Dry Eye
Dry Eye Treatment in Phoenix: Causes, Symptoms & Advanced Care
If your eyes feel dry, irritated, or blurry, especially in Phoenix’s desert climate, you may be experiencing dry eye disease. Left untreated, dry eye can affect daily comfort and long-term eye health.
Dry eye develops when your eyes do not produce enough high-quality tears or when tears evaporate too quickly.
At Horizon Eye Specialists & LASIK Center, our team identifies the underlying cause of dry eye and creates personalized treatment plans focused on long-term improvement, not temporary relief.
What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough quality tears to remain properly lubricated. It affects more than 23 million people in the United States and is increasingly common due to prolonged use of computers, tablets, and other digital devices.
If left untreated, dry eye disease can cause more than discomfort, including blurry vision, corneal damage, ulcers, and possible vision loss. Dry eye may also be a sign of an underlying medical condition, which is why Horizon Eye Specialists takes dry eye very seriously.
Dry eye disease often develops when one or more layers of the tear film are not functioning properly. There are three layers to your tear film: lipid (oil), aqueous (water), and mucus. The composition of these layers helps protect and nourish the surface of your eyes. When these layers are not functioning properly the tears can evaporate rapidly or not reach the entire surface of the eye, causing irritation and other dry eye symptoms.
What Are the Different Types of Dry Eye Disease?
Identifying the specific type of dry eye disease is essential, as treatment depends on the underlying cause. The two primary categories are evaporative dry eye (often caused by gland dysfunction) and aqueous-deficient dry eye (reduced tear production). Some patients experience a combination of both.
Aqueous deficient dry eyes occur due to a lack of the watery substance in the tear film. The most common reason for this condition is failure of the lacrimal glands but other causes are inflammation of eye surfaces, conjunctiva, certain skin diseases, and it can also be a side effect of certain medications. Aqueous deficiency is also associated with autoimmune disorders like Sjögrens Syndrome It can also happen following laser eye surgeries such as LASIK. At Horizon Eye Specialists, we are well-equipped to diagnose your condition and suggest treatment options that help improve your symptoms and everyday lifestyle.
Approximately 65% of cases of dry eyes are diagnosed as cases of MGD. Fortunately, new technology allows our physicians at Horizon Eye Specialists to accurately diagnose your condition and effectively manage MGD. Contact our office at (602) 467-4966 to set up an appointment.
How Is Dry Eye Disease Treated at Horizon Eye Specialists?
Dry eye treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. Care may include prescription eye drops, gland therapies, anti-inflammatory treatments, or advanced in-office procedures designed to improve tear stability and reduce evaporation.
Quick Answer: How Is Dry Eye Treated?
Dry eye treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Effective care depends on identifying the cause and severity of the condition. At Horizon Eye Specialists, treatment plans are customized to address the root cause of dry eye, not just temporary symptoms.
At-Home Dry Eye Treatments:
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Over -the-counter (OTC) eye drops can be an effective way to treat mild to moderate dry eye symptoms at home. There are two main types of OTC eye drops for dry eye: artificial tears and lubricant ointments. Artificial tears are a good option for mild to moderate dry eye symptoms, while lubricant ointments can be used at night to provide longer-lasting relief. Some eye drops contain preservatives that can irritate the eyes and worsen dry eye symptoms: look for preservative-free eye drops to minimize the risk of irritation. To maintain relief from dry eye symptoms, use eye drops regularly, even if you are not experiencing symptoms at the time.
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Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to your eyes can help stimulate the production of natural oils that keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. You can use a warm washcloth or purchase a specialized eye mask that can be heated up in the microwave.
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Lid Scrub/Lid Cleansing: Keeping the eyelids and areas around the eyes clean help improve the health of the eyelids and reduce dry eye symptoms by removing debris, reducing inflammation, and stimulating tear production.
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Blinking Exercises: Staring at a computer or other digital device for long periods of time can cause dry eye symptoms. Taking frequent breaks to blink and look away from the screen can help reduce eye strain and improve tear production.
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Humidifiers: Using a humidifier in your home or workplace can help increase the humidity in the air and prevent your eyes from becoming too dry.
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Omega-3 Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil supplements, have been shown to improve dry eye symptoms by reducing inflammation and improving the quality of tears.
