What is Dry Eye Syndrome? Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Dry eye syndrome is a common and often frustrating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether your eyes feel gritty, watery, or constantly irritated, understanding the causes and exploring effective solutions can help you reclaim comfort and clear vision.
 

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears they produce evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining eye health and providing clear vision, and when their quality or quantity is compromised, discomfort and vision problems can arise.
 

Common Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is one of the most common underlying causes of dry eye syndrome. The meibomian glands in your eyelids produce the oily layer of your tears, which helps prevent evaporation. When these glands become blocked or dysfunctional, tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness and irritation. 
 

Dry eye syndrome can also be triggered by several factors, including:

• Age: Tear production naturally decreases as we age.

• Environment: Exposure to wind, smoke, or dry air can lead to quicker tear evaporation.

• Screen Use: Staring at screens for extended periods reduces blinking, which is essential for spreading tears evenly.

• Medical Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, allergies, and certain medications can contribute to dry eyes.
   

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

If you have dry eye syndrome, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes

• Excessive tearing

• Sensitivity to light

• Blurred vision or difficulty focusing

• A feeling of grittiness or foreign objects in the eye

• Redness or irritation, especially after prolonged screen time
   

Solutions for Dry Eye Syndrome

At Eye Trends Southlake, we offer a range of advanced treatments to address the underlying causes of dry eye syndrome and provide long-lasting relief.

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: IPL is a breakthrough treatment that helps reduce inflammation and improve the function of the meibomian glands. By targeting abnormal blood vessels and stimulating oil production, IPL helps restore tear film stability and relieve dry eye symptoms.

• Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT): This non-invasive therapy uses gentle, targeted light energy to stimulate the meibomian glands, improving tear production and reducing inflammation associated with dry eye syndrome.

• Meibomian Gland Expression: This procedure helps manually clear blockages in the meibomian glands, allowing the natural oils to flow properly and enhance the tear film’s stability.

• Eyelid Microexfoliation: Removing debris and biofilm buildup along the eyelid margins can significantly improve tear quality. This gentle exfoliation procedure enhances gland function and reduces irritation caused by bacteria and inflammation.

• Amniotic Membrane Treatments: For more severe cases of dry eye, amniotic membrane treatments can promote healing, reduce inflammation, and help regenerate damaged tissue on the ocular surface.

• Punctal Plugs: If excessive tear drainage is contributing to dryness, punctal plugs can be inserted into the tear ducts to help retain natural moisture and improve eye hydration.
   

Take Control of Dry Eye Syndrome with Eye Trends Southlake

Living with dry eye syndrome can be frustrating, but relief is within reach. By understanding the causes of your symptoms and exploring advanced treatment options like Intense Pulsed Light Therapy, Low-Level Light Therapy, Meibomian Gland Expression, and more, you can restore comfort and protect your eye health.
 

At Eye Trends Southlake, Dr. Chris Steritz takes a personalized approach to diagnose the root cause of your dry eye symptoms and develop a tailored treatment plan. If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, contact Eye Trends Southlake to learn more about our dry eye treatments and take the first step toward healthier eyes. Visit our office in Southlake, Texas, or call (817) 900-EYES (3937) to book an appointment today.