Common Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are more than just a minor irritation. They can affect your comfort, vision, and overall eye health. At Kataria Eye & ENT Hospital, we often see patients who ignore early symptoms, thinking it’s due to tiredness or weather changes — but chronic dry eye can be a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention.

Dry Eyes Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & When to See an Eye Doctor

Introduction

Dry Eyes Syndrome

 is a very common eye condition that affects people of all ages. It occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to irritation, discomfort, and blurry vision. With increased screen time, air-conditioning, pollution, and aging, dry eyes are becoming more frequent than ever.

Early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly improve comfort and protect long-term eye health.

What Is Dry Eyes Syndrome?

Dry Eyes Syndrome (also called Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) is a condition where the tear film is unstable or insufficient to keep the eyes properly lubricated.

Tears are essential for:

• Keeping the eyes moist
• Providing clear vision
• Protecting against infections

When this balance is disturbed, dryness and irritation occur.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Dry eye symptoms may vary from mild to severe and include:

• Burning or stinging sensation
• Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
• Redness and irritation
• Excessive watering (reflex tears)
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Eye fatigue, especially after screen use
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

If left untreated, dry eyes can affect daily activities like reading, driving, and working on digital devices.

Causes of Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can develop due to multiple reasons:

1. Lifestyle Factors

• Prolonged mobile, laptop, or computer use
• Reduced blinking while screen use
• Air-conditioned or dusty environments

2. Age & Hormonal Changes

• More common after 40 years
• Frequently seen in menopausal women

3. Medical Conditions

• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome

4. Medications

• Antihistamines
• Antidepressants
• Blood pressure medications

5. Eye Procedures

• LASIK or cataract surgery (temporary dryness)

How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

At Kataria Eye & ENT Hospital, dry eye evaluation includes:

• Detailed eye examination
• Tear film assessment
• Tear breakup time test
• Ocular surface evaluation

Identifying the type and severity of dry eye is crucial for effective treatment.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity.

1. Artificial Tears & Lubricating Drops

• First line of treatment
• Provides immediate relief

2. Medicated Eye Drops

• To reduce inflammation
• Improve tear quality

3. Lifestyle Modifications

• 20-20-20 rule for screen use
• Adequate hydration
• Proper blinking habits

4. Advanced Dry Eye Treatments

• Thermal therapies
• Lid hygiene treatments
• Tear conservation methods

Your eye specialist will customise treatment based on your condition.

Can Dry Eyes Be Prevented?

While dry eyes may not always be preventable, you can reduce symptoms by:

• Limiting screen time
• Taking regular breaks
• Using protective eyewear
• Maintaining good eyelid hygiene
• Getting regular eye check-ups

When Should You See an Eye Specialist?

You should consult an eye doctor if:

• Symptoms persist despite using eye drops
• Vision becomes blurry
• Redness or pain increases
• You have dryness after eye surgery

Early treatment prevents complications and improves quality of life.

Why Choose Kataria Eye & ENT Hospital?

At Kataria Eye & ENT Hospital, Jalandhar, we offer:

• Comprehensive dry eye evaluation
• Advanced diagnostic technology
• Personalised treatment plans
• Experienced eye specialists

Your eye comfort and vision health are our priority.

Conclusion

Dry Eyes Syndrome is a common but treatable condition. Ignoring symptoms can lead to chronic discomfort and vision problems. With proper diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and advanced treatment options, dry eyes can be effectively managed.

Book your dry eye evaluation today at Kataria Eye & ENT Hospital.

Let’s look at some common symptoms of dry eyes you shouldn’t ignore:

1. Burning or Stinging Sensation

A persistent burning or stinging feeling is one of the earliest signs. It can feel like your eyes are reacting to smoke or wind, even in normal conditions.

2. Watery Eyes

Ironically, dry eyes can cause excessive watering. This is your body’s way of compensating for the dryness, but the tears produced are often of poor quality and don’t provide real relief.

3. Blurred Vision

If your vision becomes hazy, especially after reading or screen time, it could be due to an unstable tear film — a key sign of dry eye.

4. Eye Fatigue or Heaviness

A feeling of tiredness in the eyes after minimal use (like watching TV or reading) may be due to dryness and lack of lubrication.

5. Difficulty Wearing Contact Lenses

If you suddenly find your lenses uncomfortable or irritating, dry eyes might be the reason. The lens may not stay moist, leading to discomfort and blurry vision.

6. Light Sensitivity

People with dry eyes often find bright lights irritating. This can be especially noticeable while driving at night or being out in the sun.

7. Feeling of Grittiness or Something in the Eye

Many describe it as a “sand in the eyes” feeling. This can be both uncomfortable and distracting, and is a hallmark of dry eye syndrome.