What Is Dry Eye Disease (DED)?
Dry Eye Disease, also known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, is a common and often chronic condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to stay lubricated. This can cause irritation, blurred vision, and a persistent gritty or burning sensation.
Tears are composed of three layers: a lipid (oil) layer, an aqueous (water) layer, and a mucin (mucus) layer. When any one of these becomes deficient—due to environmental factors, medications, systemic health issues, or aging—dry eye symptoms can develop or worsen.
What Causes Dry Eye?
DED can result from a wide range of issues, including:
- Prolonged screen use (reduced blinking)
- Air conditioning or windy environments
- Hormonal changes, especially in menopausal women
- Certain medications such as antihistamines or antidepressants
- Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis
- Contact lens wear or post-LASIK surgery
- Vitamin imbalances or poor nutrition
- Skin conditions and eyelid inflammation
Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye
While the symptoms can vary in intensity, the most common include:
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Grittiness, as if sand is in your eyes
- Redness and occasional eye pain
- Watery eyes (reflex tearing)
- Stringy discharge
- Blurred vision, especially after reading or screen use
- Eye fatigue and heavy eyelids
- Contact lens discomfort
- Difficulty with prolonged focus tasks
Sometimes, the eye produces excess tears as a response to dryness, but these tears are often watery and lack the protective quality of a full tear film.
Who Is at Risk?
You’re more likely to develop DED if you:
- Are over the age of 50
- Are female, especially postmenopausal
- Spend long hours on computers or smartphones
- Live in dry or windy climates
- Have chronic allergies
- Use medications that affect tear production
- Wear contact lenses regularly
- Have had cosmetic or refractive eye surgery
Treatment Options for Dry Eye
Dry Eye Disease is manageable, especially when diagnosed early. Your optometrist can help tailor a treatment plan to suit your needs.
Lifestyle and Home Adjustments:
- Blink more frequently, especially during screen use
- Take regular breaks while reading or working
- Remove eye makeup thoroughly
- Use high-quality sunglasses outdoors
- Maintain proper eyelid hygiene
Medical Treatments:
- Artificial tears or ointments – daily use maintains moisture
- Steroid eye drops – short-term relief of inflammation
- Punctal plugs – tiny devices placed in tear ducts to prevent tear drainage
- Omega-3 supplements – promote tear quality and reduce inflammation
- Warm compresses and lid massage – unblock Meibomian glands
- Topical immunosuppressants or anti-inflammatories (prescribed)
- Surgical intervention (in rare, extreme cases)
Struggling with tired, burning, or gritty eyes—especially after a long day on screens?
Book a dry eye assessment at Davida van der Merwe Optometrist for expert diagnosis, tailored treatment, and real relief.
