What Is Dry Eye?

Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a complex condition that has many causes and creates many symptoms. It is a common condition characterized by insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, leading to discomfort, inflammation, and damage to the surface of the eye. DED can result from various factors, including aging, hormonal changes, environmental conditions, contact lens wear, eye surgery, prolonged screen time, certain medications, and underlying health conditions. In many cases, DED is under-reported by patients to their medical professionals. Self treatment is very common using various OTC products usually without satisfying results.

Causes and Symptoms

What Causes Dry Eye?

Poor quality tears
Partial blinking
Contact lens wear
Various Rx & OTC medications
Hormonal imbalances
Eye Surgery – Cataract/LASIK/PRK
Autoimmune diseases
Dermatological diseases
Chemotherapy treatments
Prolonged screen time
C-PAP use
Being over age 50
Eye makeup misuse
Eyelid mites
Incomplete eyelid closure during sleep

Dry Eye Symptoms May Include:

Chronic tearing
Gritty & burning sensation
Bloodshot appearance
Reddened eyelids
Eyelash flakes/crusts
Eyelash loss
Eye rubbing/fingering
Light sensitivity
Contact lens problems
Eye pain upon awakening
Soapy froth on eyelids
Excessive blinking
Mucus strands
Frequent styes

The Importance of Healthy Tears

It can not be overstated – the quality of tears is as important as the quantity of tears a person produces to lubricate their eyes. Human tears are made by 3 types of glands which produce mucins, water, and oils. Dry Eye Disease develops over time when the natural homeostasis of these tear film components gets out of balance The oil content in tears is primarily provided by the meibomian glands in the eyelids. This oily layer helps to prevent the evaporation of tears, ensuring adequate moisture on the eye’s surface. Without sufficient oil, tears can evaporate too quickly, leading to dry eye symptoms, discomfort, and increased risk of irritation or infection. The oil also contributes to the stability of the tear film, promoting clear vision and protecting the cornea. Overall, healthy oil content in tears is vital for lubrication, comfort, and visual clarity. In 86% of Dry Eye Disease cases, inadequate and/or poor oil quality is a driving cause. This condition is known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Over the years, these meibomian glands can atrophy causing the oils to become waxy and solidify thus plugging up these glands and blocking the oil secretions. When this happens, the tears lose this valuable liquid oil component of their chemistry resulting in a cascade of symptoms. The longer comprehensive dry eye treatments are delayed, the more severe the condition becomes and the more difficult it is to treat.

Relief is in sight.

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