Vision Therapy in Tucson

Age-Related Dry Eye: Causes and Solutions

(520) 663-5393

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Addressing the Challenges of Dry Eyes As We Age

As we age, our bodies undergo various transformations, including changes in our eye health. One common age-related condition that many individuals encounter is dry eye syndrome. Understanding the factors contributing to this condition and how to manage it effectively becomes increasingly crucial as we age.

Dry eye syndrome in older adults often arises from a combination of factors related to aging and other external influences.

woman with sore eyes

Exploring Age-Related Factors Contributing to Dry Eye

man inspecting medication

  • Tear Gland Function

    Our tear gland function may decline as we age, leading to reduced tear production. This decrease in tear volume can result in dryness and discomfort.

  • Environmental Factors

    Seniors may encounter different environmental conditions that exacerbate dry eye symptoms, such as increased indoor heating or air conditioning systems.

  • Medications That Can Cause Dry Eye

    Certain medications commonly prescribed to older adults, such as hypertension tablets, can have side effects that contribute to dry eyes. It's essential to understand how these drugs may impact your eye health.

  • Underlying Medical Conditions

    Age-related health conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases, can also increase the risk of dry eye syndrome. Managing these conditions is integral to overall eye health.

Eye Comfort Strategies as We Grow Older

Age-related dry eye does not have to be a constant source of discomfort. With the guidance of eye care professionals, seniors can explore various treatment options to alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life.

  • Customized Treatment Plans

    Eye care providers can create personalized treatment plans tailored to address the specific needs of seniors with dry eye syndrome.

  • Lifestyle Modifications

    Simple adjustments to daily routines, such as incorporating humidifiers in living spaces or using preservative-free artificial tears, can significantly improve eye comfort.

  • Medication Management

    In cases where medications contribute to dry eye, healthcare providers can explore alternative treatments or adjustments to minimize side effects.

  • Regular Eye Exams

    Routine eye exams are essential for monitoring age-related eye conditions, allowing for early detection and intervention when necessary.

