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 cutting-edge treatments to address the underlying causes of dry eye syndrome and provide long-lasting relief. MiBo ThermoFlo is an advanced thermal therapy designed to treat meibomian gland dysfunction. This non-invasive treatment uses gentle heat to unclog and stimulate the meibomian glands, improving the quality of your tears and providing relief from dryness.
 

Meibomian gland expression is a targeted procedure to manually clear blockages in the glands. By restoring normal gland function, this treatment enhances the tear film's stability, reducing symptoms of dry eye.
 

Prescription eye drops can address both inflammation and inadequate tear production. Depending on your condition, we may recommend anti-inflammatory drops or lubricating drops to keep your eyes hydrated and comfortable.
 

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 MiBo ThermoFlo, Meibomian gland expression, and prescription eye drops, 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.