Symptoms of Dry Eyes
Burning, gritty, foreign body or dry sensation in the eyes
Redness, watery or teary eyes
Wake up with your eyes feeling “glued shut” and crusty
Eye strain, pressure or pain
Itching, light sensitivity and intermittent blur vision
Intolerant of contact lenses
Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most common eye conditions. Tears protect the outer layer of eyes. New tears are formed from the glands around the eyes to keep the moisture level balanced in the eye. The outer film is necessary to protect our corneas and keep clear vision.
Factors that may lead to symptoms of dry eyes:
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eye.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) occurs when oil glands in the eyelids are blocked, causing tears to evaporate too quickly.
Ocular Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory eye condition that affects the blood vessels and eye lids.
Autoimmune, Endocrine and other Systemic Diseases: such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Thyroid Disorders, Diabetes, Scleroderma, and Sjogren’s Syndrome.
Eye Surgeries: Lasik, PRK, SMILE, and Cataract surgery can cause dry eye symptoms by nerve disruption, tear film instability and inflammation. Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty) can also lead to dry eyes by mechanically altering the eyelid’s position and affecting the function of the meibomian and lacrimal glands.
Other Causes: Allergies (environmental factors or medications for allergies like antihistamines are a common cause), Contact Lenses, Hormonal changes in women, Incomplete Blinking, Chronic use of eye drops with preservatives, Ocular and Systemic Medications.