Dry Eye Awareness Month: How to Manage Dry Eyes

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears produced are of poor quality, leading to inadequate lubrication. Tears are essential for eye health—they keep the eye’s surface moist, help wash away irritants, and deliver vital nutrients to the cornea. Without enough moisture, the eyes can become dry, irritated, and inflamed, leading to discomfort and visual disturbances.

In dry eye disease, the tear film that protects the eyes may evaporate too quickly or not be replenished properly, resulting in an imbalance that leaves the eyes feeling scratchy, gritty, or even burning. This condition can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort, affecting daily activities such as reading, driving, or using digital devices for extended periods.

Several factors contribute to dry eye syndrome, affecting tear production, tear quality, or the rate of evaporation. Identifying the underlying causes is key to determining the most effective treatment approach.

• Aging: As we age, tear production naturally decreases, making dry eye more common in individuals over 50. 

• Environmental Factors: Dry climates, air conditioning, smoke, wind, and pollutants can all contribute to dry eye by increasing tear evaporation. 

• Health Conditions: Certain conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the quality of tears or the glands responsible for producing them. 

• Medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and beta-blockers, can reduce tear production as a side effect, making dry eye symptoms more prominent. 

• Contact Lens Wear: Long-term or improper use of contact lenses can contribute to dry eyes, as the lenses can absorb moisture from the eye’s surface and disrupt tear distribution. 

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts like those experienced during pregnancy, menopause, or because of certain birth control methods can affect tear production and lead to dry eye. 

• Screen Time: Prolonged exposure to digital screens, whether for work, entertainment, or study, often leads to reduced blinking, contributing to dry eye symptoms. 

Recognizing Dry Eye Symptoms

Identifying the symptoms of dry eye is key to managing the condition effectively. While occasional dryness is normal, dry eye disease occurs when these symptoms persist and begin to impact your daily life. The severity of symptoms can range from mild irritation to more intense discomfort, often fluctuating based on environmental factors and daily activities. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of dry eye include:

• Gritty or scratchy sensation 

• Burning or stinging 

• Redness 

• Blurred vision 

• Excessive tearing 

• Light sensitivity 

• Eye fatigue 

Mild dryness can often be addressed with simple home remedies, but if the symptoms persist and start affecting your daily activities, it’s time to seek professional help. If the dryness becomes constant, worsens, or if you experience discomfort when wearing contact lenses, or your symptoms interfere with normal tasks, it's essential to schedule an appointment with your nearest eyecarecenter location for a comprehensive evaluation.

Effective Treatments for Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause of the condition. While simple lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies may be sufficient for mild cases, more advanced treatments are necessary for moderate to severe dry eye disease. Below are the most common and effective treatment options for managing dry eye symptoms:

Lifestyle Adjustments

Making a few adjustments to your daily routine can significantly help alleviate dry eye symptoms.

1. Use a Humidifier: Increasing moisture in the air, especially in dry or air-conditioned environments, can prevent tear evaporation and alleviate dryness. 

2. Practice the 20-20-20 Rule: For those who spend extended periods in front of screens, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This promotes natural blinking and reduces eye strain. 

3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain the health of your tear glands and ensures proper moisture levels for your eyes. 

4. Avoid Wind and Direct Sunlight: Protect your eyes from harsh wind and direct sunlight by wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear, both of which can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. 

5. Take Regular Breaks: Take frequent breaks during activities like reading, working on a computer, or any task that requires intense focus. Resting your eyes can help reduce irritation. 

Over-the-Counter Treatments

OTC lubricating eye drops, commonly referred to as artificial tears, are one of the most common treatments for dry eye. These drops add moisture to the eyes and help alleviate symptoms like burning or scratchiness. For sensitive eyes, preservative-free formulas are available. Thicker gel-like ointments can also be used, especially for overnight relief, helping with morning dryness.

A warm compress is another effective option. It helps open up blocked meibomian glands (responsible for producing the oil in your tears) and reduces tear evaporation. This simple treatment improves tear quality and alleviates dry eye symptoms.

Prescription Treatments

For those with moderate to severe dry eye, stronger treatments may be necessary. Some prescription options include:

• Restasis®: Restasis is a prescription eye drop that works by reducing inflammation in the eye and increasing tear production. It’s ideal for patients with chronic dry eye caused by inflammation. 

• Xiidra®: Another prescription eye drop, Xiidra targets the inflammation that contributes to dry eye disease, improving the overall comfort and hydration of the eyes. 

• Punctal Plugs: These tiny devices are inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage and help retain moisture on the surface of the eye. Punctal plugs can be particularly useful for people who have trouble maintaining sufficient tear production. 

Advanced Therapies

In severe cases of dry eye, more advanced therapies may be required. Lipiflow® is a non-invasive in-office treatment that uses heat and gentle massage to treat meibomian gland dysfunction, which is a common cause of dry eye. This therapy helps restore normal oil production, improving tear quality.

For patients with severe dry eye or damage to the cornea, scleral lenses—large, gas-permeable contact lenses—can create a moisture reservoir over the eye’s surface. These lenses provide constant hydration and protection, offering comfort throughout the day.