Also known as: Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
Dry eyes occur when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort, redness, and blurred vision.
Dry eye disease — medically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca — is a very common condition that occurs when the eyes either do not produce a sufficient volume of tears or when the tears that are produced evaporate too quickly to keep the eye surface adequately lubricated. Tears are not just water; they are a complex three-layer film of oil, water, and mucus that protects and nourishes the surface of the eye. When any layer of this film is deficient, the result is dry eye symptoms.
People with dry eyes often describe a gritty, sandy, or burning sensation in the eyes, along with redness, blurred vision that clears with blinking, and paradoxically — excessive watering. The excessive tearing occurs as a reflex when the eye surface becomes too dry and irritated, causing a sudden flood of tears that do not have the right composition to resolve the underlying problem.
Dry eyes have become increasingly common in the modern era, largely due to the widespread use of digital screens, which significantly reduces the rate of blinking. Other contributing factors include aging, contact lens wear, low-humidity environments, autoimmune conditions, and certain medications. While dry eye disease is rarely vision-threatening, it can significantly affect quality of life and, in severe cases, can cause damage to the surface of the eye.
There are several possible reasons you may be experiencing Dry Eyes. Here are the most common ones.
When focusing on a digital screen, people blink significantly less frequently than normal — sometimes up to half as often. Blinking is essential for spreading tears evenly across the eye surface, so reduced blinking allows tears to evaporate more quickly, leading to dry, irritated eyes. This is sometimes called 'digital eye strain' or 'computer vision syndrome.'
Tear production naturally decreases with age, making dry eyes increasingly common in people over 50. Women are particularly susceptible, as hormonal changes during and after menopause significantly affect the composition and quantity of tears produced by the lacrimal glands.
The meibomian glands are tiny glands along the edges of the eyelids that produce the oily outer layer of the tear film, which prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become clogged or inflamed — a condition called MGD — the lipid layer of the tear film is insufficient, and tears evaporate faster than normal.
Contact lenses sit on the surface of the eye and can disrupt the tear film, absorb tears, and reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea. Prolonged wear or wearing lenses beyond their recommended replacement schedule significantly increases the risk of developing dry eye symptoms.
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the moisture-producing glands — including the lacrimal (tear) glands — leading to severely reduced tear production. It can cause profound dry eye symptoms and is often accompanied by dry mouth and other systemic features.
Exposure to dry air, wind, smoke, or air conditioning and heating systems dramatically increases tear evaporation from the eye surface. People in low-humidity environments — such as airplane cabins, air-conditioned offices, or desert climates — are particularly prone to experiencing dry eye symptoms.
Many commonly used medications can reduce tear production or alter the composition of the tear film. These include antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, blood pressure medications (particularly beta-blockers), and diuretics. If you suspect a medication is contributing to your dry eyes, discuss alternatives with your doctor.
LASIK and other forms of refractive surgery can temporarily or sometimes permanently disrupt the corneal nerves responsible for signaling the lacrimal glands to produce tears. This can result in dry eyes after surgery — a well-recognized complication that usually improves over several months but may persist in some patients.
These approaches may help manage dry eyes at home. Always consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.
Over-the-counter preservative-free artificial tear drops are the most commonly recommended first-line treatment for mild to moderate dry eyes. They supplement the natural tear film and relieve discomfort. Look for products labeled 'preservative-free' if you need to use drops more than four times a day, as preservatives in some drops can worsen irritation with frequent use.
When using digital screens, practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This encourages blinking and gives your eyes a rest from the sustained focus that reduces blink rate. Making a conscious effort to blink fully and regularly during screen use can also help.
Applying a warm, clean cloth to closed eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes may help melt the waxy secretions that can clog the meibomian glands. Following this with a gentle eyelid massage along the lash line can help express the gland contents and improve the quality of the oily layer of the tear film.
Some research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids — found in fish oil and flaxseed oil supplements — may help improve tear quality and reduce inflammation associated with dry eye disease. While the evidence is not definitive, omega-3 supplements are generally safe and may provide modest benefit for some people with dry eyes.
Using a humidifier in your home or office — particularly in the bedroom during sleep — can help maintain a comfortable level of air moisture that reduces tear evaporation. Positioning a humidifier near your workspace may also provide relief during long periods of screen use.
Diagnosing dry eye disease typically begins with a detailed eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, including an evaluation of the eyelids, tear film, and corneal surface. The Schirmer's test — in which small strips of paper are placed at the edge of the lower eyelid to measure tear production over 5 minutes — can quantify tear volume. Tear film break-up time (TBUT) is measured by instilling a fluorescent dye into the eye and observing how quickly the tear film breaks apart under a slit lamp. The corneal and conjunctival surface may also be stained with dyes to reveal any surface damage from inadequate tear coverage. Blood tests may be recommended if an autoimmune cause such as Sjogren's syndrome is suspected.
See an eye care professional if dry eye symptoms persist despite using lubricating drops, are accompanied by significant eye pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes.
Steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of experiencing dry eyes.
Take regular breaks from digital screens using the 20-20-20 rule and make a conscious effort to blink fully and frequently during screen use.
Wear wraparound sunglasses or protective eyewear outdoors to shield your eyes from wind, sun, and dry conditions that accelerate tear evaporation.
Stay well hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day, as systemic dehydration can contribute to reduced tear production.
If you wear contact lenses, follow your eye care provider's recommendations for wearing schedule and replacement frequency, and consider switching to daily disposable lenses if you experience dryness.
Discuss any medications you take with your doctor or pharmacist to understand whether they may be contributing to dry eye symptoms, and explore alternatives if needed.
Paradoxical tearing — excessive watering in someone with dry eyes — occurs because the chronically dry, irritated eye surface triggers a reflex response from the lacrimal glands, which flood the eye with large amounts of basic (reflex) tears. These tears do not have the right composition to resolve the underlying dryness, so the problem persists despite the watering.
In most cases, dry eye disease is uncomfortable but does not cause permanent vision loss. However, in severe, untreated cases, chronic dryness can cause damage to the corneal surface (epithelium), leading to scarring that may permanently affect vision. This is why persistent or severe dry eye symptoms should be evaluated and managed by an eye care professional.
Preservative-free artificial tears are generally safe for long-term, frequent use. However, eye drops that contain preservatives should not be used more than four times per day over an extended period, as the preservatives can accumulate and irritate the eye surface. Eye drops marketed to 'get the red out' contain vasoconstrictors and are not appropriate for treating dry eye — they can worsen the condition with regular use.
LASIK surgery can cause or worsen dry eyes, particularly in the months following the procedure, as it cuts corneal nerves involved in tear reflex signaling. For most patients, this is temporary and improves within 6 to 12 months. However, a small percentage of patients may experience persistent dry eye symptoms. Discussing your dry eye risk with your surgeon before LASIK is important for managing expectations and outcomes.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.