Relief for Dry, Scratchy Eyes
It can be difficult to think about anything else when your eyes are bothering you. Unfortunately, dry eye affects millions of Americans, and the condition is progressive, with symptoms and eye health worsening over time.
Dry eye is more than discomfort. There is a wide range of factors that may cause dry eye, including chronic health conditions, blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), meibomian gland dysfunction, and certain medications. A proper evaluation and diagnosis are key to finding lasting relief.
We tailor management and treatment of your dry eye based on the root cause to help restore healthy, happy eyes. Book a dry eye therapy consultation at Urban Optique & Eyecare today.
Common Dry Eye Symptoms
The symptoms you experience may differ, depending on your eye health. But common dry eye symptoms include:
- Stringy mucus near the eyes
- Blurry vision
- Burning or stinging
- A gritty or scratchy sensation
- Light sensitivity
- Redness and irritation
- Watery eyes
- Feeling like something is in your eyes
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye or dry eye disease is a common, chronic eye problem caused by poor tear production. Tears (the tear film) help moisten and nourish the eye’s surface. The tear film has 3 layers:
- The oily outer layer prevents tears from drying too quickly and makes the eye’s surface smooth
- The watery middle layer moistens the eye and delivers nutrients to the eye’s surface
- The inner mucus layer helps tears stick to the eye’s surface and spread evenly
When one of the layers is lacking, the tears are of poor quality. For example, the meibomian glands are responsible for the oil layer of your tear film. In cases of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD, a common cause of dry eye), the glands cannot produce enough oil to prevent tears from evaporating too rapidly.
People with dry eye can experience various uncomfortable symptoms. If left untreated, it can also increase the risk of repeat infections, leading to corneal scarring and impaired vision.
Managing Dry Eye in Chandler
There are many methods of managing dry eye, from home remedies to in-office treatments. We can support your eye care by developing a personalized treatment plan based on your in-depth dry eye evaluation.
Once we’ve discussed your symptoms, inspected your tear film, and assessed the health of your meibomian glands using our diagnostic technology, we can begin building a treatment plan that targets both your most irritating symptoms and their root cause.
Your treatment may involve at-home treatments and environmental adjustments, along with in-office therapies, such as MiBo Thermoflo, BlephEx, and ZEST.
At-home treatments are recommended based on the results of your dry eye evaluation. Your treatment may include one or more treatments on its own or in conjunction with an in-office therapy. These recommendations may include:
- Artificial tears, eye drops, and ointments
- Eyelid scrubs, like the Zocular and Ocusoft lid cleansers
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- EyeEco warm compresses and Onyix shield for nighttime dry eye
- Prescription drops
- Scleral contact lenses (moisture chamber lens)
Our in-office therapies are treatments performed at the clinic to provide relief based on your specific symptoms. They may be recommended alone or in addition to at-home management.
- MiBo Thermoflo is a heat-based therapy that helps unclog the meibomian glands for better tear production. It uses massage, gentle pressure, and heat to clear blockages and stimulate oil flow to the tear film. It is used for patients with meibomian gland dysfunction.
- BlephEx is a cleansing and exfoliation treatment that targets debris and oil build-up around the eyelid and lash line area. It is used for patients with dry eye symptoms due to blepharitis or Demodex.
- ZEST, or the Zocular Eyelid System Treatment, is an in-office cleansing procedure that uses an okra-based gel to cleanse and exfoliate the eyelids and open up the meibomian glands for better oil production. It is used for patients with blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction.
Certain daily habits or environmental factors can play a part in exacerbating your symptoms. It’s common for people to notice their dry eye symptoms worsen after prolonged screen use, for example. Here are some lifestyle adjustments you can make to reduce triggers for your dry eye symptoms:
- Regular screen breaks
- Use a humidifier
- Wear sunglasses to reduce exposure to bright sunlight and dry winds, particularly a pair with wraparound frames
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
- Avoid turning on your ceiling fans while sleeping
How the MiBo Thermoflo Treats Dry Eye
MiBo Thermoflo uses thermal heat to help soothe dry eye symptoms by unclogging oil from the tear glands. The device massages the eyelid while delivering consistent, comfortable heat. The warmth helps melt the clogged oil, and the gentle pressure stimulates flow. As a result, tear quality is improved, with moisture lasting longer on the eye’s surface.
Alleviate Dry Eye Today
Tear quality and quantity are essential for preventing dry eye. Yet, many everyday factors can disrupt tear flow, including aging, complications of eye surgery, living in a low-humidity environment (like Arizona!), and certain medications and medical conditions.
When you suffer from dry eye, do yourself a favor and come see us to get pampered. We can treat your eyes to help alleviate discomfort so you feel and look less tired because of your eyes. Our MoistureEyes Spa is an all-encompassing, holistic approach to dry eye therapy.
Don’t wait for relief! Book a dry eye therapy appointment today, so we can get started on care tailored to your eye care needs.
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Protect Your Child’s Vision from Myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, can progress rapidly during childhood, leading to a high prescription and significant eye health risks.
We provide myopia management to slow this progression, using methods such as Stellest eyeglass lenses, MiSight soft contact lenses, and Ortho-K Overnight Vision Correction.
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What Our Customers are Saying
My family switched to Urban Optique in 2025 and we are very happy that we did. Dr Simms is professional and caring. She takes her time with patients.
Michelle
I had a fantastic experience at Urban Eyecare! Huge thanks to Dr. Huynh for such a thorough exam and to Varshali for being so incredibly helpful throughout my visit. They both made the process seamless and enjoyable. Highly recommend this team!
Siddharth
I stopped by with a small issue with my glasses, and Emily was wonderful to deal with. She was patient, professional, and genuinely helpful. Left with my glasses fixed and a very positive impression.
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Visit Our Location
Find us in the Chandler Heights Marketplace, next to ToScany’s Coal Oven Pizza. There is plenty of parking available.
Our Address
- 4960 S. Gilbert Rd, Ste 11
- Chandler, AZ 85249
Contact Information
- Phone: 480-802-7170
- Fax: 480-802-3812
- Email: sheryl@drsimms.com
Hours of Operation
Closed from 1:30 to 2:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
Our Practice
Eye Exams
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Urban Optique & Eyecare
- 4960 S. Gilbert Rd, Ste 11
- Chandler, AZ 85249
- Phone: 480-802-7170
- Fax: 480-802-3812
- Email: sheryl@drsimms.com