Dry Eye: Symptoms & Causes

Dry eyes can have several underlying causes, but each leads to a common set of unpleasant symptoms. Please speak with us for help in qualifying the warning signs of dry eye.

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What Can Happen to Your Cornea

Your cornea is a clear skin-like tissue that focuses images you see into a focal point at the back of your eye. It requires moisture to keep from cracking and shriveling in severe cases. Redness and irritation are common symptoms in mild cases. Your tear film keeps the corneal tissue from drying out and provides the eye with the oxygen it needs.

Your Tear Film

The tear film is essential in maintaining your ocular health. It’s made of 3 distinct layers:

Mucin layer: This layer acts as a foundation, keeping the tears adhered to the surface of the eye.
Aqueous layer: The watery layer provides most of the moisture the eyes need to stay comfortable.

Lipid layer: This oily layer prevents the tear film from evaporating.

Types of Dry Eye

There are 2 main types of dry eyes, and they both have to do with your tear film. It’s possible to have both types of dry eyes at the same time.

Evaporative Dry Eye

Evaporative dry eyes occur when your tear film evaporates too quickly. It can be the result of your eyes’ inability to produce enough oil to prevent the tear film from evaporating, or from the environment or changes to the eye.

Aqueous Tear-Deficient Dry Eye

Aqueous tear-deficient dry eyes occur when the lacrimal glands don’t produce enough tears to provide your eyes with the moisture it needs to be comfortable. While common with age, aqueous tear-deficient dry eyes can also happen in conjunction with other medical conditions, such as:

How Your Optometrist Can Help

After diagnosing the type of dry eye you have with a comprehensive eye exam for adults or children , our optometrist can help you manage it and maximize comfort. For occasional or mild dry eyes, over-the-counter or prescription eye drops can go a long way in providing relief. Your optometrist can help you reclaim the comfort of hydrated eyes you’ve been missing lately.

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