Understanding Dry Eye: A Common but Often Overlooked Condition

Understanding Dry Eyes

Dry eye is more than just an occasional irritation—it can become a chronic eye condition. Known medically as dry eye disease (DED), it occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, resulting in inadequate lubrication on the eye’s surface.

This can lead to discomfort, visual disturbances, and even long-term damage to the eye if not properly managed. While dry eye can affect anyone, it’s especially common among older adults, postmenopausal women, contact lens users, and those who spend significant time on digital devices. Even certain medications can also worsen dry eye.

The Impact of Dry Eye

Dry eye isn’t just a minor inconvenience. It can interfere with everyday activities such as reading, driving, using screens, and even working. Over time, the irritation and inflammation can damage the corneal surface and increase the risk of infections.

Dry eye can have far-reaching effects beyond physical discomfort, particularly when it comes to mental health. Many individuals with chronic dry eye symptoms can experience feelings of depression or anxiety, along with a noticeable decline in quality of life. This may include trouble sleeping, increased irritability, and a tendency to withdraw from social activities. The ongoing discomfort doesn’t just affect vision—it can significantly impact overall emotional well-being.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye  

Recognizing the signs of dry eye is crucial for seeking timely treatment. Symptoms may include:  

  • A burning or stinging sensation  
  • Feeling like something is “in” the eye  
  • A gritty or sandy feeling  
  • Eye redness or inflammation  
  • Stringy mucus around the eye  
  • Excessive watering (caused by poor quality tear film)  
  • Blurred or fluctuating vision  
  • Sensitivity to wind, smoke, or dry environments  
  • Light sensitivity (photophobia)  
  • Eye fatigue after short periods of reading or screen time  

 These symptoms can be persistent or come and go. Sometimes they are mistaken for allergies or eye strain, which is why a comprehensive eye exam is essential for an accurate diagnosis.  

Why Early Detection Matters  

Dry eye is not something to ignore, if left untreated, it can lead to corneal damage, infections, and even vision loss in severe cases. More importantly, it can greatly reduce your quality of life.  

Fortunately, many treatment options are available—from over-the-counter lubricating eye drops to prescription medications, lifestyle changes, and in-office treatments. Managing environmental triggers (like limiting screen time or using a humidifier) and maintaining a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may also provide relief.  

Often dry eye management requires a therapeutic approach, where additional therapies are incorporated into a treatment regimen to enhance its effectiveness including:  

  • Manual gland expression – By applying targeted pressure to the eyelids, we help release clogged oils from the tear glands, restoring their normal function.  
  • LipiFlow® thermal pulsation – A comfortable in-office procedure that uses controlled heat and gentle pulsation to clear blocked meibomian glands, treating the underlying cause of evaporative dry eye.  
  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy – Originally used in dermatology, IPL helps reduce inflammation and improve gland function by targeting blood vessels and inflammation around the eyes.  

 These advanced therapies are designed to provide long-lasting relief by addressing the root causes of dry eye, not just the symptoms.  

When to See an Eye Care Professional  

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above—especially if they’re persistent or worsening—it’s time to see an eye care professional.  

 At Nexus Eyecare, our dedicated Dry Eye Clinic provides personalised evaluations and advanced treatment options to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. We perform specialised tests to assess tear production, tear quality, and any underlying causes of your dry eye. Finding the right treatment for you can make all the difference. If you are struggling with dry eye, we are here to provide the care and support you need.