While some with dry eye merely note an occasional irritation that can be relieved with blinking, others can have such severe dry eye syndrome that their eyes may frequently burn and sting, or worst, they may experience chronic eye pain. Other symptoms of dry eye can include red itchy and/or watery eyes. Yet still, some patients may not complain about any of these signs; instead, they may have trouble wearing contact lenses comfortably, experience light sensitivity, or notice that their vision frequently fluctuates, appears blurry. In my clinic, some patients with moderate-to-severe dry eye syndrome may confuse some of this visual blur as seeing double vision.
What are the Eyes “Dry”? Tears continuously bathe the eyes to keep them healthy. Tears not only lubricate the eyes, they wash away debris, and keep the surface smooth and clear which helps keep vision stable. Tears are made from 3 components: – Lipids, secreted from the eyelid glands prevent tears from evaporating – Aqueous, from the gland behind the eye provide nutrients and moisture – Mucin, from the surface of the eye help the tears ‘stick’ to the eye Chronic tear instability can cause damage to the front surface of the eye.
Why Do You have Dry Eye Syndrome? Dry eye syndrome is associated with many factors including: – age (more common with older age), – hormonal change – inflammation of the glands that produce tears – eye and health conditions (such as diabetes, glaucoma, Sjogren’s syndrome to name a few) – external factors (such as allergies, dry environment, smoke exposure, contact lens wearer)
As you can see, dry eye syndrome can be a multifactorial disease which is why there may be much more involved than simply grabbing the first over-the-counter eyedrop off the shelf. It takes a thorough evaluation to determine what is causing the dry eye syndrome.
Treatment options may be as conservative as starting daily warm compresses, lid hygiene, and having adequate fluid intake. Mechanical treatments, such as punctal plugs to minimize tear drainage or BlephEx® to remove biofilm buildup on the lids, are also available. Prescription eye medications may be necessary, for example, to control eye inflammation. Adjusting contact lenses brands, wearing schedules, and care habits may also be part of a management plan.

If you have dry eye syndrome, make sure you talk to your eyecare provider about your symptoms (take the Dry Eye OSDI Questionnaire today) and have it medically evaluated at your next eye exam.