What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

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Dry Eye Syndrome (also called dry eye disease) happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, blurry vision, and even damage to the surface of the eye if left untreated.

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Common Symptoms

• Stinging, burning, or scratchy feeling in the eyes

• Redness

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Feeling like something is in your eye (foreign body sensation)

• Excessive tearing (a reflex to dryness)

• Sensitivity to light

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

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 Causes of Dry Eye

• Aging (especially post-menopause)

• Long screen time without blinking

• Environmental factors (wind, dry air, air conditioning)

• Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure meds)

• Medical conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome)

• LASIK or other eye surgeries

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 Treatment Options

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1. Artificial Tears (Lubricating Eye Drops)

• Over-the-counter

• Use regularly (even when your eyes feel fine)

• Preservative-free drops are best for frequent use

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2. Prescription Eye Drops

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• Cyclosporine or Lifitegrast to reduce inflammation

• Corticosteroid drops (short-term use) for severe dry eye disease.

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3. Lifestyle & Home Remedies

• Blink often, especially when using screens

• Use a humidifier

• Wear wraparound glasses outdoors

• Stay hydrated

• Apply warm compresses to the eyes

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4. Punctal Plugs

• Tiny devices inserted into tear ducts to help retain moisture on the eye surface

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5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Found in fish oil or flaxseed oil; may help improve tear quality

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6. Other Advanced Treatments

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy

• Meibomian gland expression (clearing blocked oil glands)

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📝 Tips for Managing Dry Eyes

✅ Follow your doctor’s treatment plan
✅ Avoid smoke and windy environments
✅ Take frequent breaks during screen time. Follow 20:20:20 rule (take breaks every 20 minutes & look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
✅ Avoid over-the-counter redness-relieving drops (they can worsen dryness)
✅ Don’t ignore symptoms—early treatment prevents complications

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