If you’re struggling with red, watery, or irritated eyes, you know just how much chronic dry eye can disrupt your daily life. At Eyes of North Scottsdale, our team takes a comprehensive approach to both diagnosing and managing dry eye, offering solutions designed to address the underlying causes and improve your comfort.
Chronic dry eye develops when your eyes either don’t make enough tears or the tears produced aren’t able to keep your eyes properly lubricated. When your eyes are irritated from dryness, they sometimes react by producing more tears; however, these extra tears often lack the quality needed to provide real, lasting relief.
There are several reasons why you might develop chronic dry eye, including:
Aging: Tear production naturally decreases as we get older.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): Blocked or poorly functioning oil glands in the eyelids can prevent tears from staying on the eye’s surface, leading to dryness and irritation.
Screen Time: Prolonged use of computers, tablets, and phones reduces blinking, leading to increased evaporation.
Environment: Scottsdale’s dry, desert climate and air conditioning can quickly dry out your eyes.
Medical Conditions: Health issues such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders are linked to dry eye.
Contact Lens Wear: Contacts can interfere with the natural tear film.
Symptoms of chronic dry eye can range from mild to severe and may include:
Red, irritated eyes
Excessive tearing
A gritty or sandy sensation
Burning or stinging
Sensitivity to light
Blurry vision that improves with blinking
Because every patient is unique, we begin with a thorough dry eye evaluation to identify the specific root causes of your symptoms and develop the most effective treatment plan for you. We take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and managing this condition, focusing on solutions tailored to each individual’s needs.
Your customized dry eye treatment plan may include prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation and stimulate tear production, as well as punctal plugs to help retain moisture. For some patients, in-office procedures are recommended to address underlying gland dysfunction.
In addition to these treatments, we may suggest nutritional supplements that support tear quality, along with practical lifestyle adjustments to further relieve symptoms.
You don’t have to put up with the discomfort of red, watery, or irritated eyes. Chronic dry eye is a treatable condition, and with the right diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, you can find meaningful relief and get back to enjoying your day-to-day life.
If you’re tired of living with dry, uncomfortable eyes, let Eyes of North Scottsdale help. Schedule a dry eye evaluation and discover a solution tailored to your needs. Visit our office in Scottsdale, Arizona, or call (480) 863-0707 to book an appointment today.