Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common and often frustrating condition that affects millions of people. Whether it's occasional discomfort or a persistent problem impacting your quality of life, understanding the causes and symptoms of dry eye syndrome is the first step toward effective relief and management.

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining eye health and clear vision. When the tear film is compromised, it can lead to irritation, inflammation, and even damage to the surface of the eyes.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

Several factors can contribute to the development of dry eye syndrome, including:

• Aging: Tear production tends to decrease with age, especially in individuals over 50.

• Environmental factors: Exposure to wind, smoke, dry climates, and extended screen time can cause tears to evaporate more quickly.

• Hormonal changes: Women are more likely to experience dry eyes, particularly during menopause or pregnancy.

• Medical conditions: Autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes can affect tear production.

• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): A common cause of evaporative dry eye, MGD occurs when the oil-producing glands in the eyelids become blocked or dysfunctional, leading to a poor-quality tear film.

• Blepharitis: Chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins, often linked with bacteria or skin conditions, can interfere with normal tear production and lead to dry eye symptoms.

• Allergies: Allergic reactions can trigger inflammation and irritation on the eye’s surface, disrupting the tear film.

• Medications: Antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and certain acne treatments can reduce tear production.

• Contact lenses: Prolonged contact lens wear can lead to or worsen dry eye symptoms.

• Eye surgeries: Procedures like LASIK or cataract surgery can temporarily disrupt tear production and increase dryness.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Dry eye symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

• A burning or stinging sensation in the eyes

• Gritty or sandy feeling

• Redness or irritation

• Excessive tearing

• Blurry vision or eye fatigue

• Discomfort when wearing contact lenses

• Sensitivity to light

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s important not to ignore them.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

Occasional dry eye symptoms may improve with simple at-home remedies, but if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to see an optometrist for a thorough evaluation. Left untreated, dry eye can lead to more serious complications, including corneal damage or infections. You should schedule an appointment if your symptoms are interfering with daily activities, if over-the-counter eye drops no longer provide relief, if you experience sensitivity to light or blurred vision, or if you wear contact lenses and notice ongoing discomfort.

Advanced Treatment Options at Clarity Advanced Optometry

At Clarity Advanced Optometry, we go beyond artificial tears and offer cutting-edge treatments to address the root cause of dry eye syndrome.

• Envision Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: Envision IPL targets the underlying inflammation contributing to dry eye by delivering controlled pulses of light to the skin around the eyes. This treatment is especially effective for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a leading cause of evaporative dry eye.

• Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy: RF therapy gently heats the eyelids to stimulate and unblock the meibomian glands, improving the quality of the tear film. It’s a non-invasive, comfortable treatment that also promotes collagen production, providing both therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.

These advanced therapies help restore balance to the eye’s tear production and provide long-lasting relief.

Ready to Find Relief from Dry, Irritated Eyes?

Dry eye syndrome is more than a minor annoyance—it can significantly impact your vision and quality of life. Understanding the causes and symptoms can help you take proactive steps toward relief. We’re proud to offer advanced solutions like Envision IPL and RF therapy to help you see and feel your best.

To learn more on effective dry eye treatment, visit Clarity Advanced Optometry at our Arcadia or Pasadena, California. You can also call or text our direct dry eye hotline at 626-268-3069 to schedule a dry eye evaluation today.