Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome
A healthy tear film has water, oil, and mucus layers. Dry eye develops when any layer is out of balance. Common causes include aging, menopause, screen use, contact lenses, dry or windy climates, certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, blood-pressure medicines), eyelid inflammation (blepharitis), and autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis.
Common symptoms
- Burning, stinging, or a gritty, sandy feeling
- Red, irritated eyes
- Blurry vision that clears with blinking
- Excess watering (a reflex response to dryness)
- Discomfort with contact lenses or screens
How Dr. Nicola can help
- Evaluation of the tear film and eyelids to find the underlying cause
- Artificial tears, gels, and ointments matched to your type of dry eye
- Treatment of eyelid inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction
- Prescription anti-inflammatory drops when needed
- Punctal plugs to help keep natural tears on the eye
Frequently asked questions
Why do my eyes water if they are dry?
Irritation from dryness triggers a flood of reflex tears. Those tears are mostly water and don't contain the oils needed to stay on the eye, so they run off without fixing the dryness.
This page is general patient education and is not a substitute for an examination. If you have a question about your own eyes, please call our office.