Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is one of the most widespread eye conditions today, affecting people of all ages. From students spending hours in front of screens to older adults experiencing age-related changes, dry eye has become a common complaint in eye clinics worldwide. While often dismissed as a minor irritation, untreated dry eye can lead to significant discomfort, reduced quality of life, and in severe cases, damage to the cornea.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry Eye Syndrome occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential not only for keeping the eye surface moist but also for protecting against infections and ensuring clear vision.
Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
Several factors can contribute to dry eye, including:
- Age: Tear production naturally decreases as we grow older.
- Environmental factors: Wind, smoke, dust, and air-conditioned or heated rooms can increase tear evaporation.
- Screen time: Prolonged use of computers, phones, or tablets reduces blinking, which leads to dryness.
- Medications: Certain drugs (antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medication) can decrease tear production.
- Contact lenses: Long-term wear can irritate the eye surface.
- Medical conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders are strongly linked with dry eye.
- Hormonal changes: Particularly common in women after menopause.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
The signs of dry eye vary from mild discomfort to more severe visual disturbances. Common symptoms include:
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Redness and irritation
- Feeling like something is in the eye (foreign body sensation)
- Blurred vision, especially after reading or screen use
- Watery eyes (paradoxical reflex tearing due to irritation)
- Sensitivity to light
Diagnosis
Eye specialists use several tests to confirm dry eye, such as:
- Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT): Measures how long it takes for tears to evaporate.
- Schirmer’s Test: Measures tear production using filter paper strips.
- Slit-lamp examination: Helps assess the eye surface and tear film quality.
Treatment Options
Treatment for dry eye depends on severity and underlying cause. Common management options include:
- Lifestyle Adjustments
- Take regular breaks from screens (20-20-20 rule).
- Use humidifiers in dry environments.
- Stay hydrated and avoid cigarette smoke.
- Artificial Tears & Lubricants
- Over-the-counter artificial tears are often the first line of treatment.
- Gel-based lubricants are used for more persistent cases.
- Prescription Medications
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops (like cyclosporine or lifitegrast).
- Short-term steroid drops for severe inflammation.
- Advanced Treatments
- Punctal plugs: Tiny devices inserted into tear ducts to slow tear drainage.
- Thermal pulsation therapy: Used to unblock meibomian glands that produce the oily layer of tears.
- Autologous serum eye drops: Made from a patient’s own blood serum in severe cases.
Preventing Dry Eye
- Blink frequently, especially during screen time.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce tear evaporation.
- Follow a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseed, walnuts).
- Regular eye checkups to catch early signs.
Final Thoughts
Dry Eye Syndrome is no longer a rare condition—it’s a modern health concern linked to our lifestyle, environment, and age. The good news is that with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, symptoms can be managed effectively, restoring comfort and protecting vision. If you often experience irritation, burning, or blurred vision, don’t ignore it—book an appointment with your eye specialist. Healthy eyes mean a better quality of life.