want to know more?

Have a question about Dry Eyes?

FAQs

What is dry eye disease?

Dry eye disease is a common condition where your eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort, redness, and blurry vision. It can also affect your quality of life and eye health if untreated.

What are the main symptoms of dry eye?

Common symptoms include dryness, burning, itching, redness, a gritty sensation, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision. Paradoxically, some people may experience excessive tearing as the eyes try to compensate for dryness.

What causes dry eye disease?

Dry eye can result from aging, hormonal changes, excessive screen time, certain medications, medical conditions (like diabetes or Sjögren's syndrome), or environmental factors such as wind and dry air. Contact lens use or prolonged reading can also contribute.

When should I see an optometrist for dry eye?

You should see an optometrist if you experience persistent symptoms like dryness, redness, or blurry vision that don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments. Severe discomfort or potential complications like eye infections also warrant medical attention.

How is dry eye disease treated?

Treatment depends on the severity but often starts with artificial tears, eyelid hygiene, and lifestyle changes. Advanced treatments include prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or therapies like IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), LLLT (Low Level Light Therapy), RF (Radiofrequency) Rexon-Eye and Lipiflow.

Can I manage dry eye symptoms at home?

Yes. You can use artificial tears, maintain good eyelid hygiene, take regular screen breaks, stay hydrated, and use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Warm compresses can help improve tear quality.

Can dry eye disease be cured?

There is no permanent cure for most cases of dry eye, but symptoms can be effectively managed with proper care and treatment. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause is key to improving comfort and eye health.

Does screen time cause dry eye?

Yes, excessive screen time can worsen dry eye. When using screens, people tend to blink less, leading to faster evaporation of tears. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.