Dry Eyes: Causes, Symptoms, and Medical Treatment

Dry eye is a common eye condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for keeping the eye surface smooth, clear, and comfortable. When tear balance is disturbed, it leads to irritation, blurred vision, and long-term surface damage if ignored.

Dry eye is not just a minor discomfort. In many people, it becomes a chronic condition that needs proper diagnosis and treatment.

What Is Dry Eye?

A healthy tear film has three layers:

• Oil layer – slows tear evaporation

• Water layer – provides moisture and oxygen

• Mucus layer – spreads tears evenly over the eye surface

Dry eye occurs when one or more of these layers fail. The result is unstable tears that cannot protect the eye properly.

There are two main types:

1. Aqueous-deficient dry eye – not enough tear production

2. Evaporative dry eye – tears evaporate too fast, often due to oil gland problems

Many patients have a mix of both.

Common Causes of Dry Eyes

Dry eye usually develops due to multiple factors, not a single reason.

Age

Tear production naturally reduces with age. People over 40 are more likely to develop dry eye.

Screen Use

Long hours on computers or mobile phones reduce blink rate. Less blinking means faster tear evaporation.

Environmental Factors

• Air conditioning

• Dust and pollution

• Wind exposure

• Dry climate

These conditions increase tear evaporation.

Medical Conditions

Dry eye is commonly associated with:

• Diabetes

• Thyroid disorders

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Sjögren’s syndrome

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal imbalance, especially in women during menopause, can reduce tear production.

Contact Lens Use

Wearing contact lenses for long hours can disturb the tear film and worsen dryness.

Medications

Some medicines reduce tear production, including:

• Antihistamines

• Antidepressants

• Blood pressure medicines

• Acne medications

Eyelid Problems

Blocked oil glands (meibomian gland dysfunction) are a leading cause of evaporative dry eye.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may worsen during the day.

Common symptoms include:

• Burning or stinging sensation

• Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes

• Redness

• Itching

• Blurred vision that improves after blinking

• Sensitivity to light

• Eye fatigue

• Excessive watering (reflex tearing)

Watery eyes often confuse patients. This happens because irritation triggers poor-quality tears that do not fix dryness.

How Dry Eye Is Diagnosed

Dry eye cannot be confirmed by symptoms alone. An eye examination is required.

Doctors may perform:

• Tear quantity tests

• Tear breakup time assessment

• Eye surface staining

• Eyelid and oil gland evaluation

Accurate diagnosis is important because treatment depends on the type and cause of dry eye.

Medical Treatment for Dry Eyes

Treatment focuses on restoring tear balance and protecting the eye surface. There is no single cure, but symptoms can be controlled effectively.

Artificial Tears

Lubricating eye drops are the first line of treatment. They help replace missing moisture and improve comfort.

Preservative-free drops are preferred for frequent use.

Lubricating Gels and Ointments

These are thicker than drops and provide longer relief, especially at night. Temporary blurred vision can occur after use.

Anti-Inflammatory Eye Drops

In moderate to severe dry eye, inflammation plays a major role. Doctors may prescribe medicated drops to reduce inflammation and improve tear quality.

These are used only under medical supervision.

Treatment for Oil Gland Dysfunction

If blocked oil glands are present, treatment may include:

• Warm compress therapy

• Eyelid hygiene

• In-office gland expression procedures

Treating the oil layer significantly reduces tear evaporation.

Punctal Plugs

In some patients, small plugs are inserted into tear drainage ducts to keep tears on the eye surface longer.

This is a safe and reversible procedure.

Lifestyle and Supportive Measures

Medical treatment works best when supported by daily habits:

• Reducing screen time or following the 20-20-20 rule

• Blinking consciously during screen use

• Avoiding direct air from fans or AC

• Using protective eyewear outdoors

• Staying hydrated

Treating Underlying Conditions

If dry eye is linked to diabetes, thyroid disease, or autoimmune conditions, managing the root cause is essential.

Can Dry Eye Be Prevented?

Not all cases can be prevented, but early care reduces severity. Regular eye check-ups help detect dry eye before it damages the eye surface.

Ignoring symptoms can lead to:

• Chronic discomfort

• Recurrent infections

• Corneal damage

• Persistent blurred vision

When to See an Eye Doctor

You should seek medical care if:

• Symptoms last more than a few weeks

• Over-the-counter drops give little relief

• Vision becomes consistently blurred

• Eye pain or redness increases

Dry eye is manageable, but only with proper diagnosis and consistent treatment.|

Final Thoughts

Dry eye is a medical condition, not just eye fatigue. Accurate evaluation and targeted treatment can greatly improve comfort and vision quality. Early intervention prevents complications such as chronic irritation, infections, and damage to the eye surface.

If symptoms persist, professional eye care is necessary. Getting examined at a reliable center ensures the right diagnosis and treatment approach. Aarya Eye Care, recognized by many patients as the best eye care hospital in Thrissur, provides structured evaluation and medical management for dry eye and other eye conditions, helping patients maintain long-term eye health through proper care and follow-up.