Dry Eye

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition where the eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the quality of the tears is poor, leading to insufficient moisture and lubrication on the surface of the eye. This can cause discomfort, irritation, and sometimes vision problems. Tears are essential for eye health, as they help keep the surface of the eye smooth, wash away debris, and protect against infections.

Dry eye is usually manageable with treatment, but chronic cases may require ongoing care to maintain eye comfort and health.

Causes of Dry Eye

1. Reduced Tear Production: Known as “aqueous deficiency,” this can be due to:
   • Aging (tear production naturally decreases with age)
   • Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, and others)
   • Medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders)
   • Laser eye surgeries like LASIK (can temporarily reduce tear production)
2. Increased Tear Evaporation: Also called “evaporative dry eye,” this can result from:
   • Environmental factors (wind, smoke, dry climates)
   • Excessive screen time (reduces blinking rate)
   • Eyelid problems (e.g., blepharitis, where the oil glands are blocked)
3. Poor Tear Quality: Tears consist of three layers (oil, water, and mucus). When the oil layer is lacking, tears evaporate too quickly.