Have you ever experienced a burning, gritty, or stinging sensation in your eyes? Do your eyes often feel tired, watery, or overly sensitive to light? These are common symptoms of Dry Eye Disease (DED) — a condition affecting millions of people worldwide, especially with increasing screen time and environmental stressors.
Let’s take a closer look at what dry eye disease is, what causes it, how it can be treated, and most importantly — how to prevent it.
What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry Eye Disease occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears, or when the quality of your tears is poor. Tears are essential for maintaining a healthy, comfortable eye surface and for clear vision. When tear production is disrupted, the eyes become dry and irritated.
Common Causes of Dry Eye Disease
Dry Eye Disease can be caused by several factors, including:
- Aging: Tear production naturally decreases as we age, especially in people over 50.
- Prolonged screen time: Reduced blinking while staring at screens can lead to dry eyes.
- Environmental conditions: Wind, smoke, dry air, and air conditioning can all contribute.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and others may affect tear production.
- Medications: Some antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can reduce tear volume.
- Hormonal changes: Especially during menopause or pregnancy.
- Contact lens use: Long-term wear can disrupt tear film balance.
- Eye surgeries: Procedures like LASIK can sometimes temporarily affect tear production.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
- Stinging or burning sensation
- A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
- Redness and irritation
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
- Watery eyes (yes, dry eye can cause excessive tearing as a reflex)
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
If you experience any of these symptoms regularly, it’s important to consult an eye care professional for a proper diagnosis.
Treatments for Dry Eye Disease
The treatment for dry eye disease depends on its severity and underlying cause. Common approaches include:
1. Artificial Tears and Lubricating Eye Drops
Over-the-counter or prescription eye drops can help keep the eyes moist and reduce discomfort.
2. Prescription Medications
Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops like cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra) to increase tear production.
3. Punctal Plugs
These tiny devices block tear drainage ducts to keep moisture on the eye surface longer.
4. Lifestyle and Environmental Changes
Taking frequent breaks during screen use, using humidifiers, and protecting eyes from wind and dust can make a big difference.
5. Omega-3 Supplements
Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil or flaxseed) may help improve tear quality.
6. Therapeutic Procedures
Warm compresses, eyelid massages, and treatments like LipiFlow® (which unclogs oil glands) can offer relief in certain cases.
Preventing Dry Eye Disease
Prevention starts with good eye care habits. Here are some practical tips:
- Blink often, especially while using digital devices.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from wind and UV exposure.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air.
- Avoid smoke and polluted environments when possible.
- Maintain a balanced diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E.
When to See an Eye Specialist
While mild dry eye can often be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter drops, persistent or severe symptoms require professional care. Left untreated, dry eye can lead to complications like eye infections, corneal damage, or long-term vision issues.
At Laservisions, we offer advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans for Dry Eye Disease. If you’re experiencing discomfort, don’t ignore it — let us help you find lasting relief.
Book your dry eye evaluation today and take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable vision.