Understanding Dry Eyes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Dry eyes are a common and often uncomfortable condition that affects many people. They occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears, leading to irritation, inflammation, and even potential damage to the eye’s surface. Tears are crucial for maintaining eye health by providing moisture and lubrication, so when the tear system is out of balance, it can result in a range of bothersome symptoms. This post dives into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for dry eyes to help you better understand and manage this condition.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Our eyes produce a mix of water, oils, mucus, antibodies, and proteins that work together to keep the eyes moist, comfortable, and free from infection. However, certain factors can disrupt this delicate tear composition, leading to dry eyes. Some of the common causes include:

• Aging: As we age, especially during and after menopause, tear production naturally declines, making dry eyes more common among older adults.
• Environmental Conditions: Exposure to wind, smoke, air conditioning, or heating can quickly dry out your tear film, leading to dryness and irritation.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, may reduce tear production as a side effect.
• Medical Conditions: Health conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and collagen vascular diseases can affect the body’s ability to produce tears.
• Eye Structure or Eyelid Problems: Conditions that prevent proper eyelid closure or obstruct tear production can lead to dry eyes.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Dry eye symptoms can vary in intensity but typically affect both eyes. Common signs and symptoms include:

• A gritty, scratchy sensation: It may feel like sand in your eyes.
• Redness and irritation: Dry eyes are often accompanied by visible redness.
• Burning or stinging sensation: Many people describe a burning feeling, especially in dry or windy environments.
• Blurry vision and eye fatigue: Lack of lubrication can blur your vision and lead to eye strain.
• Sensitivity to light: Dry eyes often increase sensitivity to light.
• Watery eyes: Paradoxically, dry eyes can lead to excessive tearing, a response known as reflex tearing. The eye tries to compensate for dryness by flooding itself with tears, but these tears are mainly water, lacking the oils necessary for proper moisture.

How Are Dry Eyes Treated?

Fortunately, there are several ways to manage dry eyes. Your eye doctor can help identify the best treatment approach based on your symptoms and underlying causes.

• Artificial Tears and Ointments

Over-the-counter artificial tear drops are the most common treatment for mild dry eyes. They help supplement natural tear production and provide temporary relief. For more severe cases, ointments can be applied at night to keep your eyes lubricated while you sleep. Some people also benefit from sleeping with moisture-retaining goggles.

• Punctal Plugs

If artificial tears aren’t enough, punctual plugs might be an option. These tiny, biocompatible plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to prevent drainage, keeping natural tears in the eye longer. They can be temporary or permanent, depending on your needs.

• Lipiflow and Gland Unblocking

In some cases, dry eyes are caused by blocked glands in the eyelids that produce the oil layer of tears. LipiFlow is a medical device that uses heat and pressure to unclog these glands, restoring normal tear production and reducing dryness.

• Prescription Eye Drops

Certain prescription eye drops, such as cyclosporine (Restasis) and lifitegrast (Xiidra), can help increase tear production by reducing inflammation in the eyes. Another option is Varenicline (Tyrvaya), a nasal spray taken twice a day to boost tear production.

• Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, either through food or supplements, can help improve tear quality. Additionally, making changes to your environment, such as using a humidifier or avoiding direct air conditioning, can reduce symptoms. Taking regular breaks from screens and wearing sunglasses outdoors also helps protect your eyes from dryness.

When to See a Doctor

If you’ve been experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, such as redness, irritation, or difficulty with tasks like driving at night, it’s time to consult an eye care provider. Prolonged dry eyes can lead to more severe complications, including corneal damage. An eye specialist can help identify the root cause and recommend the most effective treatment options tailored to your needs.

While dry eyes can be uncomfortable and disruptive, there are numerous treatment options available that can provide relief and improve your eye health. If you think you may have dry eyes, don’t hesitate to reach out to an eye care professional. With the right treatment plan, you can keep your eyes comfortable and protect your vision.

At Pasteur Eye Hospital, we’re dedicated to helping you manage dry eyes and other eye health concerns. Book a consultation with our specialists today to learn more about how we can support your eye health journey.

Sources:

Web MD: https://www.webmd.com

Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org