Dry Eye
Are your eyes often dry, itchy, or tired? Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don't produce enough quality tears, leading to discomfort and potential vision problems. Understanding the causes and symptoms can help you find the right treatment for relief.
What is dry eye syndrome?
This condition can be caused either by reduced tear production or when your tears do not include the right components to maintain moisture and comfort. Both are crucial when it comes to lubrication, clearing away debris and protecting against eye infections.
When production is insufficient or unstable, discomfort and sight problems can arise. This can potentially damage the cornea – the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye responsible for focusing light and protecting its inner structures.
A healthy tear film is made up of three key layers:
- Oily (lipid) – prevents tears from evaporating too quickly, offering lasting lubrication
- Watery (aqueous) – keeps the eye moist and nourishes the cornea
- Mucous-like (mucin) – helps spread the tears evenly across the eye’s surface.
What causes dry eyes?
Dry eye can be caused by various factors, including:
- Age – tear production naturally decreases as we age, particularly in those over 50
- Medications – certain medications, like antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can reduce tear secretion
- Environmental factors – exposure to dry air, wind, smoke, or air conditioning can cause tears to evaporate too quickly
- Autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis can interfere with tear production
- Contact lens use – long-term or improper use of contact lenses can inhibit your ability to generate tears
- Hormonal changes – especially in women, hormone disruption can lead to dry eyes, particularly during pregnancy, menopause or as a result of birth control use
- Computers – prolonged screen time can reduce the frequency of blinking, leading to evaporative dry eye.
Signs and symptoms of dry eyes
Dry eye syndrome can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Burning or stinging sensations in the eyes
- Redness or irritation
- Blurred vision that clears with blinking
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Feeling of something in the eye, like sand or grit
- Frequent eye watering, as they try to compensate for dryness
- Tired eyes, particularly after long periods of reading or screen use
- Itching or discomfort when wearing contact lenses.
How is dry eye treated?
Treatment for dry eye syndrome depends on the severity and underlying causes. Some options available are:
Artificial tears: These lubricating drops can provide immediate, temporary relief from dryness.
Prescription medications: Anti-inflammatory eye drops can help reduce inflammation and improve tear output.
Lifestyle adjustments: Reducing screen time, using humidifiers, or wearing protective eyewear outdoors can help manage symptoms.
Dry Eye Plugs (Punctal Plugs): These small, biocompatible devices are inserted into the tear ducts to prevent tears from draining too quickly. This helps to retain moisture and improve tear film stability, providing long-lasting relief from dry eye discomfort.