Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry Eye Syndrome (also called Dry Eye Disease or Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to irritation, blurry vision, and discomfort.
Causes
- Decreased tear production (due to age, medications, autoimmune diseases)
- Increased tear evaporation (from screen use, dry environments, wind)
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) – the most common cause, where the oil glands in the eyelids don’t produce enough oil to keep tears from drying too fast
- Hormonal changes
- Contact lens wear
- LASIK or other eye surgeries
Symptoms
- Dryness, grittiness, or a burning sensation in the eyes
- Blurred vision that improves with blinking
- Red or irritated eyes
- Watery eyes (a response to irritation)
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye fatigue, especially after screen use or reading
Diagnosis
- Eye exam and patient history
- Tests to measure tear volume and quality (e.g., Schirmer test, tear breakup time)
- Imaging of oil (meibomian) glands in the eyelids
- Evaluation for inflammation or eyelid issues
Management & Treatment
Home & First-Line Treatments
- Artificial tears (preservative-free drops are best for regular use)
- Warm compresses and eyelid massage
- Eyelid hygiene (cleaning the eyelid margins with gentle wipes or cleansers)
- Humidifiers in dry environments
- Limiting screen time and taking breaks (20-20-20 rule)
Medications
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops (e.g., cyclosporine or lifitegrast)
- Steroid eye drops (short-term use)
- Omega-3 supplements (may improve oil quality in tears)
Advanced Therapies
LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation Therapy
- Treats Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
- A device gently applies heat and pressure to the inner and outer eyelids to melt and express clogged oils
- In-office, non-invasive, takes about 12 minutes per eye
- Often provides relief for 6–12 months
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
- IPL is used for chronic dry eye linked to inflammation and MGD
- Uses light pulses to reduce eyelid inflammation, improve oil flow, and restore tear film balance
- Done as a series of sessions, usually 4 treatments over 3–4 weeks
- Safe and effective
When to See an Eye Doctor
- If over-the-counter drops aren’t helping
- If symptoms are affecting your daily life
- If you have redness, pain, or changes in vision
- If you're interested in advanced treatments like LipiFlow or IPL