Dry eye
What is dry eye?
Dry eye is a condition in which the eye does not produce enough tears, or the tears are of poor quality and evaporate quickly.
Tears are not just a reaction to emotions - they are essential for normal eye function. Every time we blink, tears spread evenly over the surface of the eye, protecting it from infections and enabling clear vision. When this protective film is insufficient, the eye becomes dry, irritated, and sensitive.
What are the symptoms?
a feeling of dryness and grittiness in the eyes - especially when closing the eyelids
burning or a foreign body sensation in the eye
red eyes
blurry vision that improves with blinking
inability to wear contact lenses
paradoxically - excessive tearing (the eye reacts to irritation with increased secretion, but these tears are of poor quality)
The condition is more common in older people and more frequently occurs in women going through menopause.
What causes dry eye?
Reduced tear production - occurs with ageing, Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammation of the tear gland, and chronic blepharitis.
Increased tear evaporation - occurs when the eyelids cannot fully close - for example in facial nerve palsy.
Poor environmental conditions - dry eye particularly affects people who spend long periods in front of screens, work in air-conditioned rooms, or in spaces with poor artificial lighting.
Prolonged screen time reduces blinking frequency - leading to faster evaporation of the tear film. If you spend long periods in front of a computer and feel eye fatigue or dryness - this is not a coincidence.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made during a standard ophthalmological examination at the slit lamp. Standard diagnostic tests include the Schirmer test (measures tear quantity) and the TBUT test (measures tear film break-up time). These tests are simple, painless, and give a clear picture of the condition of the tear film.
How is it treated?
Artificial tears - drops or gels that compensate for the lack of tears, applied several times during the day
Punctal occlusion - a minor procedure that reduces the drainage of tears from the eye and prolongs their effect
Habit changes - more frequent blinking, screen breaks, air humidifiers in the room
Dry eye is a chronic condition that can be effectively managed with the right treatment. Without treatment, prolonged dry eye can lead to damage to the surface of the cornea.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to have dry eye after laser correction?
Yes - dry eye is one of the possible side effects of laser correction, especially in the first few months after the procedure. In most patients, symptoms are temporary and resolve with the use of artificial tears. For this reason, the condition of the tear film is always assessed before laser surgery.
Do contact lenses worsen dry eye?
Yes - contact lenses can worsen the symptoms of dry eye because they reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea and accelerate tear evaporation. Patients with dry eye are advised to consult an ophthalmologist before wearing lenses - and in some cases it may be necessary to temporarily stop wearing them.
Do any eye drops help with dry eye?
Not all drops are the same. Artificial tears differ in composition, viscosity, and the presence of preservatives. The type and frequency of use should be determined with the help of an ophthalmologist.
Dry eye does not have to be your daily burden.
With the right treatment, symptoms can be effectively managed - schedule an examination and find a solution.