Dry Eye Syndrome: What Causes It, What It Feels Like, and How to Treat It
The eyes are the second most complex organs in the body after the brain and play a vital role in almost every daily activity. From reading and driving to working on screens and recognizing faces, healthy vision is essential for maintaining independence and quality of life. Because of their constant use and sensitivity, it is important to provide the eyes with proper care and protection.
Under normal conditions, the eyes continuously produce tears to remain moist, lubricated, and comfortable throughout the day. A healthy tear film helps protect the surface of the eyes from irritation, infection, and environmental damage while also supporting clear vision. When tear production decreases or the tears evaporate too quickly, the eyes can become dry and irritated.
This may lead to a condition known as dry eye syndrome, which can cause symptoms such as burning, redness, blurry vision, stinging, eye fatigue, sensitivity to light, and the sensation of something being stuck in the eye. Prolonged screen use, aging, medications, environmental factors, and hormonal changes can all contribute to dry eyes.
Research also suggests that dry eye syndrome in women is especially common due to hormonal fluctuations related to pregnancy, menopause, and aging. In this article, we’re going to explore dry eyes, their causes, symptoms, and the management strategies that may help reduce the risk of complications associated with dry eye syndrome.
What is Dry Eye?
Understanding what this condition is all about is the first step toward proper management and long-term eye health. Dry eyes may seem like a minor irritation at first, but persistent dryness can significantly affect comfort, vision quality, productivity, and daily activities if left untreated.
Research shows that about 5% of Americans struggle with dry eye syndrome, although the actual number may be even higher due to underdiagnosis. The condition has become increasingly common in recent years, especially among people who spend long hours using digital devices.
Dry eyes happen when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly to keep the eyes properly lubricated. As moisture levels decrease, you may begin to notice symptoms such as burning, stinging, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, or a scratchy sensation in the eyes.
Some people experience occasional dryness, while others develop chronic conditions such as dry eye syndrome that cause more persistent discomfort. Modern lifestyle habits also contribute significantly to dry eye syndrome from screens, since staring at phones, tablets, and computers tends to reduce blinking frequency and increase tear evaporation.
In addition to lifestyle factors, nutrition may also influence eye health. A balanced dry eye syndrome diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and adequate hydration may help support healthy tear production and reduce inflammation associated with dry eyes.
How Do Tears Work?
To better understand dry eyes and the irritation that often comes with this condition, it is important to learn how tears function and why they are essential for eye health. Tears do much more than simply keep the eyes moist — they also help protect the eyes from dust, debris, bacteria, and environmental irritants while supporting clear and comfortable vision.
The lacrimal glands, located above each eye, are responsible for producing tears. Once the lubricating fluid is released, it spreads across the surface of the eye every time you blink. This tear film helps maintain a smooth optical surface and reduces friction between the eyelids and the eyeballs.
As mentioned earlier, tears play a critical role in keeping the eyes hydrated, smooth, and properly lubricated. When the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, dryness and irritation can occur. This may lead to symptoms such as burning, redness, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and a scratchy feeling in the eyes.
The entire tear-producing and drainage system is known as the lacrimal apparatus. In addition to the glands that create tears, this system includes tiny ducts and sacs that help distribute, store, and drain the tear fluid properly. Healthy tear production and drainage are both necessary for maintaining comfortable and well-functioning eyes throughout the day.
Types of Dry Eye Syndrome
If you’re experiencing dry eyes, you might want to find answers to your question - why do my eyes hurt? This syndrome has different types, and knowing the differences can help you identify the necessary actions to address your condition properly.
1. Aqueous-deficient dry eye
Aqueous-deficient dry eye means your lacrimal gland is not making enough of the aqueous layer of the tear film. This deficiency reduces the level of lubrication tears provided by your eyes.
2. Evaporative dry eye
Among the different types of dry eyes syndrome, this one is the most common. It happens when oil glands in the eyelids get blocked. These glands release oil that helps prevent tears from evaporating or becoming dry.
3. Mixed dry eye
With mixed dry eye, you’ll have signs of more than one of these conditions. For example, your lacrimal gland might not make enough of the aqueous layer in your tears while your oil glands are blocked at the same time. This type makes your symptoms worse.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
There are a couple of symptoms that you should look out for, but the most obvious is the dryness you feel in your eyes. Apart from this, you should also take note of the following symptoms:
-
A scratchy feeling in your eyes which gets worse when your eyes are dry.
-
You may also have burning or stinging sensations in your eyes.
-
Your sensitivity to light may change.
-
Blurred vision and difficulty focusing your vision on specific objects.
-
When you work on a computer or read, you may experience eye fatigue.
-
Sometimes, a gritty feeling can also develop, almost like you have some sand stuck in your eyes.
-
In certain cases, eyelids can start to swell up. This happens when your oil glands are blocked.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
Ageing Tear production naturally declines with age especially after 50. The most common unavoidable cause — dry eye is significantly more prevalent in adults over 50.
