Understanding Causes and Treatments for Persistent Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye disease results when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort. Age increases the likelihood of experiencing this condition. It can cause symptoms such as burning, itching, heaviness, soreness, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and a sensation of sand or foreign objects in the eye.

Sometimes, dry eyes lead to watery eyes because of reflex tear production in response to dryness. The main causes include insufficient tear production or rapid tear evaporation, often due to malfunctioning glands or external factors such as screen time, contact lens use, or dry indoor air.

Proper eye lubrication relies on the components of tears, including lipids, mucin, and water. Disruption of any of these can result in dryness. Issues like underperforming Meibomian glands or lacrimal glands reducing tear secretion are common causes of chronic dry eyes. Excess screen time diminishes blinking, increasing dryness, while contact lenses and low indoor humidity also contribute. Smoking and environmental factors further aggravate symptoms.

Diagnosis involves discussing symptoms, after which various treatments are recommended. These include artificial tears, medicated eye drops, sterile inserts releasing lubricants, warm compresses to unblock glands, advanced devices like Lipiflow, or IPL therapy to reduce inflammation. Home remedies such as omega-3 supplements and proper eye hygiene can also help manage symptoms.

Addressing dry eye involves a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments to restore eye comfort and prevent more severe complications.