Dry eye is one of the most common eye conditions, and at some point, almost everyone experiences it. In fact, studies suggest that nearly 75% of people worldwide will have dry eyes at least once in their lifetime.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Dry eyes can be triggered by a mix of environmental and health factors, such as:
- Prolonged screen time on computers or smartphones
- Air conditioning, pollution, cigarette smoke, and dusty or hot weather
- Contact lens wear
- Age and gender differences
- Certain medical conditions (especially autoimmune diseases)
- Side effects of medications
All of these can reduce or destabilize the tear film, making eyes feel uncomfortable and irritated.
Common Symptoms
If you have dry eyes, you may notice:
- A gritty or foreign body sensation
- Redness and irritation
- Itching or burning
- Excessive tearing
- Blurred vision
These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and often worsen without proper care.
How Dry Eyes Are Diagnosed
Eye specialists usually distinguish between two main types of dry eye:
- Evaporative Dry Eye – when tears evaporate too quickly from the eye’s surface.
- Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye – when the eyes do not produce enough tears.
Because the underlying causes differ, the treatment approach needs to be tailored to the specific type.
Treatment Options
Dry eye is rarely caused by a single factor, so treatment often requires a personalized approach. Depending on the severity and cause, management may include:
- Lifestyle adjustments (like reducing screen time or using a humidifier)
- Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops
- Tear duct plugs to conserve natural tears
- Advanced in-office therapies such as Intense Pulse Light (IPL)
At Eyemastr, we believe in individualized treatment plans to help patients find long-term relief and improve their quality of life.
When to See a Specialist
If you’re experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, it’s important to get a professional diagnosis. A specialist can identify the underlying cause and recommend the most effective treatment to restore comfort and protect your vision.
