16 million Americans have dry eye syndrome, and it gets more common as people age. But what many don’t realize is that dry eye is more than just an annoyance — it’s a medical condition that can interfere with your vision, comfort, and quality of life.
At Cirino Eye Center in Brunswick, Ohio, Anthony Cirino, DO, and our team help patients find relief from dry eye, from identifying the underlying cause to finding effective treatment. Here’s what you need to know about what causes dry eye and what you can do about it.
Healthy tears consist of a balanced mixture of water, oils, and mucus that help nourish the surface of your eyes and prevent them from drying out. Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears you make aren’t of the right quality to keep your eyes properly lubricated.
When your tear production or quality is disrupted, your eyes might feel:
Sometimes, dry eye can cause excessive tearing. Although it seems counterintuitive, excessively watery eyes can be your body’s way of trying to compensate for the lack of moisture when you have dry eye syndrome.
Dry eye has several potential causes. For most people, it’s the result of a combination of factors, like:
Tear production naturally decreases with age, making dry eye more common in people over 50.
Wearing contact lenses long-term can irritate your eyes and contribute to dryness.
Women, especially during menopause, are more likely to experience dry eye due to shifts in hormone levels.
You blink less often while using computers or phones, and long hours of screen time can reduce tear distribution.
Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disorders contribute to dry eye. Antihistamines, antidepressants, and some blood pressure medications can also reduce tear production.
Dry eye can be uncomfortable and interfere with the quality of your vision. Fortunately, treatment can make a big difference, and we offer a range of personalized options depending on the cause of your symptoms.
For immediate relief, over-the-counter artificial tears or eye drops can work well. Prescription dry eye medications, like cyclosporine (Restasis®), can help reduce inflammation and increase natural tear production over time. In more severe cases, we might recommend punctal plugs, tiny, biocompatible plugs inserted into your tear ducts to help keep tears on the surface of your eye longer.
Lifestyle modifications can also help you manage dry eye symptoms. Take regular breaks from screens, use a humidifier in your home, and stay hydrated to help support healthier eyes.
Whatever your symptoms, we’re here to help. Dr. Cirino and our team examine your eyes and review your medical history to identify the cause of your symptoms and create a customized treatment plan to restore your comfort and protect your vision.
Call or message us today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and take the first step toward long-term dry eye relief.
