Dry Eye Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes either do not produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears that evaporate too quickly.

Common Symptoms

• Burning
• Stinging
• Redness
• Blurry vision
• Watering
• Gritty sensation
• Contact lens discomfort

Common Causes

• Aging
• Screen use
• Medications
• Autoimmune disease
• Meibomian gland dysfunction
• Environmental factors

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause and severity.

Possible treatments include:

• Artificial tears
• Warm compresses
• Lid hygiene
• Prescription medications
• Punctal plugs
• In-office treatments
• Nutritional supplements

When Should You See an Eye Doctor?

If symptoms persist longer than a few weeks or affect your daily activities, schedule an evaluation.

‍