Dry Eyes: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Manage Them

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that can make reading, driving, or looking at your phone uncomfortable. It occurs when the tears your eyes produce are not enough to keep them lubricated.

However, in addition to making certain daily activities more challenging, it could pose another, more critical challenge. As you know, eye lubrication is one of the points we assess during your eye exam for LASIK eye surgery; your eyes need to be adequately lubricated to conduct LASIK.

If you’re having trouble managing dry eye syndrome, this blog will help you understand its many aspects.

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes are unable to maintain a healthy moisture level. Lack of moisture can occur for various reasons. This lack of moisture often stems from an imbalance in the composition of tears, which are essential for keeping the eyes hydrated and healthy.

Tears aren’t just water; they also include oil, mucus, and proteins that protect and nourish the eye. Any imbalance in this composition can cause the eyes to feel dry, irritated, and tired.

They can affect anyone but are particularly common in certain people. You might find it more commonly occurring if you are:

in advanced age;
have specific medical conditions that contribute to dry eyes;
take any medication that causes dry eyes as a side effect, or;
spend long hours looking at a screen or in dry areas.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

While dry eye syndrome isn’t urgent, leaving it untreated can cause further eye complications. Dry eyes are more susceptible to infection and inflammation, requiring additional treatment.

Dry eye syndrome can manifest in many ways and vary in severity. They typically include:

Scratchy or gritty feeling. Many people describe the sensation as having sand in their eyes, making it hard to focus or feel comfortable.
Foreign body sensation. It may feel like there’s something in your eye even when nothing is present, leading to constant blinking or rubbing for relief.
Redness and irritation. Inflammation can cause visible redness and discomfort, often accompanied by a tired or strained feeling in the eyes.
Blurred vision. This often fluctuates and improves with blinking or using artificial tears, but it can make reading or screen time especially frustrating.
Watery eyes. Surprisingly, excessive tearing can also indicate dry eye syndrome as the eyes overcompensate for dryness by causing reflex tears.
Sore or stinging eyes. A burning or stinging sensation in the eyes, sometimes described as a sharp or persistent tingling, is a frequent complaint.

When experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to note how frequently or severely they manifest, as these are important clues to their underlying causes. When you visit your doctor, you must mention these observations so the next relevant steps for your care can be taken.

Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome can result from various conditions, each with a corresponding treatment course. For instance, simple saline eye drops can help manage mild dry eye syndrome, whereas dry eyes caused by allergies are better treated with anti-allergy medications.

Thus, proper awareness of its causes can help you and your doctor better plan your care. Below, we discuss some of the most common direct and indirect causes of dry eye syndrome.

Conditions That Cause Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome often develops due to underlying medical conditions that disrupt the average production or quality of tears. Treating dry eyes in these cases involves a two-pronged approach:

managing the primary health condition and;
providing targeted therapies for dry eye relief.

For example, addressing inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases or adjusting medications contributing to dryness can significantly improve symptoms. To understand the connection better, let’s explore specific medical conditions that can impact tear production.

Aging. As we age, our bodies undergo many changes; unfortunately, our eyes are no exception. Tear production naturally declines over time, particularly after age 50, leaving the eyes less hydrated. The quality of tears may also diminish with age, as the glands responsible for producing the oily layer of tears may not function as efficiently, leading to quicker tear evaporation and persistent dryness.
Autoimmune disorders. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and lupus directly impact tear production by targeting the body’s glands and tissues. For instance, Sjögren’s syndrome attacks the moisture-producing glands, severely reducing tear and saliva production. Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, on the other hand, create systemic inflammation that can extend to the tear glands, reducing their ability to produce adequate tears and exacerbating dry eye symptoms.
Thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can affect the delicate balance of the tear-producing glands. These conditions often lead to inflammation around the eyes or alter the functionality of the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oily component of tears. Without this oily layer, tears evaporate more quickly, resulting in dryness and irritation.
Collagen vascular diseases. Diseases like scleroderma or other connective tissue disorders can interfere with the function of the eyes’ tear and oil glands. These conditions often affect blood flow and tissue health, which are crucial for maintaining gland function. As a result, tear production and quality are compromised, making it harder for the eyes to stay lubricated and comfortable.

If you have any of these conditions, your doctor may recommend additional treatments to manage dryness in addition to your primary care.

Medications That Contribute to Dry Eyes

Medications play an essential role in managing various health conditions, but some can inadvertently affect tear production, leading to dry eye syndrome. Addressing this side effect often involves a combination of strategies.

