Dry Eye is a condition that affects your tear film. This film is made of three layers of tears that cover and safeguard the surface of your eyes. To see clearly, you require a smooth and stable tear film. However, any modifications to your tear film can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as burning, itching, watering, or blurred vision.
There are short-term effects such as stinging, burning, itching, gritty sensations and blurring of vision, and long-term effects such as damage to the cornea and eye infection of untreated dry eyes.
That’s why if you are experiencing persistent short-term symptoms impacting your daily life, you should consult the best Dry Eye Specialist in Thane, Mumbai at the nearest hospital.
What are the Causes of Dry Eyes?
Your tears have 3 layers (oil, water, and mucus). This keeps your eyes hydrated.
Dry eye occurs when:
- Glands don’t produce sufficient watery fluid.
- The oily layer is insufficient because of Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), causing tears to disappear very fast.
Here are the possible contributing factors to dry eyes.
A. Age-Associated Factors
- Getting Older (over 50 years)
As you age, your tear glands are unable to produce adequate moisture as cells wear out and regenerative ability declines, similar to a drying well. - Do Tear Ducts change with age?
Yes. The tiny drainage holes known as puncta can become narrowed, leading to dry eyes and other issues. - Changes in Hormonal Levels
Hormonal fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone and androgens can harm tear production and quality, leading to dry eyes. This is particularly common during menopause, pregnancy or any use of birth control pills.
B. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
- More Total Screen Time
Extended screen time decreases blinking by 60%. This speeds tear evaporation as the brain focuses intensely. - How to address Dry Eyes from Digital Strain
Use the ‘20-20-20’ rule to help restore moisture. This means every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to stare at something 20 feet away. - Pollution or Environmental Factors
Wind, smoke, dry air or dust strips tears through evaporation or irritation, much like a fan blowing over wet skin until the moisture goes away. - Long-term Use of Contact Lenses
Extended use of contact lenses can numb corneal nerves, signaling fewer tears, while lenses absorb moisture like a sponge. Talk to the best Ophthalmologist in Thane, Mumbai like Dr. C M Wavikar if you wear contacts and you have had dry eyes for a long time.
C. Influences of Medical Conditions and Medication
- Blepharitis/Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
MGD, the leading cause of evaporative Dry Eye disease (DED). It is characterized by a reduction and/or change in the eye’s oil glands (meibum secretion). This results in the disruption of the tear film lipid layer and an increased rate of tear film evaporation. - Prescribed Medications
Prescribed medicines such as antihistamines, antidepressants and blood pressure drugs can block tear secretion as a side effect, drying eyes. Inform your doctor about the condition so that they can help; switching or adding drops often mitigates this. - Ongoing Medical Conditions
Medical conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis attack moisture glands; chronic diabetes can lead to nerve damage, further impairing blink-triggered tears.
How Do I Check if My Eyes are Dry? | The Symptoms
If you experience the following symptoms, they can indicate dry eyes; however, consult a top Ophthalmologist in Thane, Mumbai for an accurate diagnosis.
- A sandy, gritty or scratchy sensation in your eyes.
- Blurry vision
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Mucus in or around your eyes
- Increases sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes or excess tears
- Red, irritated, or sore eyes.
- Eye fatigue.
- Foreign body sensation in the eye
Will Dry Eyes go away?
Dry eye is a long-term (chronic) condition. It doesn’t have a cure, but treatments under an Eye Specialist can help manage your symptoms.
Which Solution is Best for Dry Eyes?
Your Ophthalmologist can prescribe you from the following solutions for Dry Eyes:
- Lubricating Eye drops
- Anti-inflammatory drops
- Punctal Plugs procedure
- Thermal pulsation (like LipiFlow)
- Lifestyle tips including
- Wearing protective sunglasses
- Use of humidifiers
- Applying the ‘20-20-20’ rule – every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to stare at something 20 feet away
- Staying hydrated
- Blinking more
- Omega-3s intake
- Avoiding smoke, wind and dry air vents etc.
To Summarize
You must pay attention to what your eyes are feeling, because they are the ones helping you see the world and navigate everyday tasks. Do not allow the minor symptoms to turn into a major complication; hence, consult your Eye Doctor for timely care.
When to Consult the Best Ophthalmologist at Wavikar Eye Institute for Dry Eyes
- Persistent redness, burning and stinging in your eye
- Difficulty in reading, driving and computer use
- Severe pain in the eyes
- History of dry eyes
Having constant dry eyes? Then, it’s time to schedule a callback.
Contact us:
Call: +91 93555 29217
WhatsApp: +91 77100 55123
Email: contact@wavikareye.com
FAQs
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This content is medically reviewed by the Ophthalmology team of Wavikar Eye Institute, a trusted healthcare provider in diagnosing and managing eye conditions. All content is medically reviewed to ensure reliability and clinical accuracy.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for professional advice. Contact your Ophthalmologist for the right management of eye conditions.
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