October 2025 Newsletter: Dry Eye Disease

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease is a common eye condition where your tears aren't providing adequate lubrication for your eyes. Tears are essential because they keep the surface of our eyes smooth, protected, and clear. Our eyes can become dry, inflamed, and irritated when the tear film becomes unstable. Given time, this instability can lead to redness, blurred vision, discomfort, and burning sensations. These symptoms can get worse during activities that heavily strain the eyes, like reading or using screens.

Types of Dry Eye Disease:

Evaporative Dry Eye:

• Evaporative Dry Eye Disease is the most common form of Dry Eye Disease

• Tears evaporate too quickly due to the quality of oil layers being poor

• Is often caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), which blocks oil glands in the eyelids

Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye:

• This happens when the lacrimal glands do not make enough tears

• This causes dryness, burning, and irritation

• Can also be associated with aging, certain medications, and autoimmune conditions

Stages of Dry Eye Disease:

Early Stage:

• Mild dryness and irritation

• Occasional Burning or stinging

• Eyes feel tired after screen usage

• Brief instances of blurred vision

Intermediate Stage:

• Increased redness and discomfort

• Frequent blurred vision

• Sensitivity to wind

• Evaporation of tears increase due to gland dysfunction

Late Stage:

• Persistent dryness and inflammation

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

• Vision becomes more inconsistent

• Eyelid glands may become visibly clogged or inflamed

Chronic Stage:

• Long-term, ongoing irritation and dryness

• Symptoms lasting months or years

• May require medical procedures to stabilize the tear film

Higher risk of corneal surface damage

How Does Dry Eye Disease Develop?

Dry Eye Disease develops when there is a disruption in any of the tear films' three layers (oil, water, and mucin). When this happens,

• Tears evaporate quickly

• Tear production decreases

• Inflammation increases

• The eye becomes dry, red, and irritated

Treatments:

• Lubrication eye gels

• Warm compresses to open oil glands

• Steroid drops for short-term inflammation control

• Prescription drops (Restasis, XIidra, Cequa)

Physical Examination:

• Visual Acuity test

• Slit-lamp examination

• Tear Break-Up Time Test

• Meibomian gland evaluation

• Schirmer test to measure tear volume

Prevention:

• Avoid blowing air right into your eyes

• Blink often

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)

• Use a humidifier when inside

• Drink lots of water

• Take breaks from contact lenses

• Clean eyelids on a regular basis

Dry Eye Disease is very common, but by taking care of yourself properly, it can be avoided. Understanding symptoms early on is vital to prevent worsening your eye health. If you do notice any symptoms, don't wait and schedule an eye exam to protect your vision.