What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye disease occurs for people when their eyes are not sufficiently lubricated by tears. This can be the result of tear ducts not producing tears to the extent needed, or the tear fluid lacks the right viscousness to provide proper lubrication.

This condition causes discomfort with normal movement of the eyeballs, but people suffering from dry eye disease may also experience eyeball inflammation and damage to the eye surface if dry eye disease is left untreated. Dry eye disease is seen more frequently in people over 50 years of age, and it occurs more frequently for women than it does for men.

What Causes Dry Eye Disease?

Causes for dry eye disease may be hormone changes, eyelid gland inflammation, autoimmune disease, or allergic eye disease. Some people may have dry eye disease symptoms because of environmental factors and be experiencing increased tear evaporation, but only temporarily. Once they are out of that environment then eye dryness will likely no longer be a problem for them.

Dry eye disease may also develop because of long-term keratoconjunctivitis sicca when the tear ducts lose their ability to produce tears. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca may result from scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome, thyroid disorders, or a prolonged Vitamin A deficiency.

Dry Eye Disease Symptoms

Dry eye disease symptoms include a scratchy or sandy sensation in the eye, burning or stinging feeling in the eye, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, mucus discharge from the eye, eye redness, watery eyes, and eye fatigue. Discomfort in the eyes when reading can also be a symptom of dry eye disease.   

Treatment for Dry Eye Disease

Using artificial tears eye drops to relieve eye dryness is the standard approach for dry eye disease treatment. It is also standard to take preventative measures like adding moisture to indoor air with a humidifier, avoiding having air blown into the eyes with fans, air conditioners, or hair dryers, taking long breaks during task that involve extensive eye focus or movement, and avoiding irritants or anything that might promote eye inflammation.