Vision Therapy in Tucson

Spotting the Signs of Dry Eye

(520) 663-5393

Understanding the Symptoms

Dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and its symptoms can vary in severity. It's crucial to recognize the signs of dry eye early to seek appropriate treatment and improve your eye health and comfort.

man with sore eyes


Common Symptoms to Look Out For

woman with red eyes

Experiencing dry eye symptoms can greatly affect your daily life and overall health. These symptoms can disrupt your work, hobbies, and even your ability to carry out everyday tasks comfortably.

The constant discomfort and distraction caused by these symptoms can lower your productivity and overall quality of life. 

Here are common signs that may indicate dry eye syndrome:

  • Dryness:
    A persistent sensation of dryness, grittiness, or eye irritation.
  • Itching:
    Frequent itching or a burning sensation in and around the eyes.
  • Redness:
    Bloodshot or red eyes, often accompanied by discomfort.·
  • Excessive Tearing:
    Paradoxically, your eyes may produce more tears as a response to dryness, leading to watery eyes.
  • Blurry Vision:
    Vision may become temporarily blurred, particularly when reading or using digital screens.
  • Light Sensitivity:
    Increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia.
  • Foreign Body Sensation:
    Feeling as though something is in your eye.
  • Eye Fatigue:
    Increased eye fatigue, especially during prolonged periods of reading, screen time, or other visually demanding tasks.

Ignoring dry eye symptoms can lead to worsening discomfort and potential complications. Chronic dry eye can damage the eye's surface and increase the risk of eye infections, scarring, and vision loss. Seeking professional guidance if you're experiencing any of these symptoms is crucial.


Dry Eye Diagnosis and Expert Care

When you choose Family Vision Center for your dry eye care, you benefit from our expertise in comprehensive diagnosis. We understand that your unique health history and lifestyle can affect your dry eye differently, which is why we practice personalized care tailored to you. Our approach includes:

  • In-Depth Eye Exams

    During a comprehensive eye exam, we evaluate your eyelids, eye surface, and your complete health history and lifestyle to identify potential underlying causes of dry eyes.

  • Tear Assessment

    We conduct a detailed assessment of your tears, measuring their volume and quality. This assessment helps us identify any deficiencies in tear quantity or quality, crucial factors in dry eye diagnosis.

  • Tear Breakup Time

    Using advanced techniques like tear breakup time measurement, we identify specific areas of your eyes where tears may evaporate more rapidly. This information aids in tailoring your treatment plan.

  • Specialized Dry Eye Test: Schirmer Test

    This test involves placing blotting test paper strips on the lower eyelids to measure tear production over a specific time. It helps determine the volume of tears your eyes produce.

