Dry eye syndrome affects tens of millions of Americans, yet a large portion of those suffering never seek treatment — often because they assume it’s just a minor annoyance, or don’t realize a real solution exists. If your eyes feel gritty, tired, or irritated on a regular basis, this post is for you.
What Exactly Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears they produce evaporate too quickly. A healthy tear film has three layers — oil, water, and mucin — working together to keep the eye surface smooth, lubricated, and clear. When any part of that system breaks down, discomfort follows.
There are two main types:
- Aqueous deficient dry eye — The lacrimal glands don’t produce enough of the watery layer
- Evaporative dry eye — The most common type, caused by dysfunction of the meibomian glands (tiny oil glands along the eyelid margin), which leads to rapid tear evaporation
Common Symptoms
Dry eye doesn’t always feel like what you’d expect. People describe it as:
- A burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation
- Eyes that feel tired, especially by afternoon
- Sensitivity to light or wind
- Blurry vision that clears when you blink
- Watery, teary eyes (a reflex response to irritation)
- Discomfort with contact lens wear
That last point surprises many patients: excessive tearing can actually be a sign of dry eye, not the opposite.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Risk factors include:
- Age — Tear production naturally decreases after 40, especially in women after menopause
- Screen time — We blink 50% less when staring at screens, reducing tear distribution
- Contact lens wear — Lenses sit on the tear film and can disrupt it
- Medications — Antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and many others
- Environment — Air conditioning, heating, low humidity, and wind all accelerate tear evaporation
- Medical conditions — Autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders
Modern Treatment Options
The good news: dry eye is very treatable. At our Dry Eye Clinic, Dr. McDermott takes a systematic approach to identifying the root cause and matching it with the right therapy.
Treatment may include:
- InflammaDry testing — Detects inflammatory markers in the tear film for precise diagnosis
- Prescription eye drops — Including Restasis and Xiidra to address the inflammatory component
- Punctal plugs — Tiny, painless inserts that slow tear drainage to keep eyes wetter
- Meibomian gland expression — Manual or device-assisted clearing of clogged oil glands
- Warm compresses and lid hygiene — Essential home habits that make a significant difference
- Nutritional support — Omega-3 supplementation is well-supported by research
Many patients see meaningful improvement within weeks of starting a targeted treatment plan.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If your symptoms are occasional and mild, lifestyle changes (blinking more, using a humidifier, limiting screen time) may be enough. But if you’re experiencing daily discomfort, fluctuating vision, or your quality of life is being affected, it’s worth a professional evaluation.
Untreated dry eye can lead to corneal damage over time — catching it early makes treatment simpler and more effective.
Visit our Dry Eye Clinic page to learn more about what we offer, or book a consultation with Dr. McDermott today.