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Hydration: Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help keep your eyes moisturized from the inside out.
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Avoid Irritants: Avoiding exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, wind, and air conditioning can help reduce dry eye symptoms.
While at-home treatments may help relieve mild symptoms, many patients require in-office care to achieve lasting relief.
In-Office Dry Eye Treatments:
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Prescription Eye Drops: Prescription eye drops can be more effective than over-the-counter drops for treating moderate to severe dry eye. Your doctor may prescribe eye drops that reduce inflammation or increase tear production.
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Punctal Plugs (Punctal Occlusion): Punctal plugs are small, sterile devices that are inserted into the tear ducts to prevent tears from draining too quickly. This can help keep your eyes lubricated and reduce dry eye symptoms. The placement of these plugs is a simple in-office procedure performed by one of our eye doctors.
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Amniotic Membrane (Amniodisc): Amniotic membrane has been shown to be effective in treating and healing moderate to severe dry eye, corneal erosions, ulcers, and other corneal conditions: it can help reduce inflammation, improve tear production, and promote healing of the cornea. The placement of the amniotic membrane is performed by one of our eye doctors in-office and is considered a safe and effective option for patients with dry eye who have not responded to other treatments.
These advanced therapies are performed by Horizon Eye Specialists as part of a comprehensive dry eye treatment plan designed for long-term eye health and comfort.
Unlike artificial tears, in-office therapies are designed to address the root cause of tear film instability rather than temporarily supplement moisture.
Why Is Dry Eye So Common in Phoenix?
Phoenix’s dry desert climate, high temperatures, dust, and constant air conditioning can significantly increase tear evaporation and worsen dry eye symptoms. Phoenix’s low humidity levels, often below 20%, also accelerate tear evaporation and increase the likelihood of evaporative dry eye. Extended screen time and sun exposure further contribute to irritation.
As a leading eye care provider in the Phoenix Valley, Horizon Eye Specialists regularly treats climate-related dry eye and offers solutions designed specifically for desert environments.
When to See a Specialist
When Should You See a Dry Eye Specialist?
You should consider scheduling a dry eye evaluation if:
- Symptoms persist despite using artificial tears
- Dry eye affects your vision and daily comfort
- Symptoms worsen in dry or air-conditioned environments
- You experience burning, stinging, or light sensitivity
- Your symptoms fluctuate throughout the day
- You have a history of LASIK, cataract surgery, or contact lens intolerance
Our Clinical Approach to Dry Eye Diagnosis
At Horizon Eye Specialists, dry eye evaluations include detailed tear film analysis, gland assessment, and inflammation screening. Treatment recommendations are based on measurable findings and evidence-based protocols designed to improve long-term ocular surface health.
Reviewed by Dr. John B. Cason, Board-Certified Ophthalmologist, Horizon Eye Specialists & LASIK Center
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cause of dry eye disease?
+The most common cause of dry eye disease is poor tear quality or dysfunction of the oil-producing glands in the eyelids. Environmental factors such as Phoenix’s dry climate, heat, and air conditioning can significantly worsen symptoms.
Why is dry eye so common in Phoenix?
+Dry eye is especially common in Phoenix due to the desert climate, low humidity, dust, and prolonged exposure to air conditioning. These conditions increase tear evaporation and make it harder for the eyes to stay properly lubricated.
Can dry eye disease be treated permanently?
+Dry eye disease is typically a chronic condition, but advanced treatments can significantly reduce symptoms and improve long-term comfort. At Horizon Eye Specialists, treatment plans are customized to address the underlying cause of dry eye rather than providing only temporary relief.
Why don’t artificial tears fully treat dry eye?
+Artificial tears can temporarily relieve symptoms, but they do not treat the underlying causes of dry eye such as meibomian gland dysfunction or inflammation. Horizon Eye Specialists offers in-office treatments and medical therapies designed to improve tear quality and long-term eye health.
When should I see a doctor for dry eye disease?
+You should see a dry eye specialist if symptoms persist despite using over-the-counter eye drops, interfere with your vision or daily activities, or worsen in dry or air-conditioned environments. A comprehensive evaluation at Horizon Eye Specialists can determine the most effective treatment options.