Dry eye is commonly thought of as a condition caused simply by a lack of tears, and many people assume that over-the-counter lubricating eye drops are enough to solve the problem. However, the term itself can be misleading. Dry Eye Disease (DED) is far more complex. If you experience redness, a gritty sensation, constant irritation, burning, or stinging in the eyes, you may be suffering from dry eye disease. But light sensitivity, eye fatigue, blurred vision, difficulty focusing on screens, and even excessive watering of the eyes can also be not-so-obvious signs of the condition.
What Causes Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eyes may develop due to decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation. Ageing, stress, pollution, vitamin deficiencies, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions are all known contributors.
One of the most common yet overlooked causes is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), where the tiny oil glands along the edges of the eyelids become blocked. These glands produce the oily layer of tears that prevents rapid evaporation, leading to persistent dryness and irritation.
The Hidden Role of Chronic Inflammation:
Lifestyle factors such as prolonged screen time, stress, inadequate sleep, air-conditioned environments, and even residual eye makeup due to improper eyelid cleaning can trigger or worsen ocular inflammation, and recent research has shown that chronic inflammation plays a significant role in DED.
Determining the exact cause of dry eye requires a detailed evaluation by an eye specialist. Diagnostic tests such as Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test, slit-lamp examination of the eyelid margins, and imaging techniques like meibography help identify the underlying problem and guide treatment.
Treatment Goes Beyond Eye Drops:
Management of Dry Eye Disease involves much more than lubricating drops, warm compresses, or eyelid massage. Treatment is often tailored to the root cause and may include anti-inflammatory medications, nutritional supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, resveratrol, or curcumin, and medicated lid-cleaning solutions such as tea tree oil-based swabs.
“Dry eyes should not be ignored or treated through self-medication. Early diagnosis and personalised treatment can prevent chronic discomfort and visual disturbances,” says Dr. Rohit Shetty, Clinician and Translational Scientist and Director of Narayana Nethralaya, an eye hospital which has a specialised Dry Eye Clinic to treat various types of dry eye patients.
In some individuals, chronic untreated dry eyes can affect the quality of vision and even have psychological and social consequences. Recognising the symptoms early and seeking timely medical care can make a significant difference to long-term eye health.
What Causes Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eyes may develop due to decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation. Ageing, stress, pollution, vitamin deficiencies, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions are all known contributors.
One of the most common yet overlooked causes is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), where the tiny oil glands along the edges of the eyelids become blocked. These glands produce the oily layer of tears that prevents rapid evaporation, leading to persistent dryness and irritation.
The Hidden Role of Chronic Inflammation:
Lifestyle factors such as prolonged screen time, stress, inadequate sleep, air-conditioned environments, and even residual eye makeup due to improper eyelid cleaning can trigger or worsen ocular inflammation, and recent research has shown that chronic inflammation plays a significant role in DED.
Determining the exact cause of dry eye requires a detailed evaluation by an eye specialist. Diagnostic tests such as Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test, slit-lamp examination of the eyelid margins, and imaging techniques like meibography help identify the underlying problem and guide treatment.
Treatment Goes Beyond Eye Drops:
Management of Dry Eye Disease involves much more than lubricating drops, warm compresses, or eyelid massage. Treatment is often tailored to the root cause and may include anti-inflammatory medications, nutritional supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, resveratrol, or curcumin, and medicated lid-cleaning solutions such as tea tree oil-based swabs.
“Dry eyes should not be ignored or treated through self-medication. Early diagnosis and personalised treatment can prevent chronic discomfort and visual disturbances,” says Dr. Rohit Shetty, Clinician and Translational Scientist and Director of Narayana Nethralaya, an eye hospital which has a specialised Dry Eye Clinic to treat various types of dry eye patients.
In some individuals, chronic untreated dry eyes can affect the quality of vision and even have psychological and social consequences. Recognising the symptoms early and seeking timely medical care can make a significant difference to long-term eye health.
