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Dry Eye

Dry Eye

Dry Eye Syndrome: What It Is and How to Find Relief

Dry, tired, or watery eyes are more than an annoyance. For many people, they’re signs of Dry Eye Syndrome — a condition that affects tear production, tear quality, or both. Left unmanaged, it can interfere with daily tasks and even harm the eye’s surface over time. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is It?

Dry Eye Syndrome occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears produced don’t have the right mix of water, oil, and mucus to keep the eye comfortably lubricated.

A healthy tear film is essential for clear vision. When it breaks down, the eyes can feel dry, irritated, or even unusually watery — the eye’s attempt to compensate.

There are two main types:

  • Aqueous-deficient dry eye: not enough tear production.

  • Evaporative dry eye: tears evaporate too quickly, often due to blocked oil glands (meibomian gland dysfunction).

Causes 

Dry Eye Syndrome is very common, especially among adults over 40, contact lens wearers, and people who spend hours on digital devices. But it can affect anyone.

Common causes and contributing factors include:

  • Aging and hormonal changes (especially after menopause)

  • Reduced blinking during prolonged screen use

  • Environmental factors: wind, dry air, smoke, air conditioning, UV exposure

  • Medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and oral contraceptives

  • Systemic health issues like arthritis, thyroid disease, Parkinson’s disease, or Sjögren’s syndrome

  • Eyelid inflammation (blepharitis) or blocked meibomian glands

  • Long-term contact lens wear

  • Genetics and family history

Symptoms 

Dry Eye doesn’t always present as “dryness.” Symptoms may come and go, or linger throughout the day.

Typical symptoms include:

  • Stinging, burning, or gritty sensation

  • Feeling like something is in your eye

  • Redness or irritation

  • Blurred or fluctuating vision

  • Light sensitivity

  • Excessive tearing due to reflex overproduction

Symptoms often worsen with reading, computer use, or time in dry environments.

How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

An optometrist can diagnose Dry Eye Syndrome through a comprehensive eye exam and a few specialized tests.

This may include:

  • Reviewing your medical history, medications, and work/home environment

  • Examining the eyelids and tear film using a slit-lamp microscope

  • Testing tear break-up time (how quickly tears evaporate)

  • Using fluorescein or lissamine green dye to check the eye’s surface

  • Imaging the meibomian glands

  • Measuring tear stability through osmolarity testing

These tests help determine the underlying cause and guide an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment and Management

Dry Eye is usually a chronic condition — but with the right approach, symptoms can be significantly minimized.

  • Lubricating Eye Drops: Preservative-free artificial tears are often the first step. Gel drops or ointments can provide relief, especially overnight.
  • Warm Compresses: Applying heat to the eyelids helps soften the oils in the meibomian glands and supports a healthier tear film.
  • Prescription Therapies: Anti-inflammatory eye drops or tear-stimulating medications may be recommended for more persistent symptoms.
  • Tear Conservation: Tiny punctal plugs can be placed in the eyelids to slow the drainage of tears.
Lifestyle Adjustments

Small changes can have a big impact, such as:

  • Taking breaks during screen use

  • Staying hydrated

  • Using a humidifier

  • Protecting eyes from wind and smoke

  • Getting adequate sleep

Addressing Underlying Health Issues

Managing systemic conditions, adjusting medications (where appropriate), or adding omega-3 supplements can also help.

In-Office Treatments

Advanced therapies that use heat, light, or mechanical cleaning target blocked oil glands and help restore a stable tear film.

Can Dry Eye Harm Your Eyes?

Yes — if it’s left untreated. Chronic dry eye can lead to corneal damage, scarring, impaired vision, and increased risk of eye infections. It can also make contact lens wear uncomfortable. If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve with treatment, reach out to your optometrist.