Dry Eye Evaluation & Treatment in Phoenix, AZ
Do your eyes burn, feel gritty, water constantly, feel irritated, or get tired throughout the day? If that sounds like you, dry eye may be the cause, and we can help.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
- A gritty, burning, or sandy feeling in the eyes
- Redness or irritation
- Excess watering, which can seem counterintuitive but is common with dry eye
- Blurry vision that improves with blinking
- Sensitivity to light
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses
Why Dry Eye Happens
Dry eye is a chronic condition where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or produce tears of poor quality, leaving them under-lubricated and irritated. Treatment starts with identifying the underlying cause, whether it’s related to tear production, oil gland function, environment, or another factor, and matching it to the right combination of in-office and at-home therapies.
Who Needs Dry Eye Treatment
Anyone with ongoing eye discomfort that isn’t resolved by over-the-counter drops may benefit from a dry eye evaluation. This is especially common among contact lens wearers, patients who spend long hours on screens, older adults, and those living in dry desert climates like Phoenix. If dryness is interfering with your daily comfort or contact lens wear, it’s worth having it properly evaluated.
How We Evaluate and Treat Dry Eye
We’ll talk through your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, and what you’ve already tried. Your exam includes evaluating your tear film, the surface of your eyes, and your oil glands to pinpoint the type and cause of your dry eye. From there, we’ll recommend a treatment plan tailored to your case, which may include prescription drops, warm compress therapy, or lifestyle adjustments, and follow up to see how you’re responding.
Why Northern Avenue Eye Care
Dry eye isn’t a one-size-fits-all problem, and we don’t treat it that way. Dr. Robert Clanton takes the time to find the actual cause of your discomfort rather than just recommending another bottle of drops, and our team follows up to make sure your treatment plan is actually working. We’re currently accepting new patients.
Insurance
We accept most major vision and medical insurance plans. If you don’t see your plan listed or aren’t sure what’s covered, call us at (602) 995-8848 and we’ll check your benefits for you before your visit.
FAQS here
Why are my eyes always dry?
Dry eye can be caused by low tear production, poor tear quality, oil gland dysfunction, environment, screen use, or a combination of these. An evaluation helps identify your specific cause.
Why do dry eyes sometimes water?
It can seem counterintuitive, but excess watering is a common response when your eyes are irritated or under-lubricated. It’s still a sign of dry eye, not the opposite of it.
Can contact lenses cause dry eyes?
Contact lenses can contribute to dryness and discomfort for some wearers. Often, yes, you can still wear contacts with the right lens type and treatment plan.
Can computers make dry eye worse?
Yes. Extended screen time reduces how often you blink, which can worsen dry eye symptoms over the course of the day.
How do you test for dry eye?
We evaluate your tear film, the surface of your eyes, and your oil glands to pinpoint the type and cause of your dry eye before recommending treatment.
What treatments do you offer?
Depending on the cause, treatment may include prescription drops, warm compress therapy, or lifestyle and environmental adjustments. We’ll walk you through what’s right for your case.
Why does Phoenix’s climate make dry eye worse?
Low humidity, dust, and sun exposure all increase tear evaporation, which is why dry eye symptoms are especially common for those of us living in the Phoenix area.
Is dry eye a permanent condition?
For many patients, dry eye is a chronic condition that’s well managed with ongoing treatment rather than something that’s cured once and done.
Find Real Relief From Dry Eye
Dr. Robert Clanton and our team will get to the actual cause of your discomfort, not just mask the symptoms. Schedule your dry eye evaluation today.