Dry Eye Awareness Month: How to Manage and Treat Dry Eyes

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes either do not produce enough tears or when the tears produced are of insufficient quality, preventing proper lubrication. Tears play an essential role in maintaining eye health by keeping the surface of the eye moist, flushing away irritants, and delivering crucial nutrients to the cornea. Without adequate moisture, the eyes can become dry, irritated, and inflamed, causing discomfort and visual disturbances.

In dry eye disease, the tear film that coats the eyes may evaporate too quickly or fail to be replenished properly, causing an imbalance. This leads to feelings of scratchiness, grittiness, or burning in the eyes. The condition can range from mild irritation to more severe discomfort, often making activities like reading, driving, or using digital devices for extended periods difficult.

Dry eye can be triggered by several factors that affect tear production, the quality of tears, or the speed at which they evaporate. Understanding these causes is essential for determining the most effective treatment options.

• Aging: As we age, tear production naturally decreases, making dry eye more common in individuals over 50. 

• Environmental Factors: Dry climates, air conditioning, smoke, wind, and pollutants can all contribute to dry eye by increasing tear evaporation. 

• Health Conditions: Certain conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the quality of tears or the glands responsible for producing them. 

• Medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and beta-blockers, can reduce tear production as a side effect, making dry eye symptoms more prominent. 

• Contact Lens Wear: Long-term or improper use of contact lenses can contribute to dry eyes, as the lenses can absorb moisture from the eye’s surface and disrupt tear distribution. 

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts like those experienced during pregnancy, menopause, or because of certain birth control methods can affect tear production and lead to dry eye. 

• Screen Time: Prolonged exposure to digital screens, whether for work, entertainment, or study, often leads to reduced blinking, contributing to dry eye symptoms. 

Identifying Dry Eye Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of dry eye is the first step in managing the condition effectively. While occasional dryness is common, dry eye disease becomes a concern when these symptoms persist and begin to interfere with your daily activities. The severity of dry eye symptoms can range from mild irritation to more significant discomfort, often varying based on environmental factors and daily routines. Some of the most common symptoms of dry eye include:

• Gritty or scratchy sensation 

• Burning or stinging 

• Redness 

• Blurred vision 

• Excessive tearing 

• Light sensitivity 

• Eye fatigue 

While mild dryness can often be alleviated with simple at-home remedies, if symptoms persist and start affecting your day-to-day life, it’s important to consult a professional. If your dryness becomes constant, worsens, or if you experience discomfort while wearing contact lenses, or if your symptoms interfere with your usual activities, make an appointment with your nearest Nationwide Vision location for a thorough evaluation.

Effective Solutions for Managing Dry Eye Syndrome

Treating dry eye syndrome depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying causes. While lifestyle changes and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can be effective for mild cases, individuals with moderate to severe dry eye may require more advanced options. Below are some of the most effective treatment approaches for managing dry eye symptoms:

Lifestyle Adjustments

Making a few changes to your daily routine can significantly alleviate dry eye symptoms.

1. Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air in dry or air-conditioned environments can prevent tear evaporation and help soothe dryness. 

2. Practice the 20-20-20 Rule: If you spend long periods in front of screens, take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away. This encourages natural blinking and reduces eye strain. 

3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain the health of your tear glands and ensures your eyes stay properly moisturized. 

4. Avoid Wind and Direct Sunlight: Protect your eyes from the wind and harsh sunlight by wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear to prevent exacerbating dry eye symptoms. 

5. Take Regular Breaks: If you're reading, working on a computer, or doing anything that requires intense focus, take regular breaks to rest your eyes and reduce irritation. 

Over-the-Counter Treatments

OTC lubricating eye drops, commonly known as artificial tears, are one of the most common treatments for dry eye. These drops provide moisture to the eyes and alleviate symptoms like burning and scratchiness. If you have sensitive eyes, preservative-free drops are available. You can also use thicker, gel-like ointments overnight to help with dryness in the morning.

A warm compress is another great option for treating dry eyes. It helps open blocked meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil in your tears. This reduces tear evaporation and improves tear quality, offering relief from dry eye symptoms.

Prescription Treatments

For moderate to severe dry eye, your eye care provider may recommend stronger treatments, such as:

• Restasis®: Restasis is a prescription eye drop that works by reducing inflammation in the eye and increasing tear production. It’s ideal for patients with chronic dry eye caused by inflammation. 

• Xiidra®: Another prescription eye drop, Xiidra targets the inflammation that contributes to dry eye disease, improving the overall comfort and hydration of the eyes. 

• Punctal Plugs: These tiny devices are inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage and help retain moisture on the surface of the eye. Punctal plugs can be particularly useful for people who have trouble maintaining sufficient tear production. 

Advanced Therapies

In severe cases of dry eye, more advanced therapies may be required. Lipiflow® is a non-invasive in-office treatment that uses heat and gentle massage to treat meibomian gland dysfunction, which is a common cause of dry eye. This therapy helps restore normal oil production, improving tear quality.

For patients with severe dry eye or damage to the cornea, scleral lenses—large, gas-permeable contact lenses—can create a moisture reservoir over the eye’s surface. These lenses provide constant hydration and protection, offering comfort throughout the day.