DRY EYE 101
ABOUT DRY EYES
Dry eye isn’t just a little discomfort — it’s a medical condition that affects how your eyes stay healthy, hydrated, and comfortable. Understanding what’s happening is the first step to finding real relief.
WHAT IS DRY EYE?
Your eyes rely on a stable layer of tears to keep them healthy and clear. Dry eye happens when:
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Your eyes don’t make enough tears, or
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The tears evaporate too quickly, or
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The quality of your tears isn’t balanced.
When this happens, the surface of the eye becomes irritated, leading to burning, watering, itching, or a feeling like something is in your eye.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DRY EYE
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Burning, stinging, or gritty sensation
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Eyes that water excessively
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Blurry vision that comes and goes
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Light sensitivity
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Tired eyes or discomfort with screens
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Feeling like something is stuck in your eye
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Contact lens irritation or intolerance
If any of these sound familiar, you may be dealing with chronic dry eye.
WHAT CAUSES DRY EYE?
Dry eye can have multiple causes, and often, it’s a combination of factors including but not limited to:
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Blocked oil glands (meibomian gland dysfunction)
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Aging and hormonal changes
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Screen use and reduced blinking
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Environmental factors (dry air, wind, heating or AC)
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Certain medications or medical conditions
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Contact lens wear
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Inflammation of the eyelids or eye surface
Your treatment should be based on the root cause — not just masking symptoms.
WHY IT MATTERS TO TREAT DRY EYE
Untreated dry eye can worsen over time, affecting comfort, daily activities, and vision. Early, targeted treatment can:
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Improve eye comfort and clarity
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Protect the surface of the eye
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Prevent long-term damage
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Help you feel and function better day to day
HOW WE CAN HELP
At Dry Eye Center of Arizona, we focus on diagnosing and treating dry eye with advanced technology, personalized care, and treatments that target the cause.
You don’t have to live with discomfort — relief is possible.