Patient Reviews
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167 Reviews
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- Jul. 26, 2024
There are individuals still wearing masks at this location, just like 2021. Remember when those mask... -wearers bully everyone.
- May. 15, 2024
Our family LOVES this office! We have seen Drs. Dechant and Horst and have had pleasant experiences ... both times. When I took my 10 year old for her first check-up last month she was terrified. The assistant, Danielle, was so kind, patient, and aware of her needs without even asking any questions. She helped her feel comfortable and at ease - something that is not easy to do with a high-anxiety kid. We love the staff in this office and will continue to be patients as long as we live here! <3
- May. 10, 2024
The service was phenomenal. I don’t really go out my way to leave reviews unless the service was o... ut of this world and it truly was. Everyone was super welcoming, and great at what they do. 10 out of 10!
- Feb. 10, 2024
Tremendous staff. Great service and experience.
- Dec. 14, 2023
If I could give 10 stars I would. I have been seeing Dr. Amy for as long as I can remember. Long b... efore they moved to their current location on Tanque Verde. Dr. Amy and staff are like family to me and I have referred so many people to Family Vision Center that I've lost count. From my very first visit to her way back (I think at least two decades ago, but I may be off by a little) she treated me like a long time patient and even came in on her day off to check my eyes to make sure the infection I had was progressing well. That cinched it for me, she would be my doctor for life (or until she retires, which will be a sad day for me even though I know others on staff at Family Vision Center will be just as kind and caring).
- Mar. 20, 2023
Dr. Anna Jones was extremely knowledgeable, and caring. She’s very informative and explained as sh... e performed the exam, and I had learned a lot about eye health. The front desk receptionists are super friendly, helpful, and patient. I’m new to the area, and our vision insurance is not accepted at the practice. Yet, our daughter could barely see the classroom board. Family Vision Center had not only let her come for the eye exam much sooner than any other practices in town but also offered a huge discount that ended up cheaper than the places that would accept my vision insurance. Everyone in the office is extremely helpful and genuinely nice. They put the patient’s interest above all and not hesitate to go above and beyond, so my daughter can see much better yet extremely affordable. The practice is very clean, organized, and modern with large coffee station. I strongly recommend Family Vision Center to everyone in Tucson. Thank you Family Vision Center.
- Jan. 19, 2023
I've been seeing Dr. Amy Fuhr-Dechant for a couple years now and I love her! She is patient and real... ly takes her time with me to make sure I'm getting the perfect prescription. The front desk staff is amazing. The phones are always answered on the 1st or 2nd ring and if there is a hold time it is very brief. Everyone you get to talk to are kind, professional, and patient with you. The people who help you try on frames and help with the ordering process are also great. They will be honest with you and let you know if a frame isn't right for you and will help you find something that looks great on you. When I had to send my frames in to get new lenses they gave me some contacts to last me until my frames were ready to be picked up. Everyone here is very personable, professional, and kind. I recommend all of my patients to Family Vision Center.
- Dec. 27, 2022
Just want to take the time to add to my review of the Family Vision Center, on Tanque Verde in Tucso... n AZ, Again, another BIG Thank You !!! I was having an little problem with my contacts !!! And it was resolved so easily !!! Especially want to mention Desiree ( optometrist assistant) & Camilla ( front desk staff & billing) they are both such a GREAT asset to the Family Vision Center’s Business!!! Mary Palazzo OPTOMETRIST Amy Fuhr-Dechant, You are the BEST !!! The contacts that you suggested worked Perfectly !!! Your Loyal Patient, Mary Palazzo
- Dec. 27, 2022
Very friendly staff and a nice selection of frames.
- Nov. 23, 2022
Excellent care by Dr. Horst thru the years. Now doing my follow up after cataract surgery at Hodges ... eye care center. They keep an eye on You.
- May. 26, 2022
Enjoyed my eye exam and glasses selection experience. Very friendly and helpful staff, and Dr. Hors... t's exam seemed very thorough.
- Jan. 28, 2022
I was in Tucson on vacation and needed an emergency pair of replacement contacts. I called FVC to s... ee if they had any contacts on hand that fit my prescription and offered to pay. They did have my prescription but insisted I could just have them for free. FVC doesn't know me but they treated me like one of their regular patients. It saved the rest of my vacation!! Thank you!
- Aug. 01, 2021
I've been a patient here for several years, and I trust the doctors to take care of my eyes. The opt... icians on staff are skilled at helping me pick out a great pair of frames (6 pairs of regular glasses and sunglasses so far and counting!) The frame selection is good, the staff are kind, and they understand what my insurance covers. The practice has excellent COVID protocols as well, and I appreciate everyone masking up.
- Jun. 24, 2021
Dr. Jones performed a lengthy examination with patience, kindness and with great communication, taki... ng time to explain all the exam details. We had a great experience meeting with Dr. Jones. I will enthusiastically recommend Dr. Jones to all my friends, family and colleagues.
- Apr. 26, 2021
I have seen Dr. Horst and Dr. Amy Deschant at Family Vision Source. Both doctors are willing to list... en to every concern you have and make adjustments based on your own personal eyesight experience. They trust you. They are also open to suggestions and requests without any push-back, whatsoever. They are happy to explain all of their determinations in detail. I love these two.
- Apr. 05, 2021
Best visit in Tucson great hours and service
- Mar. 31, 2021
I have been seeing Dr. Amy Fuhr Dechant for my eye's examination as well as lens/frame services for ... the past 14 years. Since I am diabetic, OPTOMAP, a diagnostic tool that she uses allows her to give her a comprehensive retinal exam without the use of dilating eye drops. Since I have Type II diabetes, she compares the current OPTOMAP with the earlier OPTOMAP stored on her computer aiding her in screening for progression of various eye diseases such as cataract, vitreous floaters, cholesterol deposits in the blood vessels. She explains the various stages of these diseases so that there are no surprises down the road. She is the best in her profession, very knowledgeable, and takes ample time to give the exact eye prescription. She is as good as it gets. Her pleasant personality and professionalism shine evermore during each visit. The lens and frame section of the Family Vision Source has a great selection, and the staff is caring and considerate. Lisa has been very helpful in finding the best frame that fits well and I do not feel rushed. Last year after several months my lens had developed some issues and she got me new lenses and had them fitted to the existing frame without the additional cost. I enthusiastically recommend Family Vision Source.
- Mar. 26, 2021
From the initial appointment setting, to the new patient paperwork online, to arriving for the appoi... ntment, to the care and professionalism from the doctor and assistant, then to the awesome help from Jun selecting new frames and lens options for my daughter (who is clearly passionate about his job and it shows), this place is the real deal. Definitely not the cheapest options for frames and lenses, but in my opinion well worth spending the extra money to support a local company with such amazing staff and service. The people leaving negative reviews are either Yelpers or just plain crazy. This place is awesome. Every single person I interacted with was courteous, professional, and knew their stuff. If you've ever been to a Lenscrafters, Nationwide, etc... this would be the complete opposite. Why play games with your eyeballs?
- Mar. 13, 2021
This is the best eye doctor Mrs Jones was really nice and a true hockey fan which is great. They sup... port local sports.. been to orther doctors in the Az area she is better than Sierra Vista. They are really friendly staff. they helped us pick out frames and help us to decide. I like the fact they are sports glasses and Oakley glasses which are really nice. Lisa and Nick are the Bomb they help me and my husband out with our glasses.
- Feb. 22, 2021
Dr. Jones is wonderful and really amazes me with how much she cares about her patients, especially h... ow she remembers every little detail. She takes the time to explain everything and answers questions. I couldn't recommend her enough.

View All 167 Reviews

Dry Eyes in Tucson

Our optometry practice in Tucson

Photograph of Mark  Fischer
Hours
  • Monday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • EyeMed
  • Spectera
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Davis Vision
  • Anthem
  • Avesis

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Consult Our Dry Eye Experts

At Family Vision Center, our experienced eye care specialists are ready to help you find relief from dry eye symptoms. We understand these symptoms' impact on your daily life and are committed to improving your eye health and comfort.

Contact us to schedule an appointment and discuss your dry eye symptoms. Let's work together to find the most suitable treatment and enhance your quality of life.

(520) 663-5393