Dry eye is a very common eye condition that affects millions of people around the world. If you notice discomfort, itching, blurred vision or a gritty sensation in your eyes, you may be suffering from dry eye syndrome. In this article we explain how to know if you have it, what causes it and how you can alleviate it, with useful tips, common causes, home remedies and professional treatment.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the quality of tears is not adequate to keep the ocular surface lubricated and protected. This causes discomfort, irritation and can even affect vision.
Main symptoms of dry eye
Identifying the symptoms is the first step to act in time. The most common are:
- Sensation of dryness or tightness
- Itching, stinging or burning
- Gritty or foreign body sensation
- Eye redness
- Blurred vision, especially with fixation of vision
- Photophobia (discomfort with light)
- Excessive reflex tearing
- Eye fatigue and need to close the eyes
You don’t need to have all the symptoms to be suffering from dry eye: one or two persistent ones may be enough to require attention.
Why does dry eye occur? Common Causes
Dry eye can have different causes, among them:
- Age (more common after 50 years of age)
- Excessive use of screens
- Dry environments, wind or air conditioning
- Prolonged contact lens wear
- Previous eye surgeries (such as LASIK)
- Hormonal disturbances
- Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants)
- Meibomian gland problems (lipid layer dysfunction)
Why do eyes become dry when sleeping?
Surprising as it may seem, many people suffer from dry eyes during or just after sleep. Some common causes are:
- Not closing the eyelids completely when sleeping (lagophthalmos).
- Heated or air-conditioned environments at night.
- Prolonged contact lens wear during the day
- Poor tear production at night
- Blepharitis or inflammation of the eyelids
Tip: If you wake up with irritated, dry or sticky eyes, your eyelids may not be doing their job of protecting you at night. Consult an ophthalmologist.
How to avoid dry eyes?
There are habits and routines that can help you reduce dry eyes, both during the day and when you sleep:
- Blink frequently, especially when using screens.
- Avoid direct air currents (fans, air conditioning).
- Maintain good general hydration
- Do not smoke or expose yourself to smoke.
- Rest your eyes every 20 minutes (20-20-20 rule).
- Humidify the environment where you spend many hours.
- Take care of eyelid hygiene
- Protect your eyes with glasses in windy or sunny exteriors.
- Avoid heavy make-up or irritating products near the eyes.
Home remedies for dry eyes
Although it is always better to have a diagnosis by a specialist, some natural remedies can alleviate the mild symptoms of dry eye:
- Warm compresses on eyelids (5-10 minutes per day)
- Preservative-free artificial tears (can be used several times a day)
- Natural omega-3 (oily fish, flaxseed, walnuts)
- Chamomile tea (applied as a warm compress)
- Mild eye sprays (carefully so as not to irritate)
Important: Home remedies can complement, but not replace, professional treatment. Never use non-prescription eye drops or apply non-ophthalmologic products to your eyes.
How is dry eye diagnosed?
The diagnosis is made by a professional by means of tests such as:
- Schirmer’s test (measures tear production)
- Tear tear breakup test (BUT) (assesses film stability)
- Fluorescein staining (detects lesions on the ocular surface)
- Meibomian gland and eyelid evaluation
The most common treatments for dry eye
Treatments will depend on the cause and severity. The most commonly used are:
- Specific artificial tears
- Night ointments
- Punctal plugs (to prevent tear loss)
- Topical anti-inflammatory treatments
- Specialized eyelid hygiene
- Advanced therapies (such as IPL for meibomian dysfunction)
- Omega-3 supplements
When to see an ophthalmologist?
If symptoms persist, affect your vision or your quality of life, don’t let it go. The earlier dry eye is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and avoid complications such as corneal ulcers, infections or long-lasting visual problems.
Conclusion
Dry eye is not just a passing annoyance: it can become a chronic condition that limits your daily well-being. Recognizing the symptoms of dry eye and knowing its causes is key to taking early action. From small changes in your habits to personalized treatments, there are many ways to alleviate this condition.
