The service, warm environment, and glasses selection are all around stellar. Thank you to the whole team at Metropolitan Optical!
- Aug. 31, 2024
Corey is an amazing worker. I’d give the staff, the service and the place itself 5 stars all aroun... d the board. Keep being great.
- Aug. 29, 2024
Friendly staff, friendly knowledgeable doctors! Call me a windmill, ‘cause I’m a big fan.
- Jul. 19, 2024
Great care, great products and super service. Expensive as are most high quality optical stores but ... I have been a patient of Dr. Ayalew and Metropolitan for over 25 years!
- Jul. 12, 2024
I'v been to multiple optical shops lately looking for new glasses. Metropolitan was the most helpfu... l of any place I looked.
- Jun. 27, 2024
Great care. Cool doctor. Easy fast experience.
- Jun. 15, 2024
Best eye doctor I’ve ever been to. Dr. Stupiansky and Lucinda went out of their way to help me whe... n I had an issue — taking the extra time to figure out what exams I needed so I wasn’t over-paying and spending extra time with me to resolve my eye issue. When I needed an urgent follow-up with a specialist and was not able to secure an appointment myself, Dr. Stupiansky took the time to call the specialist to get me in that week itself. Cannot recommend Metropolitan Optical enough.
- May. 10, 2024
The staff here are so welcoming and knowledgeable. They made the entire experience, from the exam to... picking out new glasses, a total breeze. Will absolutely come back, can't recommend them more highly.
- May. 10, 2024
Review Title: Superior Care and Exceptional Service at Metropolitan Optical I have recently had the... pleasure of visiting Metropolitan Optical with my mother for her comprehensive eye examination, under the care of Dr. Saba Ayalew. I must say that the level of service and care we received was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we stepped into her office, Dr. Ayalew was kind, approachable, and demonstrated an extensive knowledge of her field. She was incredibly patient, taking the time to explain every step of the examination process, ensuring that my mother felt comfortable and understood everything that was happening. What particularly amazed me about Dr. Ayalew was her attention to detail. She did not rush the examination, instead, she carefully evaluated my mother's vision and thoroughly discussed the results and potential treatment options. It was evident that she genuinely cared about her patients' well-being and prioritizes their eye health. Aside from Dr. Ayalew's expertise, the other staff at Metropolitan Optical were equally impressive. They were friendly, efficient, and very helpful. They assisted us with insurance matters and guided us through the selection of eyewear, making the whole experience seamless and pleasant. The cleanliness and organization of the office itself also deserve a mention. It is well-maintained, modern, and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. We found the overall environment both welcoming and professional. I am truly grateful for the personalized care and attention my mother received from Dr. Ayalew. Her professionalism, coupled with her warm and empathetic nature, made our visit a positive one. I would highly recommend Dr. Ayalew and Metropolitan Optical to anyone in search of top-notch eye care. In a world where the medical process can often feel rushed and impersonal, Dr. Ayalew stands out as a beacon of what patient-focused healthcare should be. Rest assured, your eyes are in the best hands with her!
- Apr. 26, 2024
I’ve been going here for more than 15 years. This place is great. Staff are friendly and profess... ional. The office is clean and there is a vast selection of eyeglass frames. Dr. Ayalew is amazing and really thorough. She asks questions related to any new health problems and explains how they could impact eye health. She’s really great.
- Apr. 23, 2024
Visited 4/19/2024. Friendly staff, knowledgeable and caring optometrist and a nice selection of fram... es to choose from. Looking forward to returning for all my eye care needs.
- Mar. 27, 2024
On Tuesday, March 26th, 2024, I had my first occasion to visit Metropolitan Optical at the 18th Stre... et location. From the moment I entered, I was greeted warmly. The technician, Ms.Lucinda, had such a pleasing, sunny personality as she prepared me for Dr. Ayalew. Dr. Ayalew continued this trend by offering exceptional eye care that addressed my concerns. But the STAR of the day was Mr. Corey Styles! I am a fashionable woman in my own way, and wanted my new glasses to reflect that. After perusing several styles but not really finding something that wowed me, Mr. Corey, who was assisting me, informed me he would be right back. When he returned several minutes later, he offered me a selection of frames from Metropolitan Optical’s Pennsylvania Avenue location. OMG!!! The selection was out of this world fantabulous and I found the perfect pair that checked all the boxes and then some! What awesome, exceptional Customer Service!! First time in my mature life had I experienced that level of going the extra mile to please a most discriminating customer. I’m not one to write a lot on social media but I just had to share the extraordinary care and service I received from everyone at Metropolitan Optional, especially my dear Mr. Corey Styles. I am a fan4life! Mary H. Beckett, D.C.
- Mar. 08, 2024
Thank you to Paul the miracle worker. I had accidentally stomped on my glasses and it was a near Hum... ty Dumpty situation. Fortunately Paul bent everything back into place.
- Mar. 01, 2024
Amazing experience at Metropolitan Optical. So happy with my new prescription!
- Jan. 22, 2024
I cannot say enough good things about this Metropolitan Optical location! Dr. Stupiansky and the sta... ff here provided me with the best, most informative eye exam I’ve ever had. My glasses pickup was also very easy and I can’t see myself ordering glasses online anymore. I highly recommend coming here for an eye exam.
- Jan. 18, 2024
Highly recommend to get your eye exam and glasses here! They explained what my insurance covers to t... he dollar and optometrist was very knowledgeable who took her time with me. My new place to go in DC
- Dec. 24, 2023
I have had a great time working with Dr. Kristin Stupiansky and her staff, they are very knowledgeab... le and personable. I have been a patient with the 18th St. office for 2 years now, and have never had any issues. I love their website, it's very clear and easy to use. They have a great glasses selection and a nice office to boot! I originally came for my yearly diabetic eye exam and everyone in the office was very informed and kept me abreast of anything they were doing!
- Dec. 21, 2023
Trust your eyes to this artist and her dream team of talented people. Not only does she use 21st cen... tury technology to gauge the health and well being of your eyes; she also has a subtle artistic understanding of your visual progress and your stage of life. These two together allow her to track the vision of her long term patients; and, to offer them solutions that fit both their life stage and their life style. Dr. Saba was able me to effortlessly and gradually usher me into the world of progressive lenses — a life stage that I had only heard horror stories about. Her prescription artistry and her pragmatic advice has made me a convert to using progressive lenses. Most importantly like any successful person, she surrounds herself with a caring compassionate team that remembers you and is absolutely at your service. I can’t recommend Metropolitan Optical any more highly than this. USE THEIR SERVICES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Dec. 16, 2023
Great office with professional doctors.
- Nov. 28, 2023
Thanks a lot

View All 156 Reviews

Dry Eyes in Washington

Our optometry practice in Washington

Photograph of Saba  Ayalew
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Care First
  • Aetna
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • VSP

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Schedule Your Dry Eye Consultation with Metropolitan Optical – 18th Street

Managing dry eyes requires a multifaceted approach that combines reactive treatments with preventive measures. Whether you choose contact lenses, soothing eye drops, IPL treatment, radiofrequency treatment, or a combination of these strategies , the ultimate goal is to find relief from dry eye discomfort and maintain optimal eye health.

Would you benefit from dry eye management advice and treatment this season? Call us at Metropolitan Optical – 18th Street to book an appointment today!

(202) 467-5555