Main
- The tear film loses stability: moisture evaporates faster than it is replenished, and the surface of the eye remains exposed.
- Common signs: a gritty sensation, burning, redness, rapid fatigue and periodic blurring of vision.
- At risk: older people, screen workers, residents of dry climates and those who wear contact lenses.
- The diagnosis is made by an ophthalmologist: slit-lamp examination, staining test and measurement of tear break-up time.
- Treatment includes: selection of moisturising therapy, correction of visual strain and treatment of eyelid diseases.
What is dry eye syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the tear film on the surface of the eye becomes unstable or not enough tears are produced. This causes discomfort, burning, a gritty sensation and other unpleasant symptoms.
What happens in the body
The tear film covers the cornea with a thin layer and keeps moisture on the surface of the eye. It consists of several layers, and each performs its own task: some are responsible for wetting, others retain moisture. When one of the layers thins or changes composition, the film stops being stable. Moisture evaporates faster than it can be replenished, and the surface of the eye is left exposed. This causes a sensation of dryness, burning, grittiness or a foreign body under the eyelid. The eye reacts to irritation by producing more tears, so dryness is sometimes accompanied by tearing. If such signs are not addressed in time, the discomfort becomes constant and interferes with work and reading.
What causes it to develop
- Older age: with the years, tear production naturally decreases, and the composition of the film changes, so the surface of the eye is moistened less well.
- Prolonged work at a computer or reading: when gazing intently, a person blinks less often, and the tear film does not have time to renew itself.
- Dry air, air conditioning, wind: these conditions speed up the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the eye, and natural moistening becomes insufficient.
- Wearing contact lenses: the lens comes into contact with the cornea and disrupts the distribution of the tear layer, so moisture is retained unevenly.
- Taking certain medicines: some medicines affect tear production, and dryness occurs as a side effect alongside the main treatment.
- Diseases of the eyelids and the skin around the eyes: in such conditions the function of the glands involved in forming the tear film changes.
Who experiences it more often
Dry eye syndrome is more common in older people, when natural tear production gradually decreases. In women the condition often appears during hormonal changes, since hormonal levels affect the composition of the tear film. Office employees, programmers, students and everyone who reads or works with documents for long periods spend a lot of time in front of a screen. Residents of regions with a dry climate and those who often stay in rooms with air conditioning are also at risk. Wearing contact lenses adds further strain on the surface of the eye. Taking certain medicines, as well as diseases of the eyelids and the skin around the eyes, also have an effect. If a person notices constant discomfort, burning or a gritty sensation, it is worth discussing this with an ophthalmologist at an appointment.
What symptoms can occur?
Dry eye syndrome manifests as discomfort that worsens when reading, working at a computer, or in a dry or windy room. Many people note that the unpleasant sensations subside after rest or after moistening the eyes.
How it is noticed at the very beginning
The first signs of dry eye syndrome are usually put down to ordinary tiredness after long hours at a computer or reading. A person feels that the eyes are lacking something, although outwardly they look perfectly calm. The discomfort appears towards the evening, when the visual load has accumulated over the day. In a dry or windy room the unpleasant sensations become more noticeable, and outdoors in windy weather they intensify. Many people notice that after a short rest or moistening the eyes the condition temporarily improves. If such episodes repeat day after day, it is worth seeing an ophthalmologist without waiting for the symptoms to worsen.
Signs that occur most often
- A sensation of sand or a foreign body: it feels as though something is in the eye, although there is no foreign object.
- Burning and stinging: unpleasant sensations appear during visual strain and intensify towards the evening.
- Redness of the eyes: the vessels dilate, the white of the eye looks inflamed, especially after working at a computer.
- Rapid fatigue during visual strain: the eyes tire faster than usual, and it becomes harder to concentrate on text.
- Periodic blurring of vision: clarity now disappears, now returns, especially when reading or working with fine details.
- Tearing as a reaction to dryness: the eye responds with an excess of tears, although the cause is a lack of moisture.
When to seek help urgently
Examinations and tests
Examination for dry eye syndrome helps the doctor see the condition of the tear film, eyelids and cornea. The diagnosis is made by an ophthalmologist after an examination and special tests, in order to select suitable treatment.
How the examination begins
The examination begins with a slit-lamp examination, during which the ophthalmologist assesses the condition of the cornea, eyelids and tear film. The doctor pays attention to how the tear film is distributed over the surface of the eye and how long it is retained. Then a corneal staining test is performed: a special dye helps to see the areas where the protective layer is damaged. Separately, the tear film break-up time is measured — this indicator reflects its stability. Next, the quantity of tears is assessed to understand whether enough of them is produced. The doctor also checks the condition of the eyelids and eyelashes, since changes in them affect the distribution of tears. All these tests together give a complete picture, rather than a single result. If clear data cannot be obtained during the appointment, the ophthalmologist may repeat the tests or refer for additional investigations.
What is prescribed and what it shows
What is worth preparing for the appointment
- Ophthalmologist's reports: take all previous conclusions so that the doctor can see the dynamics of the condition and does not repeat tests already undergone.
- Results of previous examinations: images and records of examinations will be useful, they help compare tear film indicators at different periods.
- List of complaints: describe in advance when dryness, burning or a gritty sensation appears and how long it lasts.
- Information about concomitant conditions: tell the doctor about other diseases and previous eye surgeries, this affects the choice of tests.