Patient Reviews
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214 Reviews
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- Mar. 17, 2026
I needed an urgent appointment and my optical center could not fit me in. I received a referral her... e, Emily was both empathetic and supportive, she took the time to speak with Dr. Fischer who made time in his busy schedule to see me. I am so appreciative and highly, highly recommend. Huge thank you to all who assisted me, you are definitely the best!!!
- Mar. 10, 2026
Nice office with a very friendly staff. Easy online scheduling and I didn't have to sit and wait wh... en I arrived.
- Mar. 09, 2026
Dr Amy is amazing. She is kind and thorough. She explains everything and doesn't rush you
- Mar. 09, 2026
Very professional. Easy to get appointments. Dr Horst makes sure I understand his diagnosis. Great ... selection of frames to choose from.
- Feb. 27, 2026
Dr.Dechant and staff were so gentle and caring towards our 2 year old. She has been terrified of the... eye doctor due to a bad experience at AZ eye consultants but the entire team made us feel comfortable and really tried to make the visit as easy and non traumatic for her. We appreciate all they did for us and will be returning customers.
- Feb. 26, 2026
I visited FVC to get CRT lenses for me and glasses for my daughter. Good selection of glasses, frien... dly staff, verry good doctor, and they have all equipments to get what I need done.
- Feb. 25, 2026
Our family has been going here for years and have stayed here... which is a testament to how much we... love being patients here. Great staff; professional, friendly, and easy to talk to.
- Feb. 24, 2026
I highly recommend Family Vision Center without hesitation!
- Feb. 23, 2026
Great job
- Feb. 21, 2026
Fabulous office. My experience has always been extremely positive. Dr. Amy is thorough, professional... , highly competent and extremely personable.
- Feb. 21, 2026
Dr. Horst has given me exceptional eye care for more than a decade. The front desk staff and optica... l technicians are friendly, efficient, and helpful.
- Feb. 20, 2026
Been going for years and it's always easy in easy out!
- Jan. 27, 2026
Highly recommend Family Vision Center!! They are friendly and knowledgeable.
- Dec. 27, 2025
I was a new patient and from the time I entered the service was impeccable. I'm a big stickler on cu... stomer service and I will say from the smiles to the greetings they had me before I even saw the doctor. The first point of contact was professional and efficient, just very smooth. Was called back in less than five minutes of entering. Again, very professional, greeted with a smile, a great greeting and a genuine sense of caring. The first point of contact was a technician to do the preliminary testing for the doctor and she explain every step in great detail. Very impressed! Took me to the patient room for a couple more test with the tech and then was told that the doctor would be right in. Yup, 3 minutes later Dr. Amy came in, greeted me like we knew each other for years. Made me feel so comfortable. I did have a eye problem that developed recently that had me a little worried and Dr. Amy made me feel relaxed and that there was nothing to worry about right off the bat. She is amazing, explained and showed me exactly what was going on with my slight blurred vision in one eye and made sure I knew it was nothing even remotely serious to make me feel better through her whole exam. I'm telling you, I'm 60 years old and been around and this is the first time in a vision center that I felt like a true patient and not looked at for $$. The explanation of all the tests, the showing of the pictures of my eyes and telling me my eyes were good with all the explanations, they were not perfect but not trying to sell me a prescription that was not needed. I use readers and she explained my insurance and what they pay every year. I asked her since a prescription wasn't needed could I use my insurance benefit for good readers with the right strength in each eye instead of the $20 pair from walgreens. Took me to the optician and we found a pair that my insurance covered and I will have a great pair of readers soon. My experience here was just awesome!! I would definitely recommend this business if you want great service and awesome knowledgeable doctors, along with very knowledgeable opticians that were never in a hurry and never a "just buy those" mentality. They really cared!! This place definitely deserves a 10 out of 5 in my book and that says alot coming from someone who holds very high standards!! Thank you Dr. Amy and your team for the utmost professionalism that you and your team showed this patient!!
- Oct. 10, 2025
Dr. Fisher is wonderful. He is kind and patient with my boys. He is also informative and thorough wi... th my prescriptions as well. Aaron is also great with picking out glasses and ordering the correct lenses to meet our needs. Thanks guys!!
- Aug. 22, 2025
I've been coming to this eye care center for years, both for my vision care and my kids. Can't say e... nough good things! They have a great selection of glasses to fit all budgets. The staff is so friendly & helpful, the doctors are too! Dr. Amy is wonderful, a great listener as well as quick & efficient. Highly recommend! 👍
- May. 29, 2025
I have very special eyes with complications with my retina , cornea , structure of my eyes. However,... the team is incredibly knowledgeable and kind.
- May. 28, 2025
I was very welcomed in Laura had attended to my needs and helped me understand the differences on ty... pes of lenses. She was very patient with all of my questions and never once rushed me. I highly recommend Walmart supercenter vision and glasses. At 2501 W. HAPPY VALLEY. They have an amazing team over there!
- Mar. 08, 2025
My whole family comes here for our eye exams. We have been coming here for 6+ years and we have see... n every one of the Eye doctors here and let me tell you…. They are all amazing! We come in for our yearly checks to eye issues and they are always spot on!! Professional, kind, caring! We all absolutely look forward to coming in and seeing them and getting our new glasses! Thanks guys for making something kinda scary for little kids and some adults, something to look forward to!
- Feb. 14, 2025
What a great welcome from all the staff ! Office is very nice and clean , staff were so friendly . J... un and Curtis Dechant, O.D. were wonderful. All of us got nice prescription glasses and sun glasses. Thank you so much for making us feel welcome and comfortable. Anthony, Aiden and me 🙂

View All 214 Reviews

Dry Eyes in Tucson

(520) 663-5393

Our optometry practice in Tucson

Meet our Eye Doctors

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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Family Vision Center Prioritizes Your Vision and Comfort

As we journey through life, aging brings changes to our bodies, including our eyes. By understanding the causes and effective management of age-related dry eye, you can enjoy improved eye comfort and clarity, enhancing your well-being in your golden years.

Call Family Vision Center today to schedule your comprehensive eye exam and discuss personalized dry eye strategies.

(520) 663-5393

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