26/11/2025
WHERE THERE'S NO EYES DOCTOR
👁️ Dry Eye Disease
A Common but Overlooked Condition
Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tear film evaporates too quickly. This leads to irritation, discomfort, and visual fluctuation. It is chronic, multifactorial, and often worsens with environmental and lifestyle factors.
🔹 Causes
Dry eye has two major categories, with many contributing factors.
1. Aqueous deficient dry eye
• Reduced tear production
• Autoimmune disease, such as Sjogren syndrome
• Age related decline
2. Evaporative dry eye
• Meibomian gland dysfunction
• Blepharitis
• Prolonged screen use and reduced blinking
• Contact lens wear
• Environmental factors, such as wind, dust, or air conditioning
Other causes include medications, refractive surgery, diabetes, thyroid disease, and vitamin A deficiency.
🔹 Signs and Symptoms
Patients may report,
• Grittiness or foreign body sensation
• Burning or stinging
• Redness and irritation
• Tearing due to reflex secretion
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Difficulty with prolonged reading or screen use
Symptoms often worsen in the evening or after digital tasks.
🔹 Management
Management is stepwise and tailored to severity.
• Artificial tears or lubricating gels
• Warm compresses and lid hygiene for meibomian gland dysfunction
• Anti-inflammatory therapy, including cyclosporine or lifitegrast
• Omega-3 supplements
• Environmental modification, such as humidifiers and reduced screen strain
• Punctal plugs for moderate to severe cases
• Treatment of underlying causes such as blepharitis or allergy
Regular follow up is essential to prevent chronic surface damage.
💡 Reminder
Dry eye is not simply irritation. It reflects tear film instability and can affect vision, comfort, and quality of life. Early diagnosis and proper management significantly improve long term
