Dry eye disease is a growing concern, affecting millions and often making everyday activities uncomfortable. You might notice symptoms like eye pain, watering, blurry vision—or sometimes no symptoms at all.

Because dry eye is often linked to gland or skin-related issues, a thorough eye exam is essential. Using advanced tools, we can assess tear quality and gland function to determine the best treatment plan for long-lasting relief.

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when there's a problem with any of the three layers of your tear film:

• Oily layer: Prevents your tears from evaporating too quickly

• Watery layer: Delivers nutrients and provides hydration

• Mucus layer: Helps tears adhere to the surface of the eye

These layers must work together to keep your eyes lubricated, comfortable, and healthy.

What Are the Two Types of Dry Eye Disease?

Evaporative Dry Eye (EDE)

EDE is the most common type of dry eye disease. EDE occurs when you lack the proper amount of oil in your tears causing your tears to evaporate too quickly, drying out your eyes. In some cases, EDE can be caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, a disorder where the meibomian glands in your eyes become blocked, limiting the amount of oil being produced for your tears.

Aqueous Tear Deficiency (ATD)

In ATD, the eyes lack the aqueous layer of the tears, leading to inadequate moisture and uncomfortable symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye symptoms can vary and may include:

• Burning or scratchy sensation

• Watery eyes (excessive tearing)

• Eye redness, blurred vision, or eye fatigue

• Sensitivity to light

• The feeling of something in your eye

• Stringy mucus in or around your eyes

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Some people may have no noticeable symptoms, while others experience significant discomfort. If you suspect dry eye disease, consult one of our eye doctors for evaluation and diagnosis.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

● Dry and hot environments

● Exposure to forced air like a fan, wind, or car heating

● Prolonged screen time or reading

● Certain medications (e.g., antihistamines, antidepressants)

● Aging and hormonal changes

● Autoimmune or systemic conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid issues)

● Incomplete blinking or eyelids not fully closing during sleep

● Eyelid infections like blepharitis

● Skin conditions such as rosacea

● Poor sleep quality or sleep apnea

Preventive Self-Care

Simple steps to manage temporary and minor cases of dry eye:

• Blink regularly, especially during screen time or when reading

• Use a humidifier at home or work

• Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce sun and wind exposure. (Wraparound glasses are best)

• Maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of water (8-10 cups of water daily)

• Review your medications for dry eye side effects

• Wear a sleep mask if you have a fan on at night or use a CPAP

• Use swim goggles when swimming in chlorinated pools

Artificial Tears

Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief:

• Low-viscosity drops: Quick relief, but short-lived effects

• High-viscosity gels/ointments: Recommended to use at bedtime

Note: Artificial tears soothe symptoms but do not treat the underlying cause.

Advanced Dry Eye Treatments

There are several prescription and clinical treatments available. In most cases, patients benefit from a combination of treatments. Your personalized treatment plan can include:

• Custom fit Scleral contact lenses that deliver moisture to the surface of the eye while correcting vision

• Thermal gland expression to expel thick congested material from glands so that tear oils can be excreted

• OptiLight Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): The first and only IPL FDA-approved for the management of dry eye disease due to MGD

• Antibiotics prescribed for eyelid inflammation caused by infections that prevent oil glands from secreting oil into your tears

• Anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce inflammation in the tear glands

• Amniotic membranes to accelerate repair of corneal damage caused by severe dryness

• Tear-stimulating medications or devices to help increase tear production

• Autologous blood serum eye drops

• In-office clinical eyelid cleaning to remove stubborn debris and biofilm buildup

No matter the cause or severity of your dry eye symptoms, our team is here to help you find lasting relief and get you back to seeing and feeling your best. If you're experiencing discomfort, don’t wait—book an appointment today to get started on a personalized treatment plan.