Dry eye affects millions of people, especially in dry or desert climates like Arizona. If your eyes often feel irritated, watery, or tired, you may be dealing with more than just allergies or screen fatigue. Dry eye syndrome is a real condition that can impact your comfort, vision clarity, and overall quality of life.
At Accurate Family Vision, we understand how frustrating these symptoms can be, and we are here to help you find lasting relief. With modern diagnostics and a range of treatment options, our dry eye clinic is a trusted resource for patients in Gilbert and nearby communities.
What Is Dry Eye and Why Does It Matter?
Dry eye happens when your eyes do not produce enough quality tears to keep the surface of the eye lubricated. Your tear film has three layers, water, oil, and mucus, and an imbalance in any one of them can lead to symptoms like:
- Itching or burning
- Gritty or sandy feeling
- Red or irritated eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
- Excessive tearing
Although the symptoms may seem mild at first, untreated dry eye can lead to long-term discomfort, inflammation, and even damage to the surface of the eye.
Common Causes and Risk Factors for Dry Eye
There are several reasons you may be experiencing dry eye symptoms. Understanding the root cause is essential to finding the right treatment.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Arizona’s dry climate, which leads to faster tear evaporation
- Aging, especially after age 50
- Long periods of screen time that reduce blinking
- Certain medications, including antihistamines and blood pressure drugs
- Hormonal changes, particularly in women
- Contact lens use or recent eye surgery
When you visit our dry eye doctor at Accurate Family Vision, we take the time to understand your symptoms and lifestyle so we can tailor a treatment plan that fits.
How Dry Eye Is Diagnosed
A proper diagnosis is the first step toward effective dry eye treatment. At Accurate Family Vision, we use advanced tools to evaluate your tear film and eye surface.
Our diagnostics may include:
- Tear breakup time testing to see how quickly your tears evaporate
- Meibomian gland analysis to assess oil gland function
- Staining tests to detect dry spots or surface damage
- Lifestyle and symptom review to pinpoint contributing factors
This process helps us understand whether you are dealing with tear deficiency, poor tear quality, or both, so we can create a targeted treatment plan.
Comprehensive Dry Eye Treatments We Offer
At Accurate Family Vision, our approach to dry eye goes beyond just eye drops. We offer a complete menu of treatments that are tailored to address both the symptoms and the root causes of your discomfort.
- Eye Drops and Medications: Not all drops are created equal. We help you choose the right over-the-counter lubricating drops and, when needed, prescribe medications that reduce inflammation and boost your eye’s natural tear production.
- Home-Based Warm Compress Therapy: Warm compresses are an easy but effective way to help your eyelid glands function better, especially if your tear film is missing the essential oil layer that keeps tears from evaporating too quickly.
- Targeted Eye Nutrition: Omega-3 supplements and other eye-specific vitamins can improve both the quantity and quality of your tears. We’ll guide you on the best options to support long-term eye health.
- Amniotic Membrane Therapy for Severe Dry Eye: For patients with serious or persistent dry eye, we may recommend amniotic membrane placement. This gentle, biologically derived therapy helps heal the eye’s surface and calm inflammation, especially in advanced cases.
- Managing Blepharitis and Eyelid Inflammation: If your dry eye is linked to blepharitis, we offer treatment strategies that include daily lid hygiene with medicated wipes and prescription solutions that tackle inflammation and infection at the source.
Self-Care Tips for Managing Dry Eye Symptoms
In addition to in-office treatments, you can improve your comfort with a few simple at-home habits. These tips can help reduce flare-ups and improve daily eye function.
Try the following strategies:
- Take regular breaks when using screens or reading
- Use a humidifier indoors to add moisture to the air
- Wear sunglasses to protect against wind and sunlight
- Avoid air vents blowing directly on your face
- Apply warm compresses daily to help clear oil glands
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water each day
Consistency is key, and many patients find that combining lifestyle changes with professional care provides the best results.
Book a Dry Eye Consultation in Gilbert
Dry eye symptoms do not have to be your “normal.” At Accurate Family Vision, our team is here to provide real answers and customized treatment plans that bring lasting relief.
Schedule a consultation with our dry eye doctor in Gilbert today and take the first step toward clear, comfortable vision.