Understanding Dry Eye Disorder: Causes and Recognizing Symptoms

Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, resulting in dryness and discomfort. Lack of proper lubrication can cause irritation, redness, and blurred vision. Factors like aging, environmental conditions, and health issues contribute to this condition. Women post-menopause are particularly susceptible.

Common triggers include dusty atmospheres, seasonal allergies, eye surgeries, vitamin A deficiency, diabetes, and hormonal contraceptives.

Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye

Visual Symptoms:

Blurry Vision: Objects appear fuzzy or out of focus, affecting clarity of sight.

Light Sensitivity: Increased discomfort in bright environments due to scattered light entering the eye.

Night Driving Difficulties: Halos and glare around lights make nighttime navigation challenging.

Double Vision: Seeing overlapping or duplicated images indicates significant eye strain.

Physical Symptoms:

Redness: Inflamed blood vessels cause the whites of the eyes to appear reddish.

Eye Discomfort: Mild to severe pain, usually on the surface, with sensation of heaviness.

Irritation: Itching, burning, or stinging sensations are common.

Tearing: Excessive tears result from eye irritation, despite dryness.

Fatigue: Eyes feel tired, heaviness may lead to headaches.

Focus Issues: Difficulty concentrating during tasks requiring visual attention.

Contact Lens Problems: Increased irritation making lens wear uncomfortable.

Reduced Tear Production: Difficulty crying even when emotionally upset.

Mucus Formation: Mucus discharge, especially upon waking, can cause eyelids to stick together.

If experiencing these symptoms, consult an eye specialist promptly for appropriate management and relief.