Dry Eye: Symptoms, Causes, Tests & Treatment

Overview

A healthy tear film coats the front of the eye and keeps it lubricated, clear and comfortable. Dry eye disease occurs when there is not enough tear volume, or when the quality of the tears is poor and they evaporate too fast, leaving the eye surface exposed and irritated.

Dry eye is extremely common and is increasingly seen in younger patients due to prolonged use of computers, smartphones and air-conditioned environments, all of which reduce the normal blink rate and tear stability.

While usually not sight-threatening, chronic untreated dry eye can affect the surface of the cornea and cause persistent discomfort that interferes with reading, screen work and daily activities.

Symptoms

• Burning, stinging or gritty sensation in the eyes
• Redness and a feeling of dryness, especially by evening
• Watering of the eyes (a reflex response to surface irritation)
• Blurred vision that improves temporarily with blinking
• Sensitivity to light and wind
• Discomfort while reading, using screens, or wearing contact lenses

Causes

• Reduced tear production with age, especially after menopause
• Meibomian gland dysfunction, where the oily layer of the tear film is deficient
• Prolonged screen use with reduced blink rate
• Environmental factors — air conditioning, wind, dust and pollution
• Contact lens wear
• Certain medications (antihistamines, some blood pressure and antidepressant drugs)
• Underlying conditions such as thyroid disease or autoimmune disorders

Risk Factors

• Extended screen time (computers, smartphones)
• Age above 40 years, particularly post-menopausal women
• Contact lens use
• Previous LASIK or ocular surgery
• Living or working in air-conditioned or dusty environments
• Autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis

When to See a Doctor

Consult an ophthalmologist if dryness, burning or grittiness persists despite basic measures such as blinking breaks and over-the-counter lubricating drops, or if it is affecting your work and daily comfort.

See a doctor promptly if you notice reduced vision, severe pain, or a feeling of something stuck in the eye, as these need examination to rule out a corneal surface problem.

Diagnosis

Dry eye is diagnosed through a detailed history of symptoms combined with a clinical examination of the tear film and the surface of the eye.

Tests

• Slit lamp examination of the tear film, eyelids and ocular surface
• Tear film break-up time assessment
• Evaluation of the eyelid margins for meibomian gland dysfunction
• Assessment for any associated corneal surface changes

Treatment Options

Treatment is tailored to the severity and underlying cause and usually combines lubrication with lifestyle adjustments.

• Preservative-free lubricating eye drops used regularly through the day
• Warm compresses and lid hygiene for meibomian gland dysfunction
• Reducing continuous screen time and following the 20-20-20 rule (a 20-second break every 20 minutes, looking 20 feet away)
• Adjusting environmental factors such as air-conditioning airflow and humidity
• Treating any underlying eyelid, thyroid or autoimmune condition contributing to dryness
• Prescription anti-inflammatory drops for more persistent cases, when advised by the doctor

Expected Outcomes

Most patients experience significant symptom relief with consistent use of lubricating drops and lifestyle changes. Dry eye is usually a chronic condition that is managed rather than 'cured', so ongoing care and periodic review give the most comfortable long-term results.

Why Choose Dr. Murkute's O2 Bone & Eye Care

• Detailed ocular surface evaluation by Dr. Dipti Murkute (Pansare), MBBS, DNB Ophthalmology, FICO (UK)
• Thorough slit lamp assessment of tear film and eyelid health using the Appasamy 3-step slit lamp
• Practical, individualised advice on screen habits and lubrication routines
• Follow-up care to fine-tune treatment for lasting comfort
• Convenient Kharadi location for patients across East Pune