woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Tucson

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(520) 797-8000

Tired of your eyes constantly watering?

Want to find a solution for your red, dry, itchy eyes?

Dry eye disease can seriously harm your quality of life. It can cause severe irritation and even infection in severe cases.

Symptoms of dry eye disease include:

  • Red, dry eyes
  • Itchiness in and around the eye
  • A gritty-feeling in the eye
  • Light sensitivity
  • Excessive watering of the eyes

Visit Affinity Eye Care - North Office for effective and lasting dry eye relief.

lady with dry eyes

How Dry Eye Disease Develops & How to Treat It

man with dry eye sneeze

Dry eye disease is an increasingly common eye condition that can happen either because the eye is not producing enough tears, or because tears are evaporating too quickly, leaving the eyes without enough moisture to function comfortably.

This can happen for several reasons including allergies, side effects from medications, hormonal changes, and illness.

Depending on the cause and exact symptoms of your dry eyes, our Tucson eye doctors will be able to prescribe treatments and medications aimed at increasing the amount of tears your eye produces and/or slowing the evaporation of tears to better hydrate your eyes.


What Are the Main Causes of Dry Eye?

  • Aging

    Dry eye disease tends to affect people over the age of 50. This is because tear production slows as we age. As the lacrimal glands produce fewer tears, dry eye develops.

  • Hormonal changes

    It's not uncommon for some women to experience dry eye symptoms during pregnancy, menopause, or while using birth control pills. That's because hormone imbalances can reduce tear production.

  • Autoimmune disease

    Certain autoimmune diseases, like Sjögren’s syndrome, can cause white blood cells to attack your tear glands, thus reducing tear production. Other diseases like arthritis, lupus, and diabetes can also cause poor or insufficient tear production.

  • Medications

    Certain medications can reduce mucus production (one of the 3 tear components) thus contributing to chronic dry eye.

    They include antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, and beta-blockers.

Note that this is just a handful of causes. There are many other factors that can contribute to dry eye, including pollution and dry air, allergies, poor tear quality, dehydration, contact lens wear, and more.


Dry Eyes FAQs

Can I still wear contact lenses if I have dry eye syndrome?

Yes, some people can still wear contact lenses with dry eye syndrome. However, depending on its severity, you may need to carefully select the adequate contact lens for optimal clarity and comfort.

Oftentimes, because contact lenses sit on the eye, it's difficult for vital oxygen to reach the eye. This can worsen dry eye symptoms, and increase the risk of scratching or otherwise damaging your eye. Make sure to ask your eye doctor which contact lenses are most adapted to your condition.

Can dry eye syndrome be cured?

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for dry eye syndrome. There are, however, many treatment options that offer lasting dry eye relief.

Can dry eye syndrome cause blindness?

In rare extreme cases, dry eye syndrome can cause corneal ulcers. These ulcers can result in scarring on the eye, making it difficult for the cornea to focus light accurately. If left untreated, corneal ulcers and the associated scarring can result in blindness.

How can I prevent dry eye symptoms?

Below are a few tips that will help prevent dry eye symptoms:

  • Point fans, heaters, and air vents so that they don’t directly blow into your eyes
  • Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids
  • Stay properly hydrated
  • Take breaks during long tasks, especially those that require extended visual focus
Patient Reviews
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703 Reviews
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- Oct. 29, 2024
Very nice people. They are very informative and will answer any questions that you have.
- Oct. 11, 2024
I have been coming to Affinity for a very long time and have always felt they provide top-level care... . My 8-year-old daughter now needs glasses, and the staff was very kind and understanding with her.
- Sep. 13, 2024
I called for an appointment, given same day options and accepted a late afternoon appointment. Upon ... arrival, there was no wait, Manny and Dr Rosen were amazing! When it came time to select frames, the entire team helped (Manny, Davita and Shannon) and I felt great about my selections. I received my new glasses and sunnies and could not be more pleased! Thank you for an exceptional experience! I will be a dedicated customer!!
- Sep. 05, 2024
Dr Kaylee Bobbit was fantastic. She listened to my problems and concerns and then addressed them. Hi... ghly recommend her and Affinity Eye Care
- Aug. 04, 2024
Excellent team, great service and a nice office space. Highly recommend.
- Aug. 02, 2024
All staff is very kind and welcoming. No waiting time. Dr. Bobbitt takes time to answer questions an... d explain the eye exam. It's a very good experience altogether.
- Jul. 30, 2024
Always professional and caring
- Jul. 24, 2024
The examination was thorough. Dr. Murphy and the staff were pleasant and professional.
- Jul. 13, 2024
The staff is very nice and helpful. I recommend this place
- Jul. 12, 2024
Dr. Bobbitt was knowledgeable and personable. I was very impressed with how thorough my examination ... was. Also, Shannon in the Optical Department went out of her way to give me personalized attention. I would not hesitate to recommend Affinity Eye Care to anyone that is seeking any sort of eye care needs!
- Jun. 19, 2024
Fast Friendly Efficient
- May. 20, 2024
I received highly professional and customer-oriented care from Dr. Bobbitt.
- Apr. 26, 2024
The Dr and staff were very nice and helpful.
- Apr. 15, 2024
This place is awesome! Excellent customer service, friendly atmosphere, and excellent eyeglasses. I ... had a wonderful experience when I went there for a new pair of glasses. My insurance sent me here and I'm happy they did! I'm sure everyone will be happy with the results, I know I am!
- Apr. 13, 2024
The entire staff is ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS. Having to go to a Doctor appointment is amazing there.
- Mar. 28, 2024
Everyone I interacted with was very kind and knowledgeable. Dr. Kaylee Bobbitt was kind, patient, an... d made my experience pleasant. After putting off an exam for 7 years, I'm happy I returned. Thank you all for an amazing visit.
- Mar. 16, 2024
I've been going to Affinity EyeCare for at least 20 years. Dr. Murphy and his staff are top notch!
- Feb. 22, 2024
Staff was very efficient. Dr. Murphy was very thorough with my exam. He took his time to address any... issues I had. I highly recommend this practice.
- Feb. 06, 2024
Went for my annual eye exam yesterday and saw Dr. Bobbit and she was fantastic! Very thorough, profe... ssional and so kind. Highly recommend! Since my prescription changed a slight bit I went right over to optical and saw Shannon who always helps me find the perfect glasses. The sweetest person and so patient with someone like me who has a very hard time making a decision. She’s the best!
- Jan. 30, 2024
Great Office, great people, and great doctor!! Not one issue!!! Exam was thorough.

View All 703 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Tucson

Our optometry practice in Tucson

Photograph of John  Murphy
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • Avesis
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Versant Health

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Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(520) 797-8000