Dry eyes aren’t “fine.”
While dry eye is becoming increasingly common, affecting millions of people worldwide, it is not normal for your eyes to experience discomfort and for you to use eye drops for relief.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye disease is an eye condition that occurs when there is an issue with any one of the three components of your tear film.
Your tear film is a layer of tears that covers your eye surface. The tear film is responsible for keeping your eyes feeling hydrated and comfortable, while also protecting them from foreign particles. Your tears are made up of 3 distinct layers, each with its own role and composition, that work together to keep your eyes healthy:
The oil layer is produced by your meibomian glands, creating a layer that helps seal in the rest of your tear film. The oil layer prevents the other tear film layers from evaporating.
The water layer is produced by your lacrimal glands, making up the middle section of your tear film. It’s responsible for keeping your eye hydrated, delivering nutrients to your eyes, and keeping your eye free from particles and bacteria.
The mucus layer is the innermost layer of your tear film. It’s responsible for keeping the rest of the tear film fastened to your eye.
What causes dry eye?
Dry eye disease is a “multifactorial disease of the ocular surface,” meaning that many factors may cause a tear film imbalance. Here is a list of some of the most common causes of dry eye:
Aging: Tear production naturally slows down with age.
Health conditions: Some health conditions that can cause dry eyes include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, sarcoidosis, diabetes, and thyroid problems.
Medications: Many medications can cause dry eyes, including those for allergies, colds, depression, high blood pressure, birth control, and Parkinson's disease.
Nutritional deficiencies: Vitamin A, vitamin D, and omega-3 deficiencies can contribute to dry eyes.
Hormonal changes: During pregnancy and after menopause.
Eye surgeries: LASIK
Environmental conditions: Dry air, wind, and low humidity can cause your tears to evaporate faster.
Irritants: Exposure to cigarette smoke, dust, or chemicals can cause dry eyes.
Screen time: Looking at screens for long periods of time can lead to dry eyes because you blink less.
Contact lenses: Soft contacts can prevent your eyes from getting enough lubrication, and many people don't clean or wear them properly.
What are symptoms of dry eye?
Burning, gritty, or scratchy feeling in your eyes
Red or irritated eyes
Overly-watery eyes
Sensitivity to light or photophobia
Blurred vision or eye fatigue
Blinking to clear your vision
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
Crusting on your eyelids
The watery eyes symptom may seem confusing, but it’s a common aspect of dry eye. This happens when your meibomian glands aren’t making enough oils for the outer layer of your tear film, so the watery layer of your tear film evaporates too quickly. In response, your lacrimal glands try to make more watery tears to compensate but these tears can’t properly coat your eye, as the oily layer would.
Interventional dry eye care: the key to long-term relief.
When managing dry eye disease, it’s important to understand the difference between passive care and interventional care. Passive dry eye care typically focuses on short-term symptom relief through over-the-counter treatments like artificial tears, warm compresses, or eyelid hygiene. While these methods can provide temporary comfort, they don't address the root causes of dry eye, such as inflammation, meibomian gland dysfunction, or poor tear quality. Passive care is often the first step for many people, but it may not be enough for those with moderate to severe or chronic dry eye disease.
Interventional dry eye care, on the other hand, takes a proactive, targeted approach. This includes in-office treatments and advanced therapies designed to improve the underlying causes of dry eye disease. Examples include procedures like intense pulsed light (IPL), radiofrequency, or prescription medications that reduce inflammation and stimulate natural tear production. By addressing the source of the problem, interventional care offers long-term improvement in both symptoms and overall eye health. For individuals whose dry eye is progressive or significantly impacts their daily life, interventional care can make a transformative difference.
Experience the benefits of interventional dry eye care—schedule an appointment today to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
You wouldn’t ignore serious eye diseases like glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration, so why treat dry eye disease any differently?
Dry eye disease is a chronic and progressive condition that can worsen over time if left untreated. While it may start as mild irritation, it can escalate to more severe symptoms, impacting your vision, comfort, and quality of life. Everyday tasks like reading, working on a computer, or even driving can become challenging.
Dry eye isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a condition that requires attention and care. Don’t wait for it to take a toll—intervene early and take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable eyes.
Ready to say goodbye to dry eye discomfort?
At BRIGHT Eyes in Boone, North Carolina, we are committed to not just treating symptoms but addressing the root causes of dry eye disease. With our advanced diagnostic capabilities and specialized treatment options, we offer a pathway to lasting relief and improved quality of life. Our team is here to support you through every step of your journey to healthier, more comfortable eyes.
Contact BRIGHT Eyes today to schedule your dry eye evaluation. Let us help you rediscover the comfort and clarity you deserve!