Dry Eye Syndrome
A condition where your eyes do not produce enough tears or the right quality of tears.
Symptoms
Common signs to watch for.
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Redness in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision that improves with blinking
- Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
- Feeling like something is in your eye
Home Care Tips
Things you can do at home to relieve symptoms.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears 4-6 times daily
- Take frequent breaks during screen use (20-20-20 rule)
- Use a humidifier in dry environments
- Avoid direct airflow from fans or AC
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors
When to Seek Professional Help
Contact us immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Symptoms persist after 2 weeks of eye drops
- Sudden vision loss or changes
- Severe eye pain
- Discharge that is thick or yellow-green
- Eyes become extremely light sensitive
- Difficulty opening your eyes in the morning
About Dry Eye Syndrome
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is a multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface and tear film. Tears play a vital role in maintaining clear vision and protecting the cornea by lubricating the surface, washing away irritants, and supplying oxygen. When the eye does not produce sufficient tears, or when tears evaporate too rapidly, the ocular surface becomes inflamed and irritated.
The condition generally falls into two categories: aqueous-deficient dry eye (inadequate tear production by the lacrimal glands) and evaporative dry eye (rapid tear evaporation due to meibomian gland dysfunction). In many patients, these two mechanisms occur simultaneously. Modern lifestyle factors such as long screen hours drastically reduce natural blink rates, aggravating symptoms.
Common Risk Factors and Triggers
- Prolonged digital device usage with reduced blink rates
- Aging and hormonal shifts (especially post-menopausal changes)
- Air-conditioned, dry, or windy environments
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and blepharitis
- Long-term contact lens wear
- Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and blood pressure therapies
Sources & Medical References
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