eye care support
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects people of all ages.
It’s often more accurate to describe it as a tear-film abnormality, because many people with “dry eyes” actually experience excessive watering.
A healthy tear film keeps the surface of the eye moist, clear and comfortable. It also washes away debris, provides nutrients and helps protect against infection.
The tear film has three layers: Oil, water, and mucus. If any component is disrupted, it can affect the balance of the tear film and tear production, potentially leading to dry eye syndrome.
Some common causes of dry eye syndrome
- Blepharitis / Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): Approximately 80% of dry eye cases are caused by this condition.
- Environment: Wind, dry air, heating, air conditioning and smoke can increase tear evaporation.
- Contact lens wear: Contact lenses can affect tear-film stability and evaporation, making dry eye a common reason people discontinue lens wear.
- Ageing: Tear production naturally decreases with age. By around 65, tear output may be less than half of what it was in early adulthood.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause and hormonal contraceptives can all influence tear production and stability.
- Medications: Some medications—including antihistamines, diuretics, anti-anxiety medications and certain cold or allergy treatments—may contribute to dryness.
Symptoms of dry eye syndrome
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Sore, stinging or burning eyes
Gritty or scratchy sensation
Feeling like something is in the eye
Redness
Excessive watering
Reduced comfort with contact lenses
General irritation
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Dry Eye FAQs
An optometrist or ophthalmologist can assess tear quantity and quality, measure evaporation, and use dyes to highlight areas of dryness or irritation.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity.
Options may include:
- Lubricating eye drops or gels to supplement the tear film
- Ointments for longer-lasting relief, especially overnight
- Managing blepharitis if eyelid inflammation is contributing
- Blocking tear drainage with temporary or permanent plugs to keep tears on the eye longerThese treatments relieve symptoms but do not “cure” dry eye.
Lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference:
- Avoid windy or dry environments where possible
- Use wrap-around sunglasses or side-shields outdoors
- Take regular breaks from screens and blink more consciously
- Use a humidifier in dry indoor environments
An optometrist examines dry eye by assessing your symptoms, tear quality and quantity, and the surface of your eyes.
Common tests include:
- Symptoms and history: Discussing dryness, burning, grittiness, watering, blurry vision and lifestyle factors.
- Slit-lamp examination: Checking the eyelids, tear film, conjunctiva and cornea under magnification.
- Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT): Measuring how quickly the tear film becomes unstable after blinking.
- Eye-surface staining: Using special dyes to identify areas affected by dryness.
- Tear production: Assessing tear volume, sometimes with a Schirmer test.
- Meibomian gland assessment: Checking the eyelid’s oil-producing glands for blockage or dysfunction.
- Meibography: Imaging the meibomian glands when specialised equipment is available.
These tests help determine whether dry eye is caused by insufficient tear production, excessive tear evaporation, or a combination of both, which then guides treatment.
If the tear film is unstable, it may not keep the eye properly lubricated.
The eye responds by producing more tears, but these are often poor-quality and run off the surface instead of providing relief.