What Causes Dry Eyes and How to Prevent It?

Tears aren’t always a sign of weakness; rather, they are crucial for eye health. Yes, our tears do a lot of things for our eyes. They keep infections away, provide nutrients to the eye, keep them moist, and much more. If your eyes do not produce sufficient tears, you get dry eyes. Dry eye also occurs if your tears are not of the right type or when your tears evaporate too quickly. 

Dry eye disease affects up to 50% of the global population. The severity may range from mild irritation to corneal surface damage.

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Our eyes have a stable, homogenous layer of tears that protects the surface of our eyes. It is also crucial for the focusing ability of the eye. Dry eye syndrome is an eye condition that affects the eye surface when the tear film gets disrupted. 

An unhealthy tear film leads to different signs and symptoms, including irritation, redness, excessive watering, eye fatigue, blurry vision.

How the Tear Film Works

To understand dry eyes better, let’s first look at how the tear film protects and nourishes your eyes. Tears keep your eyes moist and also help focus light so that you can see clearly. They also act as a protective shield against infections and irritants, such as dirt and dust.

When you blink, the tear film - a thin layer of tears spreads across the eye surface. In the absence of adequate tears or when they malfunction, you may get dry eyes. 

Some functions of the tear film:

• Provides lubrication to the eye surface
  

• Protects against microbes and other irritating agents
  

• Ensures a smooth eye surface for refraction
  

Types of Dry Eyes – Aqueous Deficient vs Evaporative

Dry eye syndrome has two main categories: aqueous-deficient dry eye and evaporative dry eye.

Common Causes of Dry Eyes

Prolonged Screen Time and Digital Eye Strain

You must have experienced discomfort, headache, blurry vision, and watery eyes after using digital devices for long hours. That is digital strain in simple words. It may not permanently damage your eyes, but it can cause dry eyes.

Why does it happen? Because our blink rate gets compromised. While our normal blink rate is 15 times per minute, it may drop to half during screen use.  

Aging and Hormonal Changes (especially in women)

Women, in their advancing age, or more specifically in the menopausal and postmenopausal phases, are almost two times more prone to dry eye than men. Changes in the balance of sex hormones - estrogens and androgens - are believed to affect tear production, thereby resulting in dry eyes.

Environmental Factors – Pollution, Air Conditioning, Dry Weather

Air pollution and weather conditions can adversely affect dry eye symptoms and signs. Polluted air contains harmful gases and particles that harm the surface of your eyes and result in dry eyes. 

Talking about the weather, it is easy to understand that dry weather can cause dry eyes. 

However, it is important to note that using fans and air conditioners can also be a significant factor behind dry eye disease.

Use of Contact Lenses

Tears keep your eye surface wet and promote clear vision. They form a film that spreads across the eye surface (cornea) when you blink. 

The outer surface of this tear film is a little oily. There are wetter layers under this outer layer. Contact lenses disrupt the tear film, which results in friction between the lens and the eye surface. 

Also, in the absence of the oily coating, tears evaporate faster. That is how you get dry eyes with contact lenses.

Medications That Reduce Tear Production

Certain medicines put you more at risk of dry eyes. Examples include:

• Diuretics for high blood pressure
  

• Beta-blockers, for high blood pressure or heart problems
  

• Antihistamines for allergy and cold
  

• Sleeping pills
  

• Medications for anxiety and depression
  

• Acidity medicines
  

• Oral contraceptives
  

Underlying Health Conditions 

Some medical conditions can cause dry eye disease. Examples include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, infections, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and a thyroid disorder.

Post-LASIK or Cataract Surgery Side Effects

While 95% of people are found to be satisfied with their LASIK vision correction, dry eye may be a temporary issue post-LASIK, especially if the condition existed prior to the procedure. 

The reason is that corneal nerves may get disrupted during flap creation. However, advanced LASIK procedures like SMILE Pro do not normally cause dry eyes.

Similarly, cataract surgery may lead to temporary dryness in the eyes as it can disrupt the tear film in the eye. You can use medicines or simple home remedies to ease your dry eye symptoms. 

Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease

If you have dry eye disease, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• A burning or stinging sensation in your eyes
  

• Redness in the eyes
  

• Watery eyes
  

• Itching and irritation in the eyes
  

• Blurry vision
  

• Light sensitivity
  

• A feeling of having something in your eyes (foreign body sensation)
  

• Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
  

• Trouble wearing contact lenses
  

• Difficulty driving at night
  

• Tired eyes (eye fatigue)
  

How to Prevent Dry Eyes 

Blink Often and Follow the 20-20-20 Rule for Screens

Have an idea how much time you spend glued to screens? And how often do you blink? A primary reason for dry eyes is prolonged screen exposure and the tendency to blink less frequently. 

So, make sure you try to restrict your screen time. And when you are using a laptop, desktop, or mobile, do follow the 20-20-20 rule. You just have to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes. That will give the much-needed break to your eyes and help prevent dryness. Additionally, be mindful that you blink more frequently. 

Use a Humidifier in Dry or Air-Conditioned Rooms

An air conditioner helps maintain a comfortable temperature, but what about moisture? If you spend a good amount of time in an air-conditioned environment, installing a humidifier where you live and at your workplace can help maintain humidity levels. It is because an air-conditioner turns the air dry. 

Similarly, if you live in a dry area where the moisture content in the air is low, a humidifier can prove effective in keeping eye dryness at bay. Besides, see to it that you do not expose your eyes to warm air or wind, as from a hair dryer.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Omega-3 Rich Foods

Eyes also need hydration. But where would it come from? From the water you drink. So, take care that you consume at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Apart from that, include food items rich in omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Consider eating flaxseed, soybean, canola oils, fish, and other seafood for this purpose. 

