Dry Eye in Flagstaff, AZ: Causes, Symptoms & Effective Treatment

Dry eye is more than just a nuisance, it can disrupt your daily life, impact your vision, and cause long-term damage if left untreated. At Eye Care Associates, we help patients across Flagstaff, AZ find lasting relief from dry eye with expert diagnosis and advanced treatment options tailored to your unique needs.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to inflammation, irritation, and discomfort on the eye’s surface. In Flagstaff’s high-altitude, dry climate, dry eye is especially common.

If symptoms are persistent, it’s important to seek professional care. You can schedule a dry eye evaluation to protect both your comfort and your long-term vision.

Common Dry Eye Symptoms

• Gritty, burning, or stinging sensation
• Red or irritated eyes
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Excessive tearing
• Light sensitivity
• Eye fatigue, especially after prolonged screen use

If these symptoms sound familiar, you can book an appointment with our team to get personalized care.

What Causes Dry Eye in Flagstaff?

Several factors can contribute to dry eye, particularly in Northern Arizona:

• Dry, windy conditions and high UV exposure
• Reduced blinking from extended screen time
• Natural aging and decreased tear production
• Medical conditions such as autoimmune disorders or diabetes
• Certain medications, including antihistamines and blood pressure drugs
• Long-term contact lens wear

During a comprehensive eye exam, we evaluate these risk factors to determine the root cause of your dry eye symptoms.

Advanced Dry Eye Treatments Available

Our optometrists provide customized dry eye treatments based on the severity of your condition:

• Prescription eye drops such as Restasis® and Xiidra®
• Punctal plugs to help retain natural tears
• Meibomian gland treatments to improve oil flow
• TempSure® Envi, a non-invasive radiofrequency treatment designed to improve tear quality (Learn more here)
• Artificial tears and lifestyle adjustments
• Nutritional supplements, including omega-3s

You can explore our full range of eye care services to learn how we support overall eye health.

Preventing Dry Eye in a Dry Climate

Living in Flagstaff presents unique challenges, but these habits can help reduce symptoms:

• Use a humidifier indoors, especially during winter
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce digital eye strain
• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet
• Make a conscious effort to blink more often during screen use

For seasonal tips, read our related article: Dry Eyes This Winter? How Flagstaff’s Climate Impacts Your Vision.

Ready for Dry Eye Relief?

Dry eye doesn’t have to control your daily life. With expert care and advanced treatment options, lasting relief is possible.

Schedule your dry eye evaluation with EyeCare Associates of Flagstaff today and experience personalized eye care designed for life in Northern Arizona.