woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Fountain Hills

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(480) 816-0102

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 20/20 Image Eye Center - Fountain Hills 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 Fountain Hills 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
4.9
534 Reviews
5
4
3
2
1
- Nov. 26, 2024
Ramon selected glasses from the description of what I wanted. He was patient in helping me choose, g... iving advice when I asked for it, and encouraging me through the process.
- Oct. 29, 2024
Friendly, professional staff at this 20/20 Image Eye Center location. Office is convenient and they... have a wide array of frame styles from which to choose. Dr. Peterson is great!
- Oct. 24, 2024
Prompt friendly service provided exactly what I needed
- Oct. 08, 2024
In addition to knowledgeable service during the eye exam process, the people who work there are very... caring and kind to everyone!
- Sep. 20, 2024
Great customer service
- Aug. 16, 2024
A warm professional environment each time I visit.
- Jul. 10, 2024
Pleasant staff and great service. Will go back next year!
- Jun. 13, 2024
Thay are awesome! Highly recommend this vision center!!!
- Jun. 12, 2024
The staff here are amazing!
- Jun. 09, 2024
Very friendly and helpful staff. Nice clean environment. Dr. Peterson has been there for years and i... s great. They are the only vision center in Fountain Hills that accepts Avesis eye insurance.
- May. 23, 2024
Dr. Peterson was very friendly and professional. His staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. ... I highly recommend their services.
- May. 22, 2024
Dr Peterson is wonderful and the staff is very friendly and helpful, but make sure you go in with yo... ur own questions and concerns and be certain to bring them up. You need to be your own advocate as they don't really know you. Same with any medical appointment as well.
- Apr. 12, 2024
Super front office staff! I was able get an appointment in 2 days for my eye issue! Dr Neadeau was t... horough, answered my questions and gave me an eye drop prescription that gave me immediate relief! Thank you!!
- Apr. 12, 2024
I was very impressed by everyone from the appointment scheduler to the Doctor. Everyone was very fo... cused on me the patient.
- Mar. 25, 2024
Friendly and professional staff!
- Mar. 11, 2024
Great service, love my new glasses.
- Mar. 02, 2024
Excellent experience. Doctor and staff were pleasant, thorough and patent centered.
- Feb. 24, 2024
Very happy with my first visit here. I was treated efficiently and also like a long term patient.
- Feb. 11, 2024
Before purchasing my new glasses, Brian took the time to recommend the best ones for me. He showed m... e the differences and advantages among various types of lenses. Since I used them for the first time, I felt comfortable!
- Feb. 10, 2024
The doctor and everyone else in the office are nothing but pleasant and knowledgeable

View All 534 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Fountain Hills

Our optometry practice in Fountain Hills

Photograph of John  Peterson
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(480) 816-0102