What Is Dry Eye and Why Does It Happen?

If your eyes burn, sting, water excessively, or feel like there’s something stuck in them, dry eye could be the cause. While many people think dry eye is just a minor annoyance, it’s actually a complex and often chronic condition that can significantly impact comfort and vision. At Eye Care Plus, we offer dry eye evaluations and advanced treatment options designed to address the root cause of your symptoms and provide lasting relief.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears you do produce aren’t high quality. Healthy tears are made up of three essential layers - oil, water, and mucus- that work together to keep the surface of the eye smooth, comfortable, and well-lubricated.

When this tear film becomes unstable, tears evaporate too quickly or fail to adequately protect the eye. The result is symptoms such as:

• Burning or stinging
• Grittiness or a sandy sensation
• Redness
• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Excessive tearing

Dry eye can range from mild and occasional to persistent and severe, especially when an underlying condition is involved.

Common Causes of Dry Eye

One of the most common causes is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands along the eyelids produce the oil layer of your tears. When these glands become blocked or don’t function properly, tears evaporate too quickly. MGD is a leading cause of evaporative dry eye and often requires a comprehensive exam to diagnose.

Blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelids, can also contribute to dryness. Often caused by bacteria or clogged oil glands, it leads to redness, irritation, crusting, and unstable tears. It frequently overlaps with MGD. Ocular rosacea, linked to facial rosacea, causes inflammation of the eyes and eyelids and can disrupt oil gland function, leading to burning and redness.

Aging also plays a role. Tear production naturally decreases over time, and hormonal changes - especially during menopause - can further reduce tear quality and quantity, making dry eye more common after age 50.

Additional Dry Eye Triggers

Certain lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and environmental exposures can trigger or worsen dry eye symptoms by affecting tear production, tear quality, or tear stability.

Common Dry Eye Triggers Include:

• Eye Surgery: Procedures such as LASIK or cataract surgery can temporarily disrupt tear production and corneal nerves. While dryness often improves during healing, some patients experience longer-term symptoms that require treatment.
• Contact Lens Use: Contact lenses can absorb moisture from the tear film and increase irritation, especially with extended wear. Long-term use may also impact the health of the eyelids and oil glands.
• Allergies: Seasonal and environmental allergies cause inflammation, itching, and watery eyes. Chronic inflammation can destabilize the tear film and worsen dry eye symptoms.
• Medications: Certain medications - such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and hormone replacement therapy - can reduce tear production and contribute to dryness.
• Medical Conditions: Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can significantly affect tear production. Diabetes and thyroid disorders may also impact ocular surface health.
• Prolonged Screen Time: Extended use of digital devices reduces blink frequency and tear distribution, increasing evaporation and contributing to digital eye strain and dryness.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

Occasional dryness is common, but if your symptoms are frequent, worsening, or interfering with daily life, it’s time for a comprehensive evaluation. At Eye Care Plus, we assess tear quality, tear production, and eyelid health to identify the underlying cause so treatment targets the root of the problem.

While artificial tears may offer temporary relief, lasting improvement often requires a personalized treatment plan. Depending on your needs, care may include prescription drops, lid hygiene, warm compress therapy, nutritional support, or advanced in-office treatments such as TearCare, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, or BlephEx. These treatments are designed to address blocked glands, inflammation, and eyelid buildup - helping restore healthier, more stable tears.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation at Eye Care Plus

Dry eye may seem minor at first, but untreated dryness can lead to chronic inflammation, increased discomfort, and even damage to the surface of the eye. The good news is that effective treatment starts with the right diagnosis.

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, schedule a consultation at Eye Care Plus for a personalized treatment plan designed for long-term relief. Contact our offices in Amarillo, Texas, by calling (806) 855-8090 for our South Coulter location, or (806) 318-5055 for our Grand location to book an appointment today.