What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes either don't produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This tear film disruption leads to inflammation and damage to the eye's surface, causing that uncomfortable scratchy feeling.

Several factors can trigger or worsen dry eyes. Age plays a significant role, as tear production naturally decreases as we get older, especially after age 50. Environmental conditions like wind, smoke, and low humidity can accelerate tear evaporation. Extended screen time reduces blink frequency, preventing proper tear distribution. Certain medications including antihistamines, decongestants, and some blood pressure medicines may decrease tear production. Underlying health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders are also associated with dry eyes.

Common Symptoms and Diagnosis

Recognizing dry eye symptoms early can help prevent the condition from significantly impacting your daily life. The most common signs include a stinging, burning sensation, a feeling that something is in your eye, stringy mucus around the eyes, sensitivity to light, eye redness, difficulty wearing contact lenses, and paradoxically, watery eyes (your body's response to irritation).

If you experience persistent symptoms, consulting an eye care professional is essential. Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive eye exam and specialized tests that measure tear quantity and quality. The Schirmer test uses small strips of filter paper placed under your lower eyelids to measure tear production. Tear breakup time tests evaluate how quickly your tears evaporate, while special dyes help reveal surface damage to your cornea and conjunctiva.

Treatment Options Comparison

Various treatment approaches exist for dry eyes, ranging from over-the-counter solutions to prescription medications and procedures. The right option depends on your specific condition and severity.

Artificial Tears Comparison:

  • Systane (Systane) - Oil-based drops that help restore the lipid layer of tears
  • Refresh (Refresh) - Water-based drops available in preservative-free options
  • TheraTears (TheraTears) - Electrolyte-balanced formula mimicking natural tears
  • Blink (Blink) - Contains sodium hyaluronate for longer-lasting moisture

For more severe cases, prescription options like Restasis (Restasis) or Xiidra (Xiidra) reduce inflammation and increase tear production. These medications typically take several weeks to reach full effectiveness but provide longer-term relief than artificial tears alone.

Lifestyle Changes for Dry Eye Relief

Beyond medical treatments, several lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce dry eye symptoms. Environmental adjustments make a substantial difference in managing the condition.

Position your computer screen below eye level to reduce eye opening and slow tear evaporation. Take regular screen breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air, especially during winter months or in air-conditioned environments. Avoid direct air from fans, heaters, or air conditioners blowing toward your eyes. Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to protect from wind and sun.

Dietary changes can also support eye health. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon and tuna may help reduce inflammation and improve tear quality. Staying well-hydrated ensures your body has enough moisture to produce tears. Some research suggests that vitamin A, found in colorful fruits and vegetables, supports tear production and overall eye health.

Advanced Procedures for Severe Dry Eyes

When conservative treatments don't provide adequate relief, several specialized procedures can help manage persistent dry eye symptoms.

Punctal plugs are tiny silicone or collagen devices inserted into tear ducts to block drainage, keeping tears on the eye surface longer. These can be temporary or semi-permanent depending on the material used and your specific needs. LipiFlow (Johnson & Johnson Vision) is a thermal pulsation system that clears blocked meibomian glands, helping restore proper oil flow into tears. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, offered by providers like Lumenis, uses light pulses to reduce inflammation around the eyes and improve meibomian gland function.

For the most severe cases, autologous serum tears—made from a patient's own blood components—provide growth factors and proteins that support healing of the eye surface. While more costly and complex to produce, these specialized drops can help when other treatments fail.

Conclusion

Dry eyes don't have to ruin your life. With the right combination of treatments—from simple artificial tears to advanced procedures—most people can find significant relief. Start with basic over-the-counter options and lifestyle changes, and if symptoms persist, work with an eye care professional to explore prescription medications or specialized procedures. Remember that consistent management rather than a quick fix is key to long-term comfort. By understanding your specific triggers and following a personalized treatment plan, you can reclaim comfort and get back to enjoying daily activities without the constant irritation of dry eyes.

Citations

This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.