Dry Eye Details
A condition that occurs when tears aren't able to provide adequate lubrication for the eyes.
Book ConsultationWhat is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your tears aren't able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. This can happen either because you don't produce enough tears or because your tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. Dry eye can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as reading, using a computer, or driving. It is more common in older adults, women (especially after menopause), and people who live in dry climates or spend a lot of time looking at screens. While dry eye can be a chronic condition, there are many treatments available to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
Dry Eye Symptoms
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye redness
- A sensation of having something in your eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
- Watery eyes (the body's response to irritation)
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
Dry Eye Causes
- Decreased tear production due to aging, medical conditions, or medications
- Increased tear evaporation from wind, smoke, or dry air
- Blinking less often, especially during prolonged screen use
- Eyelid problems such as ectropion or entropion
- Meibomian gland dysfunction affecting tear quality
- Hormonal changes, especially in women after menopause
- Autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Certain medications including antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants
Treatment for Dry Eye
- Over-the-counter artificial tear drops and ointments
- Prescription eye drops such as cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra)
- Steroid eye drops for short-term inflammation control
- Punctal plugs to block tear drainage and retain moisture
- Warm compresses and eyelid massage for meibomian gland dysfunction
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplements
- Prescription medications to stimulate tear production
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction
- Scleral contact lenses to protect and hydrate the eye surface
When to See a Doctor
See your eye doctor if your symptoms persist for more than a few days, if over-the-counter drops don't provide relief, or if your symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily activities. You should also seek care if you experience eye pain, significant redness, or changes in vision, as these could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Related Conditions
A condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object.
A clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye, leading to decreased vision.
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye.
A diabetes complication that affects the eyes, caused by damage to blood vessels of the retina.
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