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Dry eye occurs when the eyes either don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly because they lack the right balance of components. In some cases, inflammation on the eye’s surface may also contribute to the condition. If left untreated, dry eye can cause discomfort, corneal ulcers or scarring and in rare cases, some vision loss — though permanent vision loss is uncommon.
Living with dry eye can make everyday tasks more challenging. Activities like reading for long periods or working on a computer may become uncomfortable and tolerance for dry environments, such as air-conditioned rooms or airplane cabins, can be significantly reduced.
Dry eye treatment aims to improve comfort and keep the eyes healthy by helping the tear layer work better. Care often includes simple steps like using artificial tears, making lifestyle changes and adding prescription treatments when needed. Because dry eye is an ongoing condition, regular follow-up helps ensure symptoms stay well controlled.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough quality tears. Inflammation may also affect the eye’s surface. If untreated, it can cause pain, ulcers or corneal scars; permanent vision loss is rare. Dry eye can cause the vision to be blurry and can make reading, computer use and time in dry environments uncomfortable. Other names include dry eye syndrome, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), dysfunctional tear syndrome, and evaporative or aqueous tear deficiency.
What are the types of dry eye?
• Aqueous tear-deficient dry eye occurs when the lacrimal glands don’t make enough of the watery tear layer
• Evaporative dry eye happens when the Meibomian glands in the eyelids don’t produce enough oil. The oil from the Meibomian glands is the outermost layer of the tears and is designed to prevent evaporation and to stabilize the tear film. If this layer is not working properly it can cause the tears to evaporate too quickly. Dry eye may also result from inflammation, diseases that alter tear composition, thyroid eye disease or eyelid surgery.
What is the cornea?
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped tissue on the front of the eye that helps focus light. It lacks blood vessels, so it relies on tears and fluid inside the eye for nourishment and protection.
What are tears and how do they relate to dry eye?
Tears, made by the lacrimal glands, keep the eyes moist, clean and protected. They include:
• Oil layer (from Meibomian glands) to slow evaporation
• Watery layer (from lacrimal glands) to hydrate
• Mucous layer (from goblet cells on the surface of the eye) to help spread tears evenly
Tears contain antibodies, proteins, electrolytes and vitamins essential for eye health. When glands don’t make enough or the tear composition is imbalanced, dry eye develops.
What are the common symptoms of dry eye?
• Stinging, burning, or gritty sensation
• Redness, pain, or stringy discharge
• Blurred vision or eye fatigue
• Fluctuating vision
• Excess tearing (reflex tearing) can be caused by the dryness
• Discomfort with contact lenses or long visual tasks
What are the causes of dry eye?
Dry eye can be temporary or chronic. Causes include:
• Medications (antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, etc.)
• Eyelid or gland disease (e.g., Meibomian gland dysfunction)
• Hormonal changes, pregnancy or menopause
• LASIK surgery, allergies or eyelid burns
• Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis)
• Environmental factors like smoke, air conditioning or infrequent blinking
Who is likely to develop dry eye?
Dry eye becomes more common with age, especially in women after menopause. Over five million Americans over 50 are affected, with women making up the majority.
How is dry eye treated?
Treatment depends on the cause, your doctor may:
• Address underlying diseases or medications
• Prescribe Cyclosporine or short-term Corticosteroid drops
• Recommend punctal plugs or punctal cautery to slow tear drainage
• Suggest Omega-3 supplements to reduce inflammation
• Adjust contact lens use or type
What can I do to help myself?
• Use artificial tears, gels or ointments regularly (avoid preservatives if used often)
• Wear wraparound glasses to limit evaporation
• Use humidifiers or air filters indoors
• Take breaks from screen use and apply lubricating drops during visual tasks