Struggling with Dry Eyes? Causes, Symptoms, Treatments & Prevention 

Introduction

Do your eyes often feel itchy, tired, or irritated, especially after spending time on screens? You’re not alone. Dry eyes is one of the most common eye problems affecting millions of people worldwide. While it is usually not serious, it can cause significant discomfort and interfere with daily activities¹. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, types, treatment options, home remedies, and prevention tips for dry eyes. Understanding dry eye and its triggers can help you take the right steps to protect your eye health and improve your overall comfort. 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eyes, or dry eye syndrome, is a common condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly². Tears are essential for keeping the eyes moist, comfortable, and healthy. They also help wash away dust and debris, protect the surface of the eye from infection, and support clear vision³.

The tear film contains oil, water, and mucus, which work together to prevent the tears from drying out and help them spread evenly over the eye. When the balance of these components is disrupted, tears can evaporate too quickly or fail to cover the eye properly, leading to dry, irritated, and inflamed eyes².

Dry eyes may feel itchy and irritated, having a gritty or stinging type of sensation⁴.

Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye can develop for many reasons, ranging from everyday habits and environmental factors to certain medical conditions and medications. The following are a few common dry eye causes: 

• Ageing: Tear production naturally reduces with age, which can increase the chances of dry eyes, especially after 50^4,5. 
• Prolonged Screen Time: Spending long hours on computers, smartphones, or tablets can reduce blinking and cause tears to evaporate faster^2,4.
• Certain Medications: Some medicines, including antihistamines, antidepressants, oral contraceptives, acne medications (isotretinoin), and blood pressure medications, may reduce tear production².
• Medical Conditions: Autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc., can increase the risk of dry eyes⁴. 
• Exposure to Irritants: Irritants such as dust, smoke, or certain chemicals can affect tear quality and cause eye discomfort, contributing to dry eyes².
• Eye Surgery: Procedures such as laser surgery or cataract surgery can affect tear production and cause dry eye symptoms².
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or other life stages can affect tear production⁷. 
• Contact Lens Use: Wearing contact lenses for long periods or not using them properly can irritate the eyes and increase the risk of dry eye symptoms⁸. 
• Eyelid Gland Issues: Conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) can block the oil-producing glands in the eyelids and evaporate tears too quickly, leading to dry eyes¹.
• Eye Injury or Trauma: Injuries to the eye, including burns, can damage the eye surface or tear-producing structures, leading to dry eyes².
• Vitamin A Deficiency: A lack of vitamin A can affect tear production and eye surface health, increasing the risk of dry eyes⁹.

Dry Eye Symptoms

People with dry eyes may experience several symptoms. The following are a few common dry eye symptoms: 

• A burning or stinging sensation in the eyes 
• Feeling like something is stuck in the eye 
• Red, itchy, or irritated eyes 
• Tired or heavy (eye fatigue) eyes 
• Sensitivity to light 
• Blurred or fluctuating vision 
• Discomfort wearing contact lenses²
• A gritty feeling, as if sand or dust is in the eye⁴ 

Types of Dry Eyes 

Dry eye is not the same for everyone. Depending on the underlying cause, it can be classified into different types: 

1. Evaporative Dry Eye 

Evaporative dry eye occurs when tears evaporate too quickly from the surface of the eye. This is the most common type of dry eye. This condition is usually caused by the dysfunction of the meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of tears. When they become blocked or do not function properly, tears dry up faster than normal¹.

The common causes include: 

• Prolonged screen use 
• Meibomian gland dysfunction 
• Incomplete or reduced blinking 
• Dry environmental conditions¹⁰ 

2. Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye 

Aqueous-deficient dry eye occurs when the lacrimal glands do not produce enough of the watery component of tears. Without sufficient tear production, the eyes cannot remain adequately lubricated, resulting in dryness and inflammation¹.

The common causes include: 

• Lacrimal gland damage 
• Autoimmune diseases (Sjogren’s syndrome) 
• Use of certain medications¹¹
• Ageing 

3. Mixed Dry Eye 

Mixed dry eye is a combination of both evaporative and aqueous-deficient dry eye. This occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears and the tears evaporate too quickly. Many people with dry eye disease have the combination of both types of dry eye¹¹. 

Dry Eyes Treatment Options

Your doctor might prescribe or recommend a treatment for dry eye based on your condition. The following are a few dry eye treatment options that he might suggest: 

• Prescription Eye Drops: These include⁴: 
  • Tear Substitutes: Also known as artificial drops that act like natural tears. They help keep the eyes moist and relieve dryness¹².
  • Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Help reduce swelling on the eye surface and improve the eye’s ability to produce and maintain tears. Example: Cyclosporine¹³ 
  • Tear Stimulating Medications: Topical medicines such as gels or ointments that encourage the body’s natural tear production², especially useful in cases where tear glands are underactive. 

• Eyelid Disorder Treatment: Targeted management of conditions like blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction^2,10, often using medicated cleansers, antibiotics, or warm therapy. 
• Punctal Plugs: Tiny, biocompatible devices inserted into the tear ducts to slow down tear drainage, helping keep the eyes moist for a longer time^2,9. 
• Scleral Lenses: Specialised lenses that cover the cornea and create a fluid reservoir, offering continuous hydration and protection for severe dry eye cases¹.
• Surgery (Rare Cases): Procedures to fix eyelid position or close tear drainage tubes permanently when other treatments don’t work¹⁴. 
• Treating Underlying Diseases: Managing conditions such as allergies, Sjogren’s syndrome, or other systemic illnesses that contribute to chronic dry eye. 

