What Causes Dry Eye? Prevention Strategies and Lasting Relief Options

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects millions of people each year, causing discomfort, irritation, and even blurred vision. While occasional dryness can be caused by environmental factors, chronic dry eye often points to an underlying issue that requires professional care. Understanding the causes of dry eye is the first step toward finding lasting relief and protecting your vision.

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears you do produce evaporate too quickly. This lack of proper lubrication can lead to irritation, burning, redness, and fluctuating vision. There are two main types of dry eye: Aqueous-deficient dry eye, which happens when the tear glands fail to produce enough of the watery component of tears, and Evaporative dry eye, which is more common and occurs when the tears evaporate too quickly, often due to meibomian gland dysfunction (blocked oil glands in the eyelids). Some patients may experience a combination of both types, making professional evaluation essential for effective treatment.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

There isn’t a single cause for dry eye syndrome; rather, it’s often the result of multiple factors, including:

• Aging: Tear production naturally decreases as we age, making dry eye more common in adults over 50.

• Digital Eye Strain: Spending hours on screens reduces your blink rate, leading to faster tear evaporation.

• Environmental Factors: Wind, dry climates, and air conditioning can strip moisture from the eyes.

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): When oil glands in the eyelids become blocked, tears evaporate too quickly.

• Contact Lens Wear: Long-term lens use can disrupt the tear film, especially if the lenses are not properly fitted.

• Underlying Health Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and certain medications can all contribute to dry eye.

Prevention Strategies

There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of chronic dry eye. Here are some effective strategies:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water each day to maintain proper tear production.

• Take Screen Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

• Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can prevent your eyes from drying out, especially during winter months.

• Wear Sunglasses: Wraparound sunglasses shield your eyes from wind and harsh weather.

• Follow a Balanced Diet: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseed, can support healthy tear production.

• Schedule Routine Eye Exams: Early detection and intervention can prevent dry eye from worsening over time.

Treatment Options for Lasting Relief

If lifestyle adjustments aren’t enough to control your symptoms, an optometrist can perform a thorough diagnosis to determine the underlying cause of your dry eye. This may include evaluating your tear production, checking for inflammation, and using advanced imaging to assess the health of your meibomian glands. A proper diagnosis is essential to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

One common treatment option is prescription eye drops, which are designed to improve tear quality and reduce inflammation on the surface of the eye. These medicated drops go beyond over-the-counter lubricants and help treat the root cause of dry eye rather than just masking the symptoms.

Another solution is the use of punctal plugs, which are tiny devices inserted into the tear drainage ducts. By preventing tears from draining too quickly, punctal plugs help keep your eyes comfortably lubricated for longer periods.

For patients with meibomian gland dysfunction, in-office gland treatments can be very effective. These advanced therapies work by gently unclogging blocked oil glands in the eyelids, restoring a healthier tear film and reducing evaporation.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

Dry eye can significantly impact your vision and quality of life if left untreated. By understanding the underlying causes and adopting long-term prevention strategies, you can protect your eyes and find lasting relief.

If you're experiencing dry eye symptoms, schedule a consultation with Steel Optical for personalized solutions designed for your unique needs. Visit our office in Eagan or Burnsville, Minnesota, Colorado Springs, Colorado, or Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. Please call (612) 439-8075, (952) 229-6462, (719) 264-5023 or (724) 778-6306 to book an appointment today.