Dry eye living patient overview

Overview

Dry eye is a common condition where your eyes do not make enough tears, or your tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are needed to keep the front surface of the eye moist and healthy. Without enough tears, your eyes can feel uncomfortable and may be damaged over time.

Yes, dry eye is extremely common. Studies suggest it affects millions of people worldwide, and it becomes more common with age.

Dry eye can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in adults over 50, women (especially after menopause), people who wear contact lenses, those who spend long hours staring at screens, and people with certain medical conditions like autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A dry, gritty, or sandy feeling in your eyes
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Itchiness
• Redness
• Blurry vision that comes and goes
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Watery eyes (this can happen as a reflex to dryness)

Symptoms in children

• Children with dry eye may rub their eyes often
• They might complain of tired eyes or headaches
• They may have trouble focusing at school or while reading

Symptoms in older adults

• More noticeable dryness and discomfort
• Difficulty reading or doing close work for long periods
• Increased sensitivity to light
• A feeling that vision is worse, especially at the end of the day

Causes

Main causes

• Not enough tear production (often due to aging or certain medical conditions)
• Tears evaporate too quickly (caused by dry air, wind, or not blinking enough)
• Tears are of poor quality (imbalance of oils, water, and mucus in the tear film)

Risk factors

• Being over 50 years old
• Being female (hormonal changes, especially menopause)
• Wearing contact lenses
• Spending long hours on computers or phones
• Living in dry, windy, or smoky environments
• Having certain health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes
• Taking certain medications (talk to your doctor about yours)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or an eye injury, call your local emergency number immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have persistent dry eye symptoms that bother your daily life
• If over-the-counter eye drops do not help after a few days
• If you notice changes in your vision

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and what makes the dryness worse. They will then examine your eyes using a special microscope (slit lamp) to check the health of your eye surface.

Tests that may be done

• Tear film break-up time: a test to see how quickly your tears evaporate after you blink
• Schirmer test: a small strip of paper is placed under your lower eyelid to measure tear production
• Dye test: a dye (fluorescein) is put in your eye to see any damage on the surface

What to expect at your appointment

The tests are quick and painless. You might feel a slight sting from the dye. Your doctor will then discuss treatment options based on the results.

Treatment

Treatment for dry eye focuses on relieving symptoms and protecting the surface of your eye. Most people find relief with simple self-care and over-the-counter options. If these aren't enough, a doctor can recommend stronger treatments.

Self-care at home

• Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops (available from pharmacies) as needed
• Apply a warm compress to your closed eyelids for 5-10 minutes to help oil glands work better
• Blink regularly and take breaks during screen time (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
• Use a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air
• Avoid smoke, wind, and air conditioning blowing directly into your face
• Wear wraparound sunglasses when outside

Medical treatments

If self-care is not enough, a doctor may prescribe eye drops that reduce inflammation or help your eyes make more tears. Other treatments include tiny plugs inserted into the tear ducts to keep tears from draining away, and in-office procedures to unblock oil glands. Your doctor will recommend the best approach for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for dry eye. In very severe cases not helped by other treatments, a procedure to permanently close the tear ducts may be considered. Discuss this option with your eye doctor.

Living with this condition

Living with dry eye means managing your symptoms day by day. With the right routine and treatment, most people can keep their eyes comfortable and continue their normal activities.

Lifestyle tips

• Take regular breaks from digital screens
• Blink often and fully
• Use a humidifier, especially in dry rooms
• Protect your eyes from wind and sun with sunglasses
• Stay hydrated by drinking enough water

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish like salmon, and in flaxseed and walnuts) may help improve tear quality. Regular exercise can also support overall health, but it's a good idea to avoid overly gritty or dusty environments when working out.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dry eye can be frustrating and may affect your ability to read, work, or enjoy hobbies. This can sometimes lead to stress, anxiety, or low mood. It's important to talk to your doctor about these feelings – managing the condition often improves your quality of life.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent dry eye, especially if it is caused by aging or a health condition. But you can reduce your risk by avoiding triggers like dry air, avoiding smoke, taking screen breaks, and staying hydrated.

Complications

If left untreated

• Inflammation or infection of the cornea (the clear front part of the eye)
• Scarring of the cornea
• Difficulty seeing, which can affect daily activities

Long-term outlook

The outlook for dry eye is generally good. With proper care and treatment, most people can manage their symptoms effectively and avoid serious eye damage. Many people find that their symptoms improve over time as they learn what works best for them.

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