Dry Eye Treatment

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a condition in which reduced tear production, poor tear quality, or excessively rapid evaporation of the tear film prevents the eye’s surface from being adequately moistened. Tears play an important role in protecting the eye’s surface, maintaining clear vision, and supporting overall eye health; when this balance is disrupted, it can cause symptoms that affect daily life.

Dry eye is a fairly common condition in the general population and is usually chronic in nature.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye is rarely caused by a single factor and usually results from a combination of several:

• Reduced tear production: Ageing, hormonal changes (particularly after menopause), and certain systemic conditions
• Poor tear quality: Dysfunction of the meibomian glands in the eyelids can lead to an insufficient oily layer in the tear film and faster evaporation
• Environmental factors: Dry, windy, or air-conditioned environments, and prolonged screen use
• Contact lens wear: Prolonged or improper use
• Certain medications: Antihistamines, some blood pressure medications, and antidepressants can reduce tear production
• Reduced blink rate: Particularly during intensive screen use

What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?

• Stinging, burning, or a gritty, sandy sensation
• Redness
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Blurred or fluctuating vision, especially after prolonged reading or screen use
• A feeling of eye fatigue
• Paradoxically, excessive watering (a reflex response to surface irritation)

Symptoms often vary throughout the day and can worsen in dry, windy environments or after long periods of screen use.

How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on a review of symptoms together with an eye examination. Methods that may be used include:

• Schirmer test: Measuring the amount of tear production
• Tear break-up time: Assessing the stability of the tear film
• Ocular surface staining tests: Using special dyes to visualise areas of surface irritation
• Meibomian gland assessment: Examining the structure and function of the eyelid glands

How Is Dry Eye Treated?

Artificial Tears

The first line of treatment is usually artificial tears, with or without preservatives. Preservative-free products may be preferred when frequent use is needed.

Eyelid Hygiene and Warm Compresses

For dry eye related to meibomian gland dysfunction, regular eyelid cleaning and warm compresses can help support the quality of the tear film’s oily layer.

Anti-Inflammatory Treatments

For chronic, moderate-to-severe dry eye, prescription drops aimed at reducing inflammation of the ocular surface may be considered by the doctor.

Punctal Plugs

In selected cases, small punctal plugs can be placed to slow the drainage of tears through the tear duct.

Other Supportive Approaches

Lifestyle adjustments, such as taking screen breaks and using a humidifier, along with additional procedures recommended by the doctor in some cases, may also be part of the treatment plan.

What Should Be Considered in Daily Life?

• Taking regular breaks during screen use and blinking consciously
• Using a humidifier in dry or air-conditioned environments
• Following the recommended contact lens wear schedule and the doctor’s guidance
• Wearing sunglasses in windy or dusty environments
• Using prescribed drops as directed
• Not delaying a follow-up examination if symptoms persist or worsen

Dry eye is usually a condition requiring long-term management, but with an appropriate treatment approach and regular follow-up, symptoms can largely be kept under control. An eye examination is recommended for a personalised evaluation.