Dry Eye Disease: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Dry eye disease is a common eye condition that occurs when your tears aren’t able to provide enough lubrication for your eyes.And yes — you can still have dry eyes even if they’re watery.

Confusing? Let’s explain it properly.

What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Your eyes rely on a healthy tear film to stay comfortable, protected, and clear.Dry eye disease develops when:

• You don’t produce enough tears

• Your tears evaporate too quickly

• Or your tear quality is poor

  
  

“But My Eyes Are Watery… How Can They Be Dry?”

This is one of the most common questions we hear.

Watery eyes are often your body’s emergency response to irritation caused by dryness.Instead of producing balanced, nourishing tears, the eyes flood the surface with poor-quality tears — which don’t actually solve the problem.

How Do Tears Work?

Every time you blink, a thin film of tears spreads across your eye. This tear film is essential for:

• Clear vision

• Comfort

• Protecting the eye’s surface

  
  

The tear film has three layers:

1. The Oily (Lipid) Layer

The outer layer that prevents tears from evaporating too quickly and keeps the tear film stable.

2. The Watery (Aqueous) Layer

The middle layer that cleans the eye and washes away dust and debris.This layer is produced by the lacrimal glands.

3. The Mucous Layer

The inner layer that helps tears stick evenly to the eye’s surface.Without it, tears simply slide off instead of doing their job.

If any one of these layers isn’t working properly, dry eye symptoms can develop.

Signs & Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Dry eye symptoms usually affect both eyes and may include:

• A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation

• Redness

• Sensitivity to light

• A gritty or “something in my eye” feeling

• Stringy mucus in or around the eyes

• Watery eyes

• Blurred vision or eye fatigue

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

• Trouble with night-time driving

  
  

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eye disease can be caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Incomplete or abnormal blinking

• Age and hormonal changes, including hormone replacement therapy

• Medical conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, allergic eye disease, or vitamin A deficiency

• Medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, acne treatments, blood pressure medication, birth control, and Parkinson’s medication

• Contact lens wear or corneal nerve changes

• Eyelid conditions such as blepharitis, entropion (inward-turning lids), or ectropion (outward-turning lids)

• Environmental factors like wind, sun, smoke, air conditioners, heaters, and screen use

How Are Dry Eyes Treated?

Dry eye treatment depends on the cause and severity, but may include:

• Dry eye supplements (Omega-3, Vitamin A, Zinc, Beta-carotene, Vitamins C & E)

• Artificial tears (used regularly, not only when symptoms flare up)

• Warm compresses applied to the eyelids for 5 minutes daily

• Reducing contact lens wear time

• Improving blink habits, especially during screen use

• Positioning screens below eye level to reduce tear evaporation

• Using a humidifier in dry indoor environments

• Avoiding smoke and direct air flow from fans, heaters, or air conditioners

• Protective eyewear or wraparound sunglasses to shield against wind and dry air

  
  

Your optometrist can guide you on which treatments and drops are best for your eyes — not all solutions work the same for everyone.

Advanced Dry Eye Treatment at Knipoog

If your dry eyes are persistent, we also offer in-practice dry eye treatment, including:

• Blephasteam therapy

• Gland expression to improve tear quality and stability

  
  

These treatments target the root cause, not just the symptoms.

When Should You See an Optometrist?

If dry eyes are affecting your comfort, vision, or daily life, it’s worth having them properly assessed.

Dry eye disease is common — but it’s also very manageable with the right care.