What Is Dry Eye Syndrome — And What Can You Do About It?

Have your eyes ever felt dry, itchy, or gritty, like there's sand stuck in them? You might be experiencing Dry Eye Syndrome, a common yet often overlooked eye condition that affects millions worldwide.

What Exactly Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry Eye Syndrome, also known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears you produce are of poor quality and evaporate too quickly.

Tears aren’t just water — they are a delicate mixture of water, oil, and mucus that work together to:

• Keep the surface of your eyes smooth and clear

• Provide moisture and comfort

• Protect against dust, bacteria, and foreign particles

• Maintain sharp, stable vision

When this system is disrupted, your eyes can become dry, inflamed, and irritated.

The Two Main Types of Dry Eye

Understanding which type of dry eye you have is key to finding the right treatment:

1. Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye

Your eyes don’t produce enough of the watery component of tears.

2. Evaporative Dry Eye

Your eyes produce tears, but they evaporate too quickly, often due to poor oil (lipid) layer quality. This is frequently linked to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).

Many people experience a combination of both.

The Role of the Tear Film in Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye is often caused by problems with the tear film, the thin protective layer that coats the surface of your eyes. A healthy tear film is essential for keeping your eyes lubricated, clear, and comfortable.

The tear film has three layers, each with a specific function:

1. Lipid (Oil) Layer – Prevents tears from evaporating too quickly

2. Aqueous (Water) Layer – Provides moisture and nutrients

3. Mucin (Mucus) Layer – Helps spread tears evenly across the eye surface

When any of these layers is disrupted — due to inflammation, gland dysfunction, or other factors — your eyes may not stay properly lubricated, leading to irritation, dryness, and blurred vision.

This is why dry eye isn’t just about "producing more tears" — it’s about the quality and balance of your tear film.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Dry eye symptoms can vary from mild to severe. You might experience:

✅ A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation
✅ A feeling of something in your eye (foreign body sensation)
✅ Red, irritated eyes
✅ Blurred or fluctuating vision
✅ Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
✅ Watery eyes — surprisingly, this can be a sign of dryness as your eyes overcompensate
✅ Difficulty wearing contact lenses
✅ Eye fatigue, especially after reading or screen use

If these symptoms occur regularly, they shouldn’t be ignored.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes can result from a wide range of factors, often more than one at the same time:

Environmental Causes

• Dry, windy, or smoky environments

• Air conditioning, heating, or fans blowing in your face

• Prolonged screen time (reduced blink rate) 

• Low humidity indoors

Lifestyle & Behavioral Factors

• Excessive use of digital devices (blue light glasses can help reduce eye strain)

• Smoking

• Inadequate sleep

• Poor diet lacking omega-3 fatty acids

Medical Causes

• Aging (especially post-menopause)

• Contact lens wear

• Eyelid inflammation (blepharitis)

• Allergies

• Autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

• LASIK or other eye surgeries

Medication Side Effects

• Antihistamines

• Antidepressants

• Birth control pills

• Blood pressure medications

• Decongestants

How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

If you suspect you have dry eyes, visiting an eye care professional is the best first step. They may use:

• Tear Break-Up Time Test — Measures how quickly your tears evaporate

• Schirmer’s Test — Measures tear production

• Eye Surface Staining — Detects damage to the eye’s surface

• Meibomian Gland Evaluation — Checks for gland blockages or dysfunction

Early diagnosis helps prevent long-term discomfort and eye surface damage.

Treatment Options for Dry Eyes

The good news? There are effective treatments available. Depending on the severity and cause, your doctor may recommend:

1. Lifestyle and Environmental Changes

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air

• Avoid direct air from fans or vents

• Wear sunglasses outdoors to block wind and sun

• Stay well-hydrated

2. Artificial Tears and Lubricating Eye Drops

• Over-the-counter drops provide temporary relief

• Choose preservative-free options for frequent use

3. Warm Compresses and Eyelid Hygiene

• Helps unblock oil glands and improve tear film quality

• Specialized eyelid cleaning wipes or sprays are available

4. Omega-3 Supplements

• May improve the oily layer of the tear film

• Found in fish oil or flaxseed oil

5. Prescription Treatments

• Cyclosporine A (Restasis) or Lifitegrast (Xiidra) to reduce inflammation

• Antibiotic eye drops for underlying infections

• Punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage

6. Advanced In-Office Procedures

For chronic or severe cases:

• Meibomian gland expression

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy

• Thermal pulsation treatments

Can Dry Eye Be Cured?

While there is no absolute cure for chronic dry eye, many people find long-term relief by combining lifestyle changes, home care, and medical treatments. Managing the condition early helps prevent damage to the eyes and protects your vision.

Don’t Ignore Dry Eyes

While dry eyes can seem like a minor annoyance, left untreated, they can lead to chronic discomfort and even damage your eye’s surface. Luckily, with the right habits and treatments, most people can find significant relief.