The Causes and Symptoms of Dry Eye: Understanding This Common Condition

Dry eye is a condition that occurs due to tear film instability. The failure to produce enough tears or the production of poor-quality tears causes chronic eye dryness. The tear film contains three layers: aqueous fluid, fatty oils, and mucus.

They help protect, cover, and lubricate the eye surface. Tear instability causes symptoms such as itching, burning, and blurred vision. Find out the causes and symptoms of dry eye to understand this common condition.

 

Causes of Dry Eye Condition

A dry eye occurs when the eyes fail to produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too fast. The two can occur together. Problems with any of the three layers (oil, water, and mucus) can cause the tears to be unstable.

Various factors can disrupt the tear film. Tear instability may be due to inflamed eyelid glands, hormone changes, allergic eye disease, or autoimmune disease. Natural aging, certain medications, and environmental factors can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Meibomian gland dysfunction is a common cause of dry eye.
 

Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye symptoms can be mild or severe, depending on the individual.

Common symptoms include:
 

• The sensation of something in the eye

• A scratchy or gritty feeling

• Stinging or burning sensation

• Blurry or changed vision

• Excessive tearing or watery eyes

• Excessive light sensitivity

• Mucus discharge from the eyes
   

Some of the symptoms may be similar to those of eye allergies. It is essential to get a proper diagnosis if you experience these symptoms.

 

Types of Dry Eye Syndrome

There are various types of dry eyes. Aqueous deficiency is when the eyes fail to produce adequate tears. The lacrimal gland produces the aqueous layer of the tear film. Inflammation in the gland can affect tear production.

Evaporative dry eye occurs when the tears evaporate too quickly. The meibomian glands produce oil for the tear film. A dysfunction in the glands causes the production of tears that do not work properly. Some people have mixed dry eyes, a combination of tear instability and aqueous tear deficiency.

 

Diagnosing Dry Eye

Diagnosing the condition is essential to ensuring proper treatment. During diagnosis, the eye doctor will analyze the symptoms and assess the patient's medical history. A comprehensive eye exam will help.

The doctor will conduct several tests, including a slit lamp exam, Schirmer's test, and a tear breakup time test (TBUT). The tests check tear production and the rate of evaporation. The doctor may also check for underlying health conditions.

 

Treatment of Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye treatment and management help ease symptoms and allow the patient to see clearly. If the patient has an underlying health condition, treating the disease can help relieve symptoms. Treatment can prevent eye surface damage.

Treatment options include:
 

• Artificial tears

• Prescription eye drops

• Punctal occlusion

• Thermal pulsation therapy (LipiFlow®)

• Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL)

• Therapeutic contact lenses

Making changes to the environment can reduce symptoms of dry eye. Applying a warm compress over the eyelids, cleaning the eyelids, and using a humidifier can help. It helps to take frequent breaks when using the computer. Studies show that omega-3 supplements can boost tear production.

For more on the causes and symptoms of dry eye, visit Avant Garde Vision Center at our Wayne, New Jersey, office. Call (862) 336-1990 to schedule an appointment today.