These may include using artificial tears, consulting with your doctor about alternative medications, or adjusting dosages under medical supervision. If you are working with an LASIK eye surgeon for an upcoming procedure, you must let them know if you’re taking:

Antihistamines. Antihistamines are commonly prescribed to treat allergies by reducing histamine levels, which are responsible for allergic symptoms like itching and watery eyes. Unfortunately, they can also decrease eye moisture levels by reducing tear production. This drying effect can make your eyes scratchy or irritated, especially if you frequently use antihistamines during allergy season.
Antidepressants. Medications used to treat depression or anxiety, such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or tricyclic antidepressants, can interfere with the body’s ability to produce tears. These medications affect the autonomic nervous system, which regulates tear secretion, leading to reduced tear volume. This side effect can make it challenging for individuals relying on antidepressants to maintain comfortable and hydrated eyes.
Birth control pills. Hormonal contraceptives can alter the balance of estrogen and progesterone in the body, which in turn can affect the glands responsible for tear production. Many individuals on birth control pills experience hormonal changes that lead to reduced tear film quality and increased eye dryness. This side effect is particularly common with long-term use or higher-dose contraceptives.
Certain acne medications. Retinoids, a group of drugs frequently prescribed for acne treatment, can impact the function of the meibomian glands in the eyelids. These glands produce the oily layer of the tear film that prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. By reducing oil production, retinoids can lead to increased tear evaporation and dry eye symptoms.

Can You Get LASIK If You Have Dry Eyes?

Many people with dry eyes wonder if they can still undergo LASIK, a popular vision correction procedure. The good news is that most patients with mild to moderate dry eyes are still excellent candidates for LASIK.

However, severe dryness must be managed beforehand to ensure the best outcomes. Here are a few things you can do to manage dry eyes before and after your procedure.

Managing Dry Eye Syndrome Before LASIK Surgery

Starting with simple and accessible solutions can make a big difference when dealing with dry eye syndrome. Below are three critical strategies for managing symptoms effectively.

Lubricating eye drops for instant relief. Artificial tears are an excellent first step for managing dry eyes. Available over-the-counter, these drops help restore eye moisture and improve hydration.

They’re beneficial for addressing mild symptoms like scratchiness or irritation. If you use them frequently, choose preservative-free options, as they’re gentler on your eyes.

Medications for persistent symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe medicines like cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra) for more severe or chronic cases. These drops reduce inflammation in the tear glands, allowing them to produce more natural tears. Prescription medications address the root cause of tear production issues and offer longer-term relief than artificial tears.
Lifestyle adjustments to prevent dryness. Simple changes in your daily routine can significantly reduce dry eye symptoms. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, preventing your eyes from drying out, especially in air-conditioned or heated spaces.

Additionally, regular breaks during prolonged screen use help reduce strain on your eyes and allow them to blink more naturally, maintaining their protective tear film.

Combining these approaches can alleviate discomfort and protect your eye health over the long term. Start with what works best for your symptoms, and consult your doctor for personalized recommendations.

Managing Dry Eye Syndrome After LASIK Surgery

Dry eyes are a common but temporary side effect of LASIK as your eyes adjust and heal. With proper care and monitoring, you can minimize discomfort and support recovery. Here are three key strategies to manage dry eye symptoms after LASIK surgery:

Post-surgery eye care. After LASIK, the corneal nerves responsible for tear production take time to regenerate, which can temporarily worsen dryness. During this period, artificial tears become essential to your recovery routine.

Use preservative-free drops frequently to keep your eyes hydrated and soothe irritation. Following your surgeon’s recommendations for lubrication helps ensure smoother healing.

Regular follow-up appointments to track progress. Staying on top of your recovery through follow-up visits is vital. Your LASIK surgeon will assess your tear production and the overall healing of your eyes during these appointments.

Any adjustments to your post-operative care plan, such as changing eye drops or incorporating additional treatments, can be addressed during these check-ins.

By following these steps and staying proactive in your care, you can manage post-LASIK dry eyes effectively and enjoy a smooth transition to improved vision. Always communicate any concerns with your surgeon to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Dry eye syndrome is a manageable condition with the proper care and understanding. Whether you’re experiencing mild irritation or more persistent symptoms, identifying the root cause is the first step toward relief.

If you’re considering LASIK but are concerned about dry eyes, rest assured that advancements in technology and personalized care make the procedure a viable option for many. At Saddleback Eye Center, we help you navigate your options and find the best solutions for your unique vision needs.

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