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Do your eyes frequently feel dry, irritated, tired, or gritty? Does your vision become blurry after spending time on your computer? You may be experiencing dry eye disease, one of the most common conditions affecting the surface of the eye.
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. Although it may sound like a minor inconvenience, persistent dry eye can interfere with reading, driving, working, and wearing contact lenses.
The good news is that dry eye is treatable, and understanding what's causing your symptoms is the first step toward finding relief.
At Weston Contact Lens Institute, Dr. Elise Kramer specializes in diagnosing and treating dry eye disease, including cases that have not responded to traditional artificial tears.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Your eyes rely on a thin layer of tears, called the tear film, to stay healthy, comfortable, and maintain clear vision.
Your tear film contains three important components:
- Oil: Produced by glands in your eyelids, this helps prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.
- Water: Provides moisture and helps wash away debris.
- Mucin: Helps tears spread evenly across the surface of your eyes.
When one or more of these components aren't working properly, the tear film becomes unstable. This can lead to dryness, irritation, inflammation, and fluctuating vision.
Dry eye disease is also sometimes called dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
How Common Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye affects millions of Americans and becomes more common with age.
Research has estimated that approximately 16.4 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with dry eye disease. Women are also more likely than men to experience the condition, particularly as they get older.
However, dry eye isn't limited to older adults. Younger patients can also develop symptoms, especially with prolonged screen use, contact lens wear, and certain medical conditions.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person. Some patients experience occasional discomfort, while others have symptoms throughout the day.
Common signs include:
- Burning, stinging, or irritated eyes
- A gritty or sandy sensation, as though something is in your eye
- Redness
- Blurry or fluctuating vision, especially when reading or using screens
- Sensitivity to light
- Tired or heavy-feeling eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably
- Stringy mucus around the eyes
- Excessive tearing or watery eyes
Why Are My Eyes Watering If They're Dry?
This is one of the most common questions patients ask.
Surprisingly, watery eyes can actually be a symptom of dry eye disease.
When your tear film becomes unstable, your eyes may respond to irritation by producing a sudden increase in watery tears. This is called reflex tearing.
Unfortunately, these tears may not have the proper balance of oil and other components needed to keep your eyes comfortable, so the watering doesn't necessarily solve the underlying problem.
If your eyes are constantly watering, dryness may be part of the explanation.
What Are the Different Types of Dry Eye?
There are two main types of dry eye disease, and many patients experience a combination of both.
1. Evaporative Dry Eye
Evaporative dry eye occurs when tears evaporate too quickly from the surface of your eyes.
The most common contributing factor is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Your meibomian glands are tiny oil-producing glands located inside your eyelids. They release oils that help prevent tears from evaporating.
When these glands become blocked or stop functioning properly, your tears evaporate faster, leaving your eyes dry and irritated.
2. Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye
This type occurs when your tear glands don't produce enough of the watery portion of your tears.
It may be associated with aging, certain medications, autoimmune conditions, or other health issues.
3. Mixed Dry Eye
Many patients have both evaporative and aqueous-deficient dry eye.
This is why identifying the underlying cause is so important. Two patients with identical symptoms may need very different treatments.
Eight Common Causes of Dry Eye
Dry eye is often caused by several factors working together rather than one single issue.
1. Aging
As we get older, changes in tear production and tear quality can make dry eye more common.
Symptoms often become more noticeable after age 50, although dry eye can occur at any age.
2. Hormonal Changes
Hormones play an important role in tear production and the function of the oil glands in your eyelids.
Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, menopause, and certain medications can contribute to dry eye symptoms.
This is one reason dry eye disease is more common in women.
3. Blocked Oil Glands and Eyelid Inflammation
One of the leading causes of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction.
When the oil glands in your eyelids become blocked, the protective oil layer of your tears becomes less effective.
Other eyelid conditions can also contribute, including:
- Blepharitis: Inflammation along the eyelid margins.
- Ocular rosacea: Inflammation that can affect the eyelids and ocular surface.
- Demodex: Microscopic mites that naturally live around hair follicles but can contribute to eyelid inflammation when present in excessive numbers.
Many patients don't realize their dry eye symptoms are actually related to their eyelids.
4. Excessive Screen Time
When you're concentrating on a computer, smartphone, or tablet, you tend to blink less frequently.
You may also blink incompletely, meaning your eyelids don't fully close.
Blinking is essential because it spreads fresh tears across your eyes and helps release oil from your meibomian glands.
Less blinking means your tears evaporate more quickly, leading to dryness, burning, and blurry vision.
5. Environmental Factors
Your surroundings can significantly affect your tear film.
Common triggers include air conditioning, ceiling fans, wind, smoke, low humidity, and airplane cabins.
In South Florida, air conditioning is a particularly common contributor, even though the outdoor climate is humid.
6. Medications
Certain medications can contribute to dry eye symptoms, including:
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Some antidepressants
- Certain blood pressure medications
- Some hormonal medications
Frequent use of eye drops containing preservatives may also irritate the ocular surface.
Never discontinue a prescribed medication without discussing it with your prescribing healthcare provider.
7. Medical Conditions
Dry eye can be associated with several underlying medical conditions, including:
- Sjögren's syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Thyroid disease
- Diabetes
- Other autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
In some cases, persistent dry eye may be an early sign of an underlying health condition.
Learn more about health conditions associated with dry eye.
8. Contact Lens Wear and Previous Eye Surgery
Contact lenses can sometimes disrupt the tear film and contribute to dryness or discomfort, especially toward the end of the day.
Certain eye surgeries, including LASIK, can also temporarily or sometimes persistently affect corneal nerves and tear production.
Fortunately, patients with dry eye don't necessarily have to give up wearing contact lenses.
