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Dry Eye Treatment in Tucson

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

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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 Alvernon Optical - Tanque Verde for effective and lasting dry eye relief.

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Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

How Dry Eye Disease Develops & How to Treat It

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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 Treatment in Tucson

Our optometry practice in Tucson

Photograph of Benjamin  Fuhr
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Davis Vision
  • Avesis
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • EyeMed
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
Patient Reviews
4.9
200 Reviews
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- Nov. 13, 2023
Great doctor and friendly staff. Great prices even without insurance.
- Nov. 12, 2023
This review is long overdue, but I must praise Nadia and Myranda for their excellent, above and beyo... nd, assistance in finding me affordable and gorgeous glasses. Amazing service! Highly, highly recommend! Thanks ladies!
- Oct. 28, 2023
For starters, the store was very clean and well organized. I don’t know if I can point out just o... ne employee to give credit to because everyone was so helpful and took the time to explain my lenses to me and help me pick out the best pair for my job (I work in Construction). I will, definitely be coming back for all my future needs. Highly recommend!!!
- Sep. 14, 2023
Always accommodating.
- May. 31, 2023
Dr. Peterson is amazing. She goes above and beyond to explain your vision and any issues she sees. I... have tried 3 places in town, this by far and above is the best on the Eastside! Best customer service and easy to schedule!
- May. 29, 2023
Alvernon Optical goes above and beyond for their customers! Staff are super helpful and actually car... e!
- Apr. 20, 2023
Friendly staff, promptly fixed an issue with my glasses.
- Mar. 27, 2023
Always helpful, plenty of styles to choose from
- Mar. 24, 2023
Got glasses that make me see better, that's what I went there for.
- Mar. 16, 2023
Alvernon Optical on Tanque Verde has friendly and knowledgeable staff and doctor.
- Jan. 22, 2023
Friendliness and knowledge of staff. Large amounts of frames to pick from.
- Nov. 15, 2022
Friendly staff, great customer experience, and high quality products!!! Service with a smile! Highly... recommend
- Sep. 19, 2022
Very good experience, all staff are polite, cheerful and engaging. The doctor performed all tests ne... eded to complete my eye exam and recommendations for reading glasses. I was given help and assistance choosing my frame and lens. All together a good experience
- Sep. 13, 2022
Great happy people thank you Great doctor and staff
- Aug. 08, 2022
I CAN SEE! 🥸 And the folks at Alvernon Optical are to thanks! I went in nervous hoping that it wo... uldn't be too overwhelming and they all made the entire process super relaxed and easy. I got my specs in less than a week and they feel and look great. From start to finish, it was a 10 out of 10!
- Aug. 04, 2022
Great, helpful and friendly staff. Their Optometrist is top-notch.
- Aug. 04, 2022
Normally getting new glasses is an awkward and difficult process as my prescription is fairly advanc... ed. Nadia took the time to get me the lenses that fit my needs and had such patience and skill adjusting the frames. She even caught a minor flaw and had it taken care of. Her attitude is fantastic. I will definitely be coming back for my next pair. Thank you, Nadia!
- Jun. 30, 2022
Could not have been more helpful.
- Jun. 18, 2022
Dr. Peterson was absolutely fantastic--professional, patient and personable--and answered all my que... stions. I'd highly recommend her!!! Alexis did my intake and retinal imaging and was very good.
- Jun. 07, 2022
I have been coming to this location for years, and the staff is excellent! I always leave satisfied.... I have worn glasses my whole life, and wanted to try contacts for the first time. I was very nervous going into my appointment but with the compassion and patience of the staff I was able to get through my exam and put it my order for contacts. 10/10 recommended this location for stress free eye appointments. Prices are very reasonable.

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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

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

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