The Basics of Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when your tears aren’t providing adequate lubrication for your eyes.

This often happens when:

  • You are not producing enough tears or you produce tears that are poor quality

  • Your tears evaporate too quickly

  • Both of these things are happening simultaneously

Symptoms include: itchiness, redness, blurry vision, foreign body sensation, stringy discharge light sensitivity, increase sensitivity to glare, and more discomfort wear contact lenses

The Tear Film

Your tears are made up of 3 layers, all of which work together to keep your eyes healthy and lubricated:

  • The mucin layer keeps your tear film stuck to the surface of your eyes. This layer is made in the conjunctiva (tissue covering the white of the eye).

  • The watery (aqueous) layer delivers nutrients to your eyes. This layer comes from the lacrimal glands.

  • The oily (lipid) layer prevents your tears from evaporating too quickly. This layer comes from the Meibomian glands.

If there’s an issue with any one of these layers, it can lead to inflammation and damage to the eye’s surface leading to dry eye disease.

Over 80% of dry eye cases are due to blocked oil (Meibomian) glands in the eye lids.

    • Women > Men

    • Age > 50

    • Long-term computer usage

    • Contact lens wear

    • Laser Eye Surgery (i.e. LASIK)

    • Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and systemic lupus

    • Birth Control Pills

    • Antihistamines

    • Decongestants

    • Antidepressants

    • Medicine for High Blood Pressure

    • Acne Treatment

    • Medcation for Parkinson’s Disease

  • Watery eyes are a common symptom of dry eyes, which might seem contradictory. When your eyes are dry, they can become irritated and inflamed. In response, your tear glands may produce excessive tears to try to lubricate the eye. However, these tears are often of poor quality and actually lead to irritation without providing the proper moisture. So, while the eyes may appear watery, they are actually experiencing dryness.

FAQ’s

Dry Eye Treatment Options

Intense Pulsed Light > Learn More

1-Touch Thermal Therapy > Learn More

ZEST Eyelid Treatment > Learn More