Dry eyes can have a profound impact on your quality of life and affects 18-58% of people, with prevalence increasing as we age. Symptoms can range from red, watery, and uncomfortable eyes to fluctuating vision, often with little to no sensation of discomfort.
Why is Dry Eye Disease More Common Now?
With our increasing reliance on digital devices, dry eye disease has become a growing concern. Did you know that when we use screens, we blink 70% less? This reduced blinking can reduce tear production and permanently affect your eyes anatomy over time. Additionally, the modern Western diet tends to be more inflammatory, which can negatively impact the quality of our tear production. Making adjustments to our lifestyle, diet, and possibly incorporating supplements can significantly alleviate dry eye symptoms.
If I Don’t Use Screens and Drink Plenty of Water, Why Do My Eyes Still Feel Dry?
Our tear film consists of three layers produced by 3 different glands, and dehydration primarily affects only one of these layers. While staying hydrated is important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. In fact, 86% of dry eye cases originate from insufficient output from the Meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of tears. Factors like diet, skin conditions (e.g., rosacea), screen time, hormonal changes, and certain medications can all contribute to dry eyes.
Why Should I Treat My Dry Eyes?
Don’t accept dry eyes and discomfort as a normal part of life. Dry eye disease is a chronic, inflammatory condition that requires treatment to prevent progression, much like any other inflammatory issue in the body. Proper management can also enhance your comfort during contact lens wear and improve outcomes for procedures like LASIK, PRK, and cataract surgery.
If left untreated, blocked glands may deteriorate over time, leading to increased dependence on artificial tears and more persistent dry eye symptoms.
Are There More Options Than Artificial Tears for Treating Dry Eyes?
Absolutely! Addressing the root cause of dry eye is essential, and there are numerous treatments available to improve gland function.
Innovative technologies like Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) and Radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic heat can effectively treat dry eye. These methods heat the Meibomian glands from within, helping to melt blockages and regenerate healthy oils that support the tear film. These treatments also reduce inflammation, manage bacterial overgrowth, and can even offer cosmetic benefits.
Supplementary therapies may include dietary supplements, heat compresses, lifestyle modifications, and artificial lubricants. In some cases, prescription medications—either topical or oral—may also be necessary.
Co-managing your eye health with other healthcare providers is vital, as dry eye can be linked to systemic inflammatory conditions and autoimmune issues such as diabetes and thyroid dysfunction.
“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.” — Lewis Carroll