Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye is more than an occasional annoyance — it’s a chronic condition that can significantly affect comfort, vision, and quality of life. In Arizona’s dry climate, symptoms can be even more persistent.

At Lifetime Eye Care, we focus on identifying the underlying cause of your dry eye and creating a personalized treatment plan designed to provide lasting relief — not just temporary comfort.

Dry eye can present in many ways, including:

• Burning or stinging
• Redness or irritation
• Gritty or “something in my eye” sensation
• Light sensitivity
• Fluctuating or blurry vision
• Excess tearing (a reflex response to dryness)

Symptoms may worsen with screen use, reading, air conditioning, or outdoor exposure.

Dry eye is typically caused by one or more underlying issues affecting the tear film. Common contributors include:

• Meibomian gland dysfunction (blocked or poor-quality oil glands)
• Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
• Reduced tear production
• Inflammation of the ocular surface
• Certain medications
• Environmental factors
• Hormonal changes

Many patients have more than one contributing factor, which is why a careful evaluation is essential.

We use targeted diagnostic tools to evaluate tear quality and gland function, including:

• Meibomian gland imaging
• Tear film evaluation
• Ocular surface assessment

This allows us to identify whether your dry eye is primarily evaporative, inflammatory, aqueous-deficient — or a combination.

Treatment is customized based on the root cause and severity of your condition. Options may include:

• Prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops
• Treatment of blocked oil glands
• Targeted eyelid hygiene regimens
• Short-term or low-dose medications when indicated
• Environmental and lifestyle recommendations

Our goal is to restore a healthier tear film and improve long-term comfort — not simply mask symptoms.

Chronic dry eye can affect the health of the cornea and impact visual clarity over time.

If you are experiencing ongoing irritation, fluctuating vision, or discomfort, we can help determine the cause and guide you toward effective treatment.

Relief is possible. Let’s create a plan that works for your eyes and your lifestyle.