Specialty lens designs, including scleral lenses, may provide improved comfort for selected patients.
How Is Dry Eye Treated?
There is no single treatment that works for everyone.
The most effective approach depends on whether your symptoms are caused by insufficient tear production, excessive evaporation, eyelid inflammation, or a combination of factors.
At Weston Contact Lens Institute, treatment is customized based on a detailed evaluation of your tear film, eyelids, and ocular surface.
Artificial Tears and At-Home Care
For mild dry eye, simple treatments may provide significant relief.
These may include:
- Preservative-free artificial tears
- Warm compresses
- Gentle eyelid hygiene
- Lubricating gels or ointments when appropriate
- Adjustments to screen habits and environmental conditions
Although artificial tears can temporarily improve comfort, they don't necessarily address the underlying cause of dry eye.
Prescription Eye Drops
For patients with persistent symptoms, prescription medications may help reduce inflammation or improve tear production.
Depending on your condition, treatment may include prescription anti-inflammatory drops, medications that support tear production, or short courses of other medications when appropriate.
Some treatments provide relief relatively quickly, while others require several weeks or longer to achieve their full benefit.
In-Office Dry Eye Treatments
For patients whose symptoms don't improve with traditional treatments, several advanced options are available.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
IPL uses controlled pulses of light around the eyelids to help reduce inflammation and improve meibomian gland function in appropriately selected patients.
It can be particularly beneficial for patients with evaporative dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction or ocular rosacea.
LipiFlow and TearCare
These treatments use controlled heat, with gland expression or pressure, to help release thickened oils from blocked meibomian glands.
Improving the flow of these oils can help stabilize the tear film and reduce evaporation.
Radiofrequency (RF) Treatment
Radiofrequency treatment delivers controlled heat to the tissues around the eyelids. It may be used in selected patients as part of a treatment plan for meibomian gland dysfunction.
BlephEx
BlephEx is an in-office eyelid cleaning procedure that helps remove debris and buildup along the eyelid margins.
It may be recommended for patients with certain forms of blepharitis.
Punctal Plugs
Punctal plugs are tiny devices placed into the tear drainage openings to help retain natural tears on the eye for longer.
They may be useful for selected patients with inadequate tear volume.
Amniotic Membrane Therapy
For patients with significant ocular surface damage, an amniotic membrane may be recommended to support healing and reduce inflammation.
Scleral Lenses
For patients with severe or difficult-to-manage dry eye, scleral lenses can be particularly helpful.
Unlike traditional contact lenses, scleral lenses vault over the cornea and maintain a reservoir of preservative-free saline between the lens and the eye.
This helps protect the ocular surface while providing clear vision and improved comfort for many patients.
Learn more about the dry eye treatments available at Weston Contact Lens Institute.
How Can You Prevent or Reduce Dry Eye Symptoms?
Although not every cause of dry eye can be prevented, certain daily habits can help reduce symptoms.
Take Breaks From Screens
Try following the 20-20-20 rule.
Every 20 minutes, look at something approximately 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Remember to blink fully and regularly, especially during long periods of screen use.
Avoid Direct Airflow
Try not to sit directly in front of air-conditioning vents, fans, or other sources of moving air.
Using a humidifier in dry indoor environments may also help.
Practice Good Eyelid Hygiene
Keep your eyelids clean and remove eye makeup thoroughly before bed.
If you have meibomian gland dysfunction or blepharitis, your eye care provider may recommend a specific eyelid-cleaning routine.
Use Appropriate Artificial Tears
Preservative-free artificial tears can provide temporary relief, especially if you need to use drops frequently.
Avoid relying on redness-relief drops, which may cause rebound redness with repeated use.
Protect Your Eyes Outdoors
Wraparound sunglasses can help shield your eyes from wind and other environmental irritants.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
A healthy diet that includes sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, walnuts, and flaxseed, supports overall health. However, research on omega-3 supplements specifically for dry eye has shown mixed results.
When Should You See an Eye Doctor for Dry Eye?
Occasional dryness may improve with simple lifestyle changes or lubricating drops.
However, you should schedule an eye examination if:
- Your symptoms persist or keep returning.
- You need artificial tears frequently throughout the day.
- Your vision fluctuates or becomes blurry.
- Contact lenses are becoming uncomfortable.
- Dryness interferes with reading, driving, or working.
- You have ongoing redness, burning, or irritation.
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience significant eye pain, sudden vision changes, marked light sensitivity, or unusual discharge. These symptoms may indicate something more serious than dry eye.
What Happens During a Dry Eye Evaluation?
A comprehensive dry eye examination may include:
- Evaluation of your tear film and tear stability
- Measurement of tear breakup time
- Examination of your eyelids and meibomian glands
- Meibography to assess the structure of your oil glands
- Evaluation of the cornea and ocular surface
- Additional diagnostic testing when indicated
The goal is to identify why your eyes are dry, rather than simply treating the symptoms.
Personalized Dry Eye Treatment at Weston Contact Lens Institute
Living with dry, irritated eyes can be frustrating, especially when artificial tears only provide temporary relief.
At Weston Contact Lens Institute, Dr. Elise Kramer and her team take a personalized approach to diagnosing and treating dry eye disease.
By evaluating your tear film, meibomian glands, eyelids, and ocular surface, we can identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and recommend treatments tailored to your needs.
From prescription medications and advanced in-office therapies to specialty scleral lenses, our goal is to help you achieve healthier eyes, more stable vision, and long-term comfort.
We proudly welcome patients from across the United States and around the world who seek specialized care for dry eye disease and complex ocular surface conditions at our Weston and Miami locations.
Schedule a dry eye evaluation at Weston Contact Lens Institute.