Wear UV-Protective Sunglasses Outdoors

What to do when you have to step outdoors? Firstly, avoid going outside during the peak sunny hours in the afternoon. If you do have to go, make sure you wear UV-protect sunglasses, preferably the wrap-around ones, to give maximum protection to your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Supporting a wide-brimmed hat along with it would add an extra level of protection. 

Avoid Rubbing Eyes or Using Expired Eye Drops

What do you do when your eyes feel itchy or irritated? Rub them, isn’t it? It is not the right thing to do because it can harm your eyes. Instead of rubbing, you can tap them gently. If irritation persists, seek medical advice. Another thing to beware of is - don’t use expired eye drops. Eyes are a very sensitive part of the body. Don’t be insensitive towards them!

Advanced Treatments at Sohana Eye Hospital

Sohana Eye Hospital has been a leading eye care centre in North India for the past 30+ years. The hospital holds national accreditations from NABH, NABL, and ISO. Since its inception in 1995, the hospital has pioneered the introduction of some of the most advanced eye technologies from all over the globe in North India. 

From the 9-second SMILE Pro vision correction surgery and AI-based robotic cataract surgery to a complete dry eye suite, the hospital has it all. Be it advanced diagnostics or state-of-the-art treatments, it is a one-stop solution for all your eye care needs.

The highly experienced eye specialists in Chandigarh at the hospital have consistently been giving the gift of clear vision to patients - patients who turn up at the hospital from not just India but every corner of the world.

Why Choose Sohana Eye Hospital for Dry Eye Treatment

People might tell you that your dry eyes are not something to be worried about, everybody has them, it’s just itchiness! But we know how it feels. That’s why we never take anything casually. Dry eye is the name of a single condition, but every patient goes through different symptoms, different difficulties. Our wide range of treatment options ensure that a patient receives the treatment that suits their needs, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a clearer look: 

Artificial tears

• Considered an effective way to treat dry eyes
  

• Available in the form of eye drops
  

• Can be easily purchased over-the-counter
  

• Work by providing additional moisture and lubrication to the eye surface
  

• It can help give relief from dry eye symptoms, but do not cure the root cause of dry eye syndrome.
  

• Can be used 4 - 12 times a day - depending on the severity of symptoms.
  
  

Prescription Eye Drops

• Anti-inflammatory eye drops for symptom relief
  

• Work by increasing tear production, and improving the quality of tears
  

• Can also help manage dry eyes in the long-term
  

• Dosage depends on the specific medication and severity of condition
  

Eye Ointments

• Thicker lubricants to be used if eyes get dry during sleep due to gap between eyelids
  

• To be used before going to bed at night
  

Autologous Serum Drops

• Recommended for severe dry eye - when other treatments fail
  

• Are customised artificial tears made from your own blood serum
  

• Generally very effective
  

Lipiflow or Thermal Pulsation Therapy 

• Helpful for people with unstable tear film because of MGD (meibomian gland dysfunction)
  

• Helps treat severe dry eye by unclogging the oil glands of the eye
  

• Involves gentle massage of eyes to generate warmth in eyelids and help meibomian glands produce oil
  

• Just a 12-minute procedure
  

IPL or Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

• Uses pulses of light to melt the thick substances blocking the meibomian glands
  

• Enables glands to open up, allowing free flow of oil through them
  

• A good solution for people with severe dry eye issues
  

Punctal Plugs

• A helpful option when the eyes do not produce enough tears
  

• Can be temporary or permanent
  

• A plug is inserted into the punctum (tiny opening where tears drain out of the eye) to allow natural tears to stay in the eyes for a longer time
  

• A painless procedure
  

• Temporary punctal plugs dissolve quickly
  

• Permanent punctal plugs are made of silicone and stay in your tear ducts as long as needed
  

Your eyes deserve relief - and we’re here to help you find it. Don’t just manage your symptoms, let us help you reclaim comfort and clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dry eyes cause permanent vision damage?

If managed properly, dry eyes typically do not cause permanent vision damage. However, severe, untreated cases can lead to complications like corneal scarring or infections. Early intervention with the right treatments can help prevent long-term issues.

Is dry eye disease curable?

Dry eye disease is often not fully curable. But you can effectively manage it with treatments like artificial tears, lifestyle changes, medications, therapies, punctal plugs, etc. In some cases, addressing underlying causes, such as hormonal changes or environmental factors, may significantly control symptoms.

How often should I use artificial tears?

It depends on the severity of your dry eyes. Most people use them 2–4 times daily as needed or as advised by their eye care provider. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations, as overuse of certain types can sometimes worsen symptoms.

When should I see an eye specialist?

You should visit an eye specialist if your dry eye symptoms, such as redness, pain, or vision changes, do not improve with home remedies and over-the-counter treatments. If you notice severe pain, other signs of infection, or sudden vision loss, you must immediately consult your doctor.

Conclusion

Dry eye condition affects a substantial percentage of the global population. At some places, one out of every two people may have dry eyes. From minor itching and irritation to mucous in the eyes, blurry vision, and eye fatigue, it has diverse symptoms that may cause significant discomfort and affect your productivity.

Among the major factors responsible for the disease, some are extended screen use, a compromised blink rate, weather conditions, allergies, use of contact lenses, etc. You may try simple home remedies to manage your dry eye condition. However, if the condition persists, many treatment options are available. 

So, do not ignore and suffer in silence. Visit a trustedeye hospital in Chandigarh to get your dry eyes treated. Enjoy a clear vision!