Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. It can affect anyone, but is especially common among women and older adults. While some people experience dry eye due to environmental factors, others may have underlying anatomical or health-related causes.
Dry eye can have many different triggers, symptoms, and treatments, which vary from person to person. Two patients with the same diagnosis may have different experiences and respond to different treatments.
That’s why it’s important to recognize the early signs of dry eye, explore options for relief, and know when to see a doctor.
Dry Eye Symptoms: Mild to Severe
Dry eye symptoms develop gradually and may last a few hours to several days. They don’t always appear all at once, and their severity can range from mild discomfort to serious vision problems.
Mild Dry Eye Symptoms
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A sandy or gritty sensation, especially as the day progresses
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The feeling that something is in your eye
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Stinging or burning
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Redness or swelling
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Frequent blinking
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Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
Moderate Dry Eye Symptoms
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Eye pain or soreness
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Excessive tearing
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Eye fatigue
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Eyelid twitching
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A feeling of heavy eyelids
Severe Dry Eye Symptoms
- Difficulty or inability to produce tears
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Fluctuating vision
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Challenges with reading, screen time, or any task that requires focused visual attention
- If left untreated, dry eye can lead to damage of the cornea (keratitis), increasing the risk of infection, ulceration, or even vision loss due to scarring.
Who Is at Risk for Dry Eye?
- Several groups are more likely to experience dry eye symptoms:
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Older Adults: Tear production naturally decreases with age, and the structures of the eye may become less efficient.
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Women: Hormonal changes due to menopause, underlying health conditions, or even the use of birth control pills can affect tear production.
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Medication Users: Certain prescriptions—such as those used to treat high blood pressure or Parkinson’s Disease—can cause or worsen dry eye symptoms.
Finding Relief from Dry Eye
- Managing dry eye starts with identifying the underlying cause. However, while you’re working on that with your doctor, there are several things you can do to find relief:
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Use lubricating eye drops or artificial tears: These are available over the counter in a variety of formulations to supplement your natural tear film.
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Apply warm compresses: Doing this twice a day can help open blocked glands and promote the release of natural oils that keep your eyes lubricated.
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Avoid dry environments: Use a humidifier in winter, and protect your eyes with wraparound sunglasses when exposed to wind or dry air.
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Take screen breaks: Remember to blink often and give your eyes a rest if you’re doing a lot of computer work or reading.
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Limit contact lens wear: Reducing wear time can alleviate irritation.
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Review your medications: If your symptoms may be drug-related, speak with your doctor about possible alternatives.
When to See a Doctor
- If you’re experiencing moderate or severe dry eye symptoms, it’s time to make an appointment. A general doctor can help identify any underlying health issues, and an eye care specialist can provide targeted treatment if the cause is structural or vision-related.
Treatment Options for Dry Eye Syndrome
For cases that don’t respond to lifestyle changes or over-the-counter products, more advanced treatments may be recommended, including:
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Punctal plugs: Tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to reduce tear drainage and keep your eyes moist.
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Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy: A non-invasive treatment that uses pulses of light to unclog eyelid glands and restore healthy tear film function.
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Prescription medications: Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops, oil-based lubricants, or treatments that stimulate tear production, depending on your individual needs.
Get Help for Dry Eye Syndrome
If you’re struggling with dry eye symptoms, don’t wait for them to worsen. Our dry eye specialists are here to help you find the right solution. With over 30 clinic locations across Arizona, expert care is never far away. Let us help you get back to comfortable, clear vision. Schedule a comprehensive exam today!