Screen Use and Reduced Blinking Prolonged screen time can reduce blinking by up to 50% limiting tear spread and increasing evaporation.
Hormonal Changes Shifts in hormones during pregnancy menopause or from birth control can affect tear balance. Women are significantly more affected than men due to hormonal influences on tear production.
Medications Antihistamines decongestants hormone replacement therapy antidepressants and medicines for high blood pressure acne birth control and Parkinson's disease are among the most common medication causes.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Blocked meibomian glands are more common in people with rosacea or other skin disorders. The most common cause of evaporative dry eye.
Contact Lens Use Corneal nerve desensitivity caused by contact lens use can contribute to dry eye symptoms. Contact lenses reduce blink rate and interfere with the tear film lipid layer.
Environmental Factors Wind, low humidity, smoke, air conditioning, and heating all accelerate tear evaporation. Cross-link to Eye Strain Headache and Allergic Conjunctivitis articles.
Nutritional Deficiencies Inadequate vitamin D levels have been linked to dry eye syndrome — vitamins B12 and A are also considered vital for eye health. Not drinking enough water or lacking nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to dry eye symptoms.
LASIK and Eye Surgery Corneal nerve desensitivity caused by laser eye surgery can cause dry eye symptoms though these are usually temporary.
What Can Dry Eyes Be a Sign of?
Dry eyes can also be a sign of a more serious health issue. Below are some diseases that have been linked to dry eyes:
-
Sjogren’s syndrome: This is an autoimmune disease that affects specific glands, including those that produce tears and saliva. The condition can cause both dry eyes and make your mouth feel dry.
-
Diabetes: If you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels can fluctuate. The disease damages your nerves and, over time, can also contribute to dry eyes.
-
Thyroid eye disease: Your thyroid makes hormones that are primarily involved with metabolism. However, research shows that certain thyroid disorders can also cause dry eye syndrome. This is sometimes also referred to as thyroid eye disease.
-
Blepharitis: This is a condition that specifically affects your eyelids. To be specific, blepharitis causes your eyelids to become swollen - and when this happens, your oil glands can become clogged. In turn, it results in evaporative dry eye syndrome.
Risk Factors for Dry Eye Syndrome
When you know the risk factors for this syndrome, it’s easier to determine just how likely you are to develop dry eyes. So, with that in mind, let’s take a close look at a couple of risk factors:
- If you’ve had eye surgery before, your risk of dry eyes is generally higher.
- If your work environment exposes you constantly to dust and toxins, it’s another risk factor for dry eyes.
- Experiencing an injury directly to your eyes makes you more likely to develop dry eye syndrome.
- Deficiency in certain nutrients such as vitamin A is a risk factor.
Management and Treatment
Understanding the risk factors and potential causes and knowing the different treatments for this condition is critical. The goal is to prevent your eyes from becoming too dry to ensure your vision is not affected.
Going to an eye specialist is vital in knowing your risk factors and the possible treatment. An eye examination and some bloodwork would make the official diagnosis. This way, it’s easier to identify the root causes and the treatment.
In addition to this, there are also things you can do to address dry eye syndrome. The discussion that follows explores the possible strategies.
How Do You Fix Dry Eyes?
Using artificial tears can be a great start to help you improve these symptoms. Certain vitamins and minerals could also help. Options like the Ocuvital Eye Health Supplements provide access to nutrients that are vital for tear production and overall vision.
Knowing how to cure dry eyes permanently might sound a little challenging. Taking a regimen of good supplements can be a great start. However, the treatment might take time especially if there is an underlying cause that needs to be addressed first.
10 Home Remedies for Dry Eye Syndrome
1. Warm Compresses Applying warm compresses is one of the at-home strategies that can relieve dry eye. A clean warm cloth applied over closed eyes for 10 minutes softens the meibomian gland secretions, improving the lipid layer of the tear film.
2. The 20-20-20 Rule Every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds — this simple habit forces you to rest your eyes and blink to re-wet the surface.
3. Increase Blinking Consciously Computer users tend to blink far less frequently which means their tears evaporate faster. Set a conscious reminder to blink fully and completely every few minutes during screen use.
4. Humidifier Use Using a humidifier is one of the helpful home remedies for dry eye. Increasing indoor humidity to 40–60% significantly reduces tear evaporation — particularly important in winter and air-conditioned environments.
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Not drinking enough water or lacking nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to dry eye symptoms. Multiple clinical trials support omega-3 supplementation for improving tear quality and reducing dry eye symptoms.
6. Artificial Tears (OTC) Using lubricating eye drops is one of the at-home strategies that can relieve dry eye. Preservative-free formulations recommended for frequent use — preserved drops can cause irritation with regular application.
7. Stay Hydrated Water lubricates the eyeballs and supports the lacrimal glands allowing your eyes to produce tears focus and do everything else that eyes do. Aim for 1.5–2 litres of water daily — dehydration directly reduces tear production.
