What Really Causes Dry Eyes? How an Optometrist Can Provide Relief

Dry eye disease is a common yet often misunderstood condition that can significantly impact your daily life. If you’ve ever experienced a burning sensation, redness, or the feeling that something is in your eye, you may be dealing with dry eye. While environmental factors can contribute to the discomfort, there are often underlying medical reasons behind this condition. Understanding what truly causes dry eye and how an optometrist can provide relief is key to finding long-term solutions.

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is insufficient to keep the eyes properly lubricated. Tears play a crucial role in maintaining eye health, providing moisture, and removing debris from the eye’s surface. When tear production is compromised, it can lead to irritation, inflammation, and even damage to the cornea over time.

What Causes Dry Eye?

The meibomian glands in the eyelids produce the oily layer of tears that helps prevent evaporation. If these glands become blocked or do not function properly, tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness. meibomian gland dysfunction is one of the most frequent causes of dry eye and can result in symptoms such as irritation, blurred vision, and discomfort.

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids caused by bacteria, clogged oil glands, or skin conditions such as rosacea. This condition can lead to flaky debris along the lash line, redness, and swelling, which disrupts tear production and contributes to dry eye symptoms.

Other Causes of Dry Eye Include:
 

• Aging – Tear production naturally decreases with age, making dry eye more common in older adults.

• Environmental factors – Wind, smoke, air conditioning, and prolonged screen use can dry out the eyes.

• Hormonal changes – Women going through menopause are particularly prone to dry eye due to hormonal fluctuations.

• Medications – Certain medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, can reduce tear production.

• Contact lens wear – Long-term contact lens use can contribute to dry eye by disrupting the tear film.

• Autoimmune diseases – Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can cause chronic dry eye.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

The symptoms of dry eye can vary in severity, but common signs include:
 

• A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes

• Redness and irritation

• Sensitivity to light

• Blurred vision

• Watery eyes

• A burning or stinging sensation

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

How an Optometrist Can Help

If you experience persistent dry eye symptoms, visiting an optometrist is the best way to determine the cause and receive personalized treatment. Optometrists use advanced diagnostic tools to assess the quality and quantity of your tears, identify underlying conditions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.

A comprehensive eye exam is the first step in identifying the cause of dry eye symptoms. An optometrist will assess your tear film, meibomian gland function, and overall eye health to determine the best course of action for relief.

One of the most common treatments is prescription eye drops. Depending on the severity of your condition, your optometrist may recommend artificial tears for mild cases or anti-inflammatory drops and prescription medications to help increase tear production and reduce discomfort.

For conditions like blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), maintaining proper lid hygiene and using warm compresses can be beneficial. Cleaning the eyelids regularly and applying heat to the area can help unclog oil glands and improve tear quality, reducing irritation and dryness.

In more severe cases, an optometrist may suggest punctal plugs, which are small, biocompatible devices inserted into the tear ducts. These plugs help retain moisture on the eye’s surface by slowing tear drainage, providing longer-lasting relief.

Additionally, lifestyle and environmental adjustments can play a crucial role in managing dry eye symptoms. Your optometrist may recommend using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, taking regular breaks from screen time, or incorporating certain nutrients into your diet to support eye health. By addressing both medical and environmental factors, a personalized treatment plan can help restore comfort and improve overall eye function.

Finding Dry Eye Relief at Honest Eyecare

Dry eye can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but relief is possible with the right care. Identifying the underlying cause and seeking professional treatment can help restore moisture to your eyes and improve your overall comfort.

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, contact Honest Eyecare to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and find the best treatment options for lasting relief. Visit our office in Richmond or Elyson-Katy, Texas. Please call (832) 535-1085 or (281) 560-3456 to book an appointment today.