Decreased tear production (Dry eyes)

What are Dry Eyes?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your tears aren't able to provide adequate moisture. This happens if you don't produce enough tears or if you produce poor-quality tears that evaporate too quickly.

It is common in older adults, but increasingly common in younger people due to prolonged screen time.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually affect both eyes and include:

• Stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation.
• Stringy mucus in or around the eyes.
• Watery Eyes: Paradoxically, dry eyes can cause excessive tearing as the body tries to overcompensate for the irritation.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Eye redness and fatigue.
• Blurred vision that worsens at the end of the day.

Causes: The 3 Layers

Your tear film is a complex mixture. Problems with any layer cause dry eyes:

• Oil Layer (Outer): Prevents evaporation. If the Meibomian glands are clogged (common in Rosacea or Blepharitis), tears evaporate too fast.
• Water Layer (Middle): Cleans the eye. Production decreases with age or autoimmune conditions like Sjogren's syndrome.
• Mucus Layer (Inner): Spreads tears evenly. Without it, dry spots form on the cornea.

Other Common Triggers

• Screen Time: You blink less often when staring at computers or phones.
• Medications: Antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure meds can reduce tear production.
• Environment: Wind, smoke, or dry air (air conditioning/heating).
• Laser Surgery: LASIK can cause temporary dry eyes.

Diagnosis

Doctors use specific tests to measure tear volume and quality:

• Schirmer Test: Blotting strips are placed under the lower eyelid for 5 minutes to measure tear production.
• Dye Tests: Special eye drops containing dye help the doctor see how quickly your tears evaporate.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on adding moisture or conserving tears.

1. Self-Care & Lifestyle

• The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to rest your eyes.
• Blink More: Make a conscious effort to blink when using screens.
• Humidifier: Add moisture to the air in your home.

2. Eye Drops (Artificial Tears)

Over-the-counter drops are the first line of defense. Tip: Avoid drops that promise to "reduce redness," as long-term use can cause irritation.

3. Medications

• Restasis (Cyclosporine): Prescription drops that reduce inflammation to help glands produce more tears.
• Antibiotics: To treat eyelid inflammation that prevents oil secretion.

4. Procedures

• Punctal Plugs: Tiny silicone plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage, keeping tears in your eyes longer.
• Thermal Pulsation (LipiFlow): A device that warms and massages the eyelids to unclog blocked oil glands.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.