Dry eye is one of the most common eye problems of our era, rising sharply with long screen hours and air conditioning. Although it seems minor, it can be very bothersome and affect quality of life and work. The ClinicsJo Editorial Team offers this practical guide.
What Is Dry Eye?
The eye needs a stable tear layer to stay moist, protected, and clear. Dry eye occurs when the eye does not make enough tears, or when tear quality is poor so they evaporate quickly, leaving the eye surface dry and irritated.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Prolonged screen use (reduces blink rate).
- Air conditioning, fans, dry air, and wind.
- Aging and hormonal decline (especially in postmenopausal women).
- Contact lenses.
- Some medications like antihistamines and blood pressure drugs.
- Autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren syndrome.
- Eyelid margin inflammation.
Symptoms
- Burning, itching, or stinging.
- A gritty or foreign-body sensation.
- Red, tired eyes.
- Intermittent blurred vision improving with blinking.
- Light sensitivity.
- Excess tearing at times (a reaction to dryness).
- Difficulty using contacts, reading, or screens for long.
How Is It Diagnosed?
An ophthalmologist diagnoses dry eye through clinical exam, measuring tear quantity and stability, and assessing the eye surface and eyelid margins to determine the cause and type.
Treatment
- Artificial tears: first line, with preservative-free types preferred for frequent use.
- Treating the cause: eyelid inflammation, medications, or associated diseases.
- Warm compresses and lid hygiene to improve tear quality.
- Anti-inflammatory drops in moderate and severe cases by prescription.
- Tear duct plugs to retain tears in resistant cases.
Medical tip: apply the "20-20-20 rule" with screens: every 20 minutes, look at something about 6 meters away for 20 seconds, and blink consciously — this noticeably reduces eye strain and dryness.
Prevention and Relief Tips
- Take regular screen breaks and remember to blink.
- Direct air conditioning away from your face.
- Use a humidifier in dry places.
- Drink enough water.
- Avoid rubbing the eye and rest your eyes when tired.
When to See a Doctor
See an ophthalmologist if symptoms persist despite lubricating drops, or come with severe pain, reduced vision, or marked redness. There may be a cause needing specific treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dry eye dangerous?
Most cases are bothersome but not dangerous; severe neglected dryness can harm the corneal surface and needs treatment.
Do lubricating drops cause dependence?
No, artificial tears are safe for frequent use; preservative-free types are preferred with heavy use.
If dry eye bothers you constantly, book with an ophthalmologist on ClinicsJo.