- Questions for the doctor: write down in advance what you want to clarify about your condition and further steps, so as not to forget during the appointment.
Which doctor should I see?
The condition of the eyelids and tear film is managed by an ophthalmologist, and it is to them that patients are referred for persistent discomfort. Below is information on who treats this condition, what the care consists of, and what remains the patient's responsibility.
Which specialist manages this condition
Dry eye syndrome is managed by an ophthalmologist, since it concerns the condition of the ocular surface and the tear film. The doctor examines the eyelids, conjunctiva and cornea, and assesses how the tear film is distributed during blinking. They also examine the eyelid margins and the openings of the glands separately, because their function directly affects moistening. If a specialist is not available nearby, the first step is to see a general practitioner: they will assess the overall condition and refer onwards to the relevant specialist. Some causes lie outside the eye, so the ophthalmologist may refer to another specialist. With a prolonged course without monitoring, the ocular surface becomes more damaged and complaints intensify. Therefore, with persistent discomfort it is sensible not to postpone a visit to the ophthalmologist and not to select remedies on your own.
What the treatment consists of
- Selection of moisturising therapy: the doctor chooses remedies for your case, because the composition and form are selected individually, not on advice from the internet.
- Correction of visual load: breaks when working at a screen and lighting are reviewed, since without this moistening is quickly lost.
- Treatment of eyelid diseases: therapy for blepharitis and other changes of the eyelid margins is important, because that is where the glands that produce the lipid layer of the film are located.
- Physiotherapeutic procedures: they are used when the eyelids are involved, to improve the function of the glands and relieve stasis in them.
- Surgery when indicated: surgical intervention is discussed in individual cases, when other areas of care do not give the required effect.
What depends on the patient themselves
The regularity of follow-up with the ophthalmologist determines how predictable the condition of the ocular surface will be. If visits are missed, the doctor does not see how the ocular surface responds to care and cannot correct it in time. Home habits also matter: breaks when working at a screen, sufficient lighting and avoiding prolonged time in dry air. Many note that complaints return precisely after periods when the recommendations were followed irregularly. Notes on when the discomfort intensifies help the doctor understand more precisely what triggers the worsening. When new complaints appear, it is not worth waiting for a scheduled visit; it is better to report them to the doctor. The practical conclusion is simple: follow the prescriptions exactly as agreed at the appointment, without making changes on your own.
What helps prevent an exacerbation?
Prevention of dry eye syndrome helps reduce discomfort and prevent flare-ups. Below is what depends on the person themselves: daily habits, monitoring the condition and regular check-ups with a doctor.
What to change in your habits
Daily habits directly affect the course of dry eye syndrome and the frequency of flare-ups. Humidifying the air indoors reduces evaporation of the tear film, so a humidifier or a container of water near your workplace noticeably reduces dryness by the evening. Breaks when working at a computer give the eyes a rest: if you do not look away from the screen for a long time, you blink less often and the cornea dries out. Protective glasses in the wind protect the surface of the eye from the flow of air and dust, which increase burning and stinging. Caring for contact lenses according to the instructions reduces irritation, while the habit of rubbing your eyes with dirty hands increases the risk of inflammation. It is useful to agree with yourself in advance on short pauses during the day, so that rest for the eyes is not put off until later.
What should be kept under control
- Air humidity: dry air in a flat or office increases dry eyes, so it is worth monitoring the indoor climate and humidifying it if necessary.
- Duration of screen work: continuous strain without breaks depletes the tear film faster, so pauses need to be planned in advance.
- Wearing lenses: failure to follow the rules of care and wearing times leads to irritation, so the wearing schedule must be followed constantly.
- Protection outdoors: wind and dust increase discomfort, and protective glasses on such days noticeably ease the condition.
- Your own sensations: increased burning, stinging or a gritty feeling is a reason not to wait, but to see a doctor for a check-up.
How often to see a doctor
A regular examination by an ophthalmologist is needed even when the eyes do not bother you and you seem to feel well. The condition of the tear film can change gradually, and what is unnoticeable today eventually causes persistent discomfort. The doctor assesses the surface of the eye and, if necessary, adjusts the recommendations, rather than only reacting to complaints. If new sensations appear — burning, stinging or a gritty feeling — the visit should not be postponed until the scheduled date. When fitting contact lenses, monitoring is especially important, since an incorrect wearing schedule increases dryness. A person who knows their habits and monitors their condition notices changes earlier and describes them more accurately at an appointment. Therefore, it is sensible to agree with the doctor on the frequency of examinations and stick to it, even when the eyes do not bother you.
What is worth remembering
Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the tear film stops protecting the surface of the eye properly. The discussion of it should end with what really stays with the reader for a long time.
Key takeaways
Dry eye syndrome almost always develops gradually, so it is easy to put it down to tiredness after long hours at a screen. A person gets used to the burning, to the feeling of sand, and to vision becoming blurry towards the evening. At the same time, constant discomfort is not normal but a signal that the protective layer of the tear film is not working properly. If this is ignored, the surface of the eye becomes more irritated, and the complaints intensify. Dry eye syndrome is not always related to age: it also occurs in young people who spend a lot of time at a monitor. A simple habit of paying attention to your sensations throughout the day helps to notice the problem. Then it becomes clear when the discomfort appears and what precedes it. These observations will be useful to the doctor who will look into the cause. One should not put off a visit if the unpleasant sensations return day after day.