Note: Treatment for dry eye may vary from person to person. Do not buy and use any medication without a doctor’s prescription or consent. Please consult an eye specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Home Remedies for Dry Eyes

You can manage mild dry eye symptoms at your home. The following are a few easy home remedies for dry eyes. 

• Apply Warm Compress: Placing a warm compress over closed eyelids can help open blocked oil glands and improve tear quality¹⁵. 
• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: When using screens, looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes may help reduce eye strain and encourage regular blinking¹⁰. 
• Clean Eyelid Regularly: Regular cleaning of the eyelids removes dirt, oil buildup, and bacteria. This helps reduce inflammation and keeps the tear glands functioning properly². 
• Drink Enough Water: Staying hydrated supports healthy tear production. Drinking enough water¹⁶ throughout the day may help reduce symptoms of dry eyes. 

Note: The information provided is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have persistent or worsening dry eye symptoms, please consult an eye care professional for proper evaluation and management. 

How to Prevent Dry Eyes?

The following are a few ways by which you can avoid having dry eyes: 

• Avoid direct exposure to wind, smoke, and air conditioners for long periods (use sunglasses when you step outside) 
• Take regular breaks from digital devices to reduce eye strain 
• Use a humidifier in dry environments 
• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke 
• Maintain good eyelid hygiene and eye care habits 
• Stay well-hydrated 
• Get enough sleep at night¹⁶ 

When to Consult a Doctor?

If your dry eye symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with your regular activities, you should see an eye doctor. Seek medical treatment if you have severe eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge, or unexpected changes in vision. Early diagnosis and treatment can assist to avoid problems and enhance long-term eye comfort⁴.

Conclusion

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that may affect comfort, vision, and overall well-being. It can develop because of ageing, environmental factors, medical issues, or excessive screen time. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment choices will help you manage the disease more effectively. Most people can successfully lessen symptoms and maintain healthy, comfortable eyes by following proper eye care, making lifestyle changes, and seeking timely medical guidance. 

Also Read: Sunken Eyes: Causes, Symptoms, Home Remedies & More 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

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2. Better Health Channel. Dry eye [Internet]. 2023 Nov 8 [cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dry-eye 

3. National Eye Institute. How tears work [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health; 2025 Aug 6 [cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/healthy-vision/how-eyes-work/how-tears-work 

4. Healthdirect Australia. Dry eyes [Internet]. Sydney (AU): Healthdirect Australia; reviewed 2024 May [cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dry-eye-disease 

5. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Facts about tears [Internet]. San Francisco (CA): American Academy of Ophthalmology; 2024 Mar 15 [cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/facts-about-tears 

6. Ortega J, Plaska CR, Gomes BA, Ellmore TM. Spontaneous Eye Blink Rate During the Working Memory Delay Period Predicts Task Accuracy. Front Psychol. 2022;13:788231. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.788231. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.788231/full 

7. American Academy of Ophthalmology. How hormones can affect eyes and vision [Internet]. San Francisco (CA): American Academy of Ophthalmology; 2024 Jun 18 [cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/how-hormones-can-affect-eyes-vision 

8. Waghmare SV, Jeria S. A Review of Contact Lens-Related Risk Factors and Complications. Cureus. Published online October 10, 2022. doi:10.7759/cureus.30118. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36381898/ 

9. Messmer EM. The Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Dry Eye Disease. Deutsches Ärzteblatt international. Published online January 30, 2015. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2015.0071. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25686388/

10. Narang P, Donthineni PR, D’Souza S, Basu S. Evaporative dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction: Preferred practice pattern guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2023;71(4):1348-1356. doi:10.4103/IJO.IJO_2841_22. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37026266/

11. Donthineni PR, Doctor MB, Shanbhag S, et al. Aqueous-deficient dry eye disease: Preferred practice pattern guidelines on clinical approach, diagnosis, and management. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2023;71(4):1332-1347. doi:10.4103/IJO.IJO_2808_22. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37026265/ 

12. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Lubricating eye drops for dry eyes [Internet]. San Francisco (CA): American Academy of Ophthalmology; 2024 Sep 10 [cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lubricating-eye-drops 

13. De Oliveira RC, Wilson SE. Practical guidance for the use of cyclosporine ophthalmic solutions in the management of dry eye disease. OPTH. 2019;Volume 13:1115-1122. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S184412. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6612764/

14. Rafizadeh SM, Asadigandomani H, Khannejad S, et al. Oculoplastic Interventions in the Management of Ocular Surface Diseases: A Comprehensive Review. Life. 2025;15(7):1110. doi:10.3390/life15071110. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40724611/ 

15. Findlay Q, Reid K. Dry eye disease: when to treat and when to refer. Aust Prescr. 2018;41(5):160-163. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2018.048. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30410213/ 

16. National Eye Institute. Dry eye [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health; 2025 Aug 6 [cited 2026 Jun 12]. Available fromi: https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye 

17. Cong Y, Zhang Y, Han Y, Wu Y, Wang D, Zhang B. Recommendations for nutritional supplements for dry eye disease: current advances. Front Pharmacol. 2024;15:1388787. doi:10.3389/fphar.2024.1388787. Also Read: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38873421/ 

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