8. Eyelid Hygiene Using eyelid scrubs is one of the helpful home remedies for dry eye. Warm water and a gentle eyelid scrub removes debris and unclogs meibomian glands — particularly important for meibomian gland dysfunction.
9. Reduce Screen Time and Adjust Ergonomics Position screens slightly below eye level — a lower gaze angle reduces the exposed ocular surface area and slows tear evaporation. Take regular breaks from all screens.
10. Dietary Changes Eating more antioxidant-rich food is one of the at-home strategies that can relieve dry eye — consider special-focus foods with their rich nutrient profile. Leafy greens, oily fish, eggs, and nuts — all support tear film health through lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3s, and vitamins A, C, and E.
Important caveat: Chronic dry eye requires medical treatment and guidance — natural remedies can help but often need to be approved by a doctor — if dry eye symptoms persist or worsen it is important to stop all remedies and consult with an eye specialist.
Dry Eye Syndrome and Screen Use
- Prolonged screen time can reduce blinking by up to 50% limiting tear spread and increasing evaporation.
- Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) — the clinical term for screen-related eye problems including dry eye
- Why video calls are worse than regular screen use — reduced blink rate is even lower on video calls
- Blue light and dry eye — indirect relationship through increased screen engagement time
- Practical adjustments — screen brightness, ambient lighting, monitor position, screen distance
Why Dry Eye Syndrome Affects Women More Than Men
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy menopause or from birth control can affect tear balance.
- Menopause is the single largest hormonal driver of dry eye in women — oestrogen and androgen receptors are present in lacrimal glands
- Oral contraceptives — associated with increased dry eye risk; often unrecognised connection.
Nutrients That Support Tear Film Health
- Inadequate vitamin D levels have been linked to dry eye syndrome — vitamins B12 and A are also considered vital for eye health.
- Omega-3 fatty acids — the strongest nutritional evidence for dry eye; EPA and DHA from fish oil support meibomian gland function
- Vitamin A — essential for mucin production in the tear film; deficiency causes dry eye
- Lutein and zeaxanthin — protect ocular tissue from oxidative stress
- Vitamin D — deficiency independently linked to dry eye syndrome
When to See an Eye Doctor About Dry Eye Syndrome
- See your health care provider if you have had prolonged signs and symptoms of dry eyes including red irritated tired or painful eyes.
- If dry eye symptoms persist or worsen it is important to stop all remedies and consult with an eye specialist.
- Vision changes alongside dry eye — warrants urgent review
- Contact lens wearers with worsening symptoms — may need to discontinue lens use temporarily
- Suspected Sjögren's syndrome — fatigue, joint pain, and dry mouth alongside dry eyes
FAQ’s
What causes dry eyes at night?
There are a couple of things that can make your eyes feel dry at night. Damaged eyelids, dehydration, and even age are potential causes. Apart from these, some health conditions can also contribute to your dry eyes at night.
Can dry eyes cause blindness?
Yes, it’s possible. However, it can be treated before it comes to this point. Underlying health conditions must not be ruled out, they may be the primary cause of blindness.
Is dry eye syndrome serious?
The severity depends on the way you are managing your condition. If you don’t apply the proper treatment when it is needed, it can become serious and even lead to vision impairment.
What vitamins are good for dry eyes?
Vitamin A could help improve the production of tears while vitamin B12 might help with the burning sensations that come with dry eyes. Other vitamins, like vitamins C, D, and E are also beneficial to your general eye health and can help in your dry eyes.
Takeaway
Dry eyes can be uncomfortable and can affect your vision. It can give you burning sensations and a scratchy feeling. If not treated well, it could become serious which could lead to blindness. Understanding this condition should make everything more manageable. While there are cases where dry eyes can be serious, treatments are available for this syndrome. If you have dry eyes syndrome, it is best to check with your doctor to understand the cause and then work on a management plan to prevent those unpleasant complications.
References
1] https://www.verywellhealth.com/dry-eye-syndrome-facts-6188248
2] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24415-lacrimal-apparatus
3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4655452/
Amr
Amr Adel Helmy is a 29-year-old pharmacist who has established himself as an experienced medical content writer. He holds a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from the esteemed Faculty of Pharmacy at Alexandria University. Amr's passion for writing stemmed from his interest in healthcare, and he combined his knowledge of the medical field with his creative flair to become a proficient content writer. Throughout his career, Amr has worked on various projects, including medical articles, research papers, and informative blog posts for clients in the healthcare industry. He has a comprehensive understanding of medical terminology and can translate complex medical jargon into easily understandable language for the general public. Amr's dedication to his craft is reflected in the quality of his work, and his attention to detail ensures that each piece of content he writes is accurate, informative, and engaging. When he's not working, Amr enjoys reading about the latest advancements in healthcare and spending time with his loved ones.
