Dry Eye Disease
Dry Eye Disease (DED) is one of the most common eye conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people of all ages. While it may sound like a minor inconvenience, untreated dry eye can seriously impact your comfort, vision, and quality of life.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry Eye Disease happens when your eyes don't produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears aren’t just water — they’re made up of oil, water, and mucus — and this balance is critical to keeping your eyes comfortable, moist, and protected.
When that balance is disrupted, you can experience inflammation, irritation, and even damage to the surface of the eye.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
The symptoms of dry eye can vary from person to person, but some of the most common include:
- Stinging, burning, or scratchy sensations
- Redness or irritation
- Feeling like there’s something in your eye (foreign body sensation)
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes (yes — excessive tearing can be a reaction to dryness!)
- Eye fatigue, especially after screen time
These symptoms can range from occasional discomfort to chronic, debilitating issues.
What Causes Dry Eye Disease?
There are several factors that can lead to or worsen dry eyes:
1. Aging
As we age, tear production naturally declines, making dry eye more common in people over 50.
2. Screen Time
Blinking spreads tears across your eyes, but when you stare at screens, you tend to blink less — leading to quicker tear evaporation.
3. Environment
Dry climates, air conditioning, and windy weather can all dry out your eyes faster.
4. Hormonal Changes
Women, particularly during pregnancy, menopause, or while on birth control, may be more prone to dry eye.
5. Medications
Some antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs can reduce tear production.
6. Medical Conditions
Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can all contribute to dry eye.
Diagnosing Dry Eye
If you’re experiencing symptoms, it is worth talking to your eye care professional. An eye doctor, such as an ophthalmologist, can:
- Examine your eyes and tear film
- Measure tear production
- Assess tear quality
- Identify any underlying causes
Accurate diagnosis is key to finding the right treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Dry Eye
The good news? There are many ways to treat and manage dry eye — from simple lifestyle changes to more advanced therapies:
Lifestyle Changes
- Take regular breaks from screens
- Use a humidifier in dry environments
- Wear sunglasses to protect from wind and sun
- Stay hydrated
Lubricating eye drops can offer temporary relief. Be cautious with drops that contain preservatives if you use them frequently.
Medications
Prescription eye drops like cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra) can reduce inflammation and improve tear production.
Punctal Plugs
Tiny devices inserted into tear ducts to prevent tears from draining too quickly — keeping your eyes moist for longer.
Eyelid Hygiene
Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) can contribute to dry eye. Regular use of lid scrubs or warm compresses can help.
Don’t Ignore Dry Eye
While it may seem like a minor annoyance, untreated dry eye can lead to serious complications, including damage to the cornea and increased risk of eye infections. If you’re experiencing symptoms regularly, it’s worth getting a professional evaluation.
Dry Eye Disease is a common — and often chronic — condition, but with the right approach, it can be managed effectively. Whether it’s a matter of changing your habits, using the right drops, or seeking medical treatment, relief is possible.