Dry Eye Reference Guide

Dry eye is a common and often chronic condition that occurs when your tears aren't able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including decreased tear production, increased tear evaporation, or an imbalance in the composition of your tears. Symptoms of dry eye include a stinging or burning sensation, redness, blurred vision, and a feeling of having something in your eye. Factors such as aging, environmental conditions, screen use, and certain medical conditions can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.

Causes and risk factors include:
-Decreased Tear Production: conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases can reduce tear production;
-Increased Tear Evaporation: environmental factors like wind, smoke, or dry air, and conditions like blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction, can increase tear evaporation;
-Tear Composition Imbalance: imbalances in the three layers of the tear film (lipid, aqueous, and mucin) can lead to instability and dryness;

Addressing dry eye is essential not only for comfort but also for preventing potential damage to the corneal surface and maintaining overall eye health. Chronic dry eye can lead to complications such as corneal ulcers, infections, and scarring, which can significantly impact vision quality.