Dry Eye Awareness Month: Treating Dry Eye Syndrome

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears produced are of poor quality, leading to inadequate lubrication. Tears are vital for eye health—they keep the surface of the eye moist, flush out irritants, and provide essential nutrients to the cornea. Without sufficient moisture, the eyes can become dry, irritated, and inflamed, causing discomfort and vision problems.

In dry eye disease, the tear film that covers the eyes may evaporate too quickly or not be replaced properly, leading to an imbalance. This results in scratchiness, grittiness, or burning sensations in the eyes. The condition can vary in severity, from mild irritation to more intense discomfort, often making everyday activities like reading, driving, or prolonged screen time difficult.

Dry eye can be triggered by several factors that impact tear production, tear quality, or the rate at which tears evaporate. Understanding these causes is crucial to finding the most effective treatment options.

• Aging: As we age, tear production naturally decreases, making dry eye more common in individuals over 50. 

• Environmental Factors: Dry climates, air conditioning, smoke, wind, and pollutants can all contribute to dry eye by increasing tear evaporation. 

• Health Conditions: Certain conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the quality of tears or the glands responsible for producing them. 

• Medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and beta-blockers, can reduce tear production as a side effect, making dry eye symptoms more prominent. 

• Contact Lens Wear: Long-term or improper use of contact lenses can contribute to dry eyes, as the lenses can absorb moisture from the eye’s surface and disrupt tear distribution. 

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts like those experienced during pregnancy, menopause, or because of certain birth control methods can affect tear production and lead to dry eye. 

• Screen Time: Prolonged exposure to digital screens, whether for work, entertainment, or study, often leads to reduced blinking, contributing to dry eye symptoms. 

Identifying Dry Eye Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of dry eye is an important first step in effectively managing the condition. While occasional dryness is normal, dry eye disease becomes a concern when these symptoms persist and interfere with daily activities. The intensity of dry eye symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to more severe irritation, often influenced by environmental conditions and your daily activities. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of dry eye include:

• Gritty or scratchy sensation 

• Burning or stinging 

• Redness 

• Blurred vision 

• Excessive tearing 

• Light sensitivity 

• Eye fatigue 

While mild dryness can often be managed with simple home remedies, it’s important to consult with a professional if the symptoms continue and affect your daily life. If you experience persistent dryness, worsening symptoms, discomfort while wearing contact lenses, or difficulty with everyday tasks, make an appointment at your nearest Grene Vision Group location for a comprehensive evaluation.

Effective Ways to Treat Dry Eye Syndrome

Managing dry eye syndrome requires treatment tailored to the severity of your symptoms and the root causes. While lifestyle changes and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can be helpful for mild cases, individuals with more significant dry eye may need advanced treatments. Below are some of the most effective methods for alleviating dry eye symptoms:

Lifestyle Adjustments

Simple changes in your daily habits can greatly reduce dry eye discomfort.

1. Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air, especially in dry or air-conditioned spaces, can help prevent tears from evaporating and ease dryness. 

2. Practice the 20-20-20 Rule: If you spend long hours in front of screens, take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to focus on something 20 feet away. This promotes natural blinking and reduces eye strain.. 

3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps keep your tear glands functioning properly, ensuring your eyes stay well-lubricated. 

4. Avoid Wind and Direct Sunlight: Protect your eyes from harsh environmental elements by wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear to help minimize dry eye symptoms. 

5. Take Regular Breaks: For activities like reading or working on a computer, make sure to rest your eyes regularly to minimize irritation and dryness. 

Over-the-Counter Treatments

OTC lubricating eye drops, or artificial tears, are often the first line of treatment for dry eyes. They provide moisture to soothe symptoms like burning and scratchiness. If you have sensitive eyes, preservative-free drops are available. Thicker gel-like ointments can also be used overnight for longer-lasting relief, especially if you experience dryness in the morning.

Another helpful treatment is using a warm compress, which can open blocked meibomian glands responsible for producing the oil in your tears. This can reduce tear evaporation and improve tear quality, providing much-needed relief from dry eye symptoms.

Prescription Treatments

For moderate to severe dry eye, your eye care provider may recommend stronger treatment options:

• Restasis®: Restasis is a prescription eye drop that works by reducing inflammation in the eye and increasing tear production. It’s ideal for patients with chronic dry eye caused by inflammation. 

• Xiidra®: Another prescription eye drop, Xiidra targets the inflammation that contributes to dry eye disease, improving the overall comfort and hydration of the eyes. 

• Punctal Plugs: These tiny devices are inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage and help retain moisture on the surface of the eye. Punctal plugs can be particularly useful for people who have trouble maintaining sufficient tear production. 

Advanced Therapies

In severe cases of dry eye, more advanced therapies may be necessary. Lipiflow® is a non-invasive in-office treatment that uses heat and gentle massage to treat meibomian gland dysfunction, a common cause of dry eye. This therapy restores normal oil production in tears, improving tear quality.

For individuals with severe dry eye or damage to the cornea, scleral lenses may be prescribed. These large, gas-permeable contact lenses create a moisture reservoir over the eye’s surface, providing continuous hydration and protection, ensuring comfort throughout the day.