If you’ve always had good vision but are now experiencing slight changes—such as a gritty sensation in your eyes, light sensitivity, burning or itching, blurred vision, or excessive tearing—you may have a common condition called dry eye.
According to Dr. Brad Christopherson, an optometrist at Marshfield Clinic, dry eye can affect people of all ages and occurs for a variety of reasons. Understanding the condition and knowing how to manage it can help your eyes feel more comfortable.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Your body produces moisture for your eyes in the form of tears. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears are of poor quality, it can lead to dry eye and inflammation, potentially damaging the surface of the eye.
“Moisture is key to healthy eyes,” Dr. Christopherson explained. “It helps your eyes function properly, keeps them comfortable, and protects them.” Each time you blink, tears wash over your eyes and then drain into the corners of your eyelids, flowing to the back of your nose.
Common causes of dry eye include:
- Aging
- Reduced tear production by the tear glands
- Sagging eyelids that disrupt the seal needed to retain moisture
- Autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Side effects from cataract surgery, LASIK, or PRK
- Prolonged screen time on computers, phones, or while reading
Related Conditions
- Evaporative Dry Eye: This occurs when tears lack sufficient oil and evaporate too quickly. It’s often caused by blocked glands. Treatment includes using warm compresses and performing lid scrubs to remove dead skin, oil, and bacteria that clog the glands.
- Tear Duct Infection: A blocked tear duct can allow bacteria to enter, leading to infection. This can happen at any age, even in infants. Symptoms include pain, redness, swelling, excessive tearing, eye discharge, and fever. Antibiotics are typically prescribed, though minor surgery may be necessary in some cases.
Medications and Dry Eye
Certain medications can also contribute to dry eye symptoms. Be sure to read labels and consult your health care provider about how your medications might affect your eyes. Drugs such as beta-blockers, and some antidepressants are known to cause dryness. Antihistamines taken to fight off allergy symptoms can also dry out the eyes.
Tips for Relief
To help relieve dry eye symptoms, Dr. Christopherson recommends:
- Using artificial tears (drops or ointments)
- Adding flaxseed oil to your diet
- Avoiding irritants like wind, smoke, hair dryers, and air conditioning
- Using a humidifier at home
- Taking regular breaks from screens
- Wearing protective eyewear, such as swim or ski goggles, when needed
If symptoms persist, consult your eye care professional. Prescription eye drops that increase tear production and reduce inflammation may be recommended. In some cases, procedures are available to help alleviate dry eye symptoms.
For help with dry eyes, talk to a Marshfield Clinic Health System eye care provider.
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