Understanding Dry Eyes and Finding Treatment Options

When the tears you produce are not helping your eyes to function well, you may have a condition called dry eyes. Finding treatment is vital. 

If you notice that your eyes are watering more these days or that they’re burning or uncomfortable, the issue may be due to a condition called dry eyes. Tears cover and protect your eyes. And when you don’t produce enough tears, or they don’t function as well as they should, it can lead to dry eyes.  

While dry eyes do not directly lead to blindness, complications from the condition can affect vision. The cornea, which is the clear covering of the eye, can become damaged. Common issues with the cornea due to dry eyes include corneal sores (ulcers) and corneal abrasions (scratches).

Finding the most effective treatments for you is vital to preserve your vision as well as bring you comfort. 

A look at normal tears 

The tears in your eyes are composed of 3 layers that make up a protective covering called the tear film. Your eyes work well when your tear film works as it should. A tear is broken down into these layers:

• An oily layer. This is the outside of the tear and keeps the surface smooth. It serves to keep tears from drying up too quickly. It is made in the meibomian glands in the eyelids.
  
• A watery layer. This middle layer makes up what we see as “tears.” It cleans the eye by washing away dirt and debris. It is made in the lacrimal glands in the eyelids.
  
• A mucus layer. This inner layer keeps the other layers from sticking to the eye. It is clear and covers the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. This layer is made in the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva is a thin layer that covers the whites of your eyes and inner eyelids.

Blinking spreads these layers over your eye.

But it’s not uncommon for the tear film to develop problems. These can include producing too few tears, tears that evaporate too quickly, or a combination of both problems. These issues can lead to dry eyes. 

The symptoms of dry eyes 

One common symptom of dry eyes is watery eyes. This may sound counterintuitive. But “dry eyes” may result in too many tears. You may find your eyes welling up and tears running down your cheeks. This happens because the glands in the eye don’t make enough oil. The watery layer of tears evaporates too fast. Then the tear glands try to compensate by making too many tears.

Other symptoms of dry eyes are:

• Blurry vision
• Burning or stinging eyes
• Scratchy feelings in the eyes 
• Sensitivity to light
• Inflammation of the eyelids or other parts of the eye 
  

Possible causes of dry eyes 

If you have dry eyes, you may wonder about the causes . Here are some lifestyle and medical factors that can cause you to develop dry eyes.

• Electronic screens. Using screens throughout the day may cause dry eyes. Staring at a computer or phone screen, or watching TV, results in less blinking. Dry eyes may follow.
  
• Low humidity indoors. Low humidity in your home may cause dry eyes. Heat and air conditioning can dry the air. Typical low-humidity environments also include airplanes, office buildings that run air conditioning, and hospitals.
  
• Sleep apnea masks. These tend to leak air around your eyes, which can dry your eyes.
  
• Contact lenses. The lenses can alter the tear film or the oxygen that reaches the eyes.
  
• Medications. Some over-the-counter and prescription drugs can cause dry eyes. These include:

- Sedatives and sleep aids

- Cold remedies

- Meds for anxiety/depression

- Allergy meds

- Blood pressure meds

- Medicated eye drops with preservatives in them

If you are taking any of these drugs and experiencing dry eyes, talk with your doctor to see what can be done to reduce your eye dryness.  

• Health issues. Some health conditions can cause dry eyes. These include:

- Diabetes

- Thyroid issues

- Rheumatoid arthritis

- Parkinson’s disease

- Sjogren’s syndrome

- Lupus

- Menopause

- Allergies

Because dry eyes could be an indication of a serious health condition, it’s vital that you seek medical advice and treatment. 

First steps to take if you have symptoms of dry eyes 

If you are dealing with any symptoms that may indicate dry eyes, such as burning, stinging, and/or light sensitivity, the first step is to seek a medical evaluation. Causes and symptoms can be complicated, so getting medical help in diagnosing and managing dry eyes is the way to go.

You will want to establish care with either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist—but which kind of eye doctor should you see first?

It’s fine to start with an optometrist if you have symptoms of dry eyes. If you need more medical care than the optometrist can provide, they will refer you to an ophthalmologist.

You can think of an optometrist as a primary eye care provider. An optometrist can give you a general eye exam and oversee your care for conditions such as vision issues, glasses, contact lenses, and prescribe medications for some eye conditions.  

An ophthalmologist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor. This eye doctor can also help you manage dry eyes. Beyond that, an ophthalmologist can treat medical issues such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment.

If you find that you have medical issues causing your dry eyes, you may need to see other doctors that specialize in health care for those conditions. For example, if you have dry eyes from your Parkinson’s disease, you may need to work with your neurologist in addition to your eye doctor.  

If you already have an established relationship with either kind of eye doctor, start there and know that you will receive the care you need from them or through a referral.

When you go in for your eye exam, the doctor will evaluate the number of tears you’re producing and their thickness. You may have a dilated eye exam for this step so the doctor can better see the structures of your eyes inside. From there, your doctor will talk with you about treatments that can help. 

Managing dry eyes begins with self-care treatments 

The goal of treating dry eyes is to conserve healthy tears, increase tear production, and lower inflammation of the eyelids. After your exam, your optometrist or ophthalmologist will be able to advise you on the treatment options for managing dry eyes. They can help you decide which options may work best for you. Some treatments are easy self-care measures you can take at home.  

One easy step to take is to stay hydrated. Your eyes need water, as does the rest of your body. Besides drinking water, you can eat foods that have a high water content, such as cucumbers and watermelon. While this may help, you may also need products to manage dry eyes.

Here are a few other self-care treatments that often help in managing dry eyes.

• Eye drops. Over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops add tears to your eyes. These drops may be called “artificial tears.” Use the drops as advised, which may be multiple times per day. Products with preservatives may irritate your eyes, so look for preservative-free options. Your doctor can point you to a brand of eye drops, as the choices may be confusing. If OTC drops don’t help ease symptoms, check back with your doctor.
  
• Eye ointments. These coat your eyes and give relief from symptoms. But they are thicker than drops and may cloud your vision. They are best used just before you go to sleep rather than during the day.
  
• Warm compresses. You can place a warm compress over your eyes for 10 minutes each evening. Use a clean washcloth soaked in warm water or a mask heated in the microwave. The warmth helps loosen the oil secretions in your eyes. This improves the quality of your tears. The heat can also loosen any debris under the lids, and it is soothing and brings comfort.
  
• Eyelid cleansers. These help remove bacteria and debris from around the eyes, which can lower inflammation. You can apply over-the-counter eyelid cleansers by spraying them onto a cotton ball and wiping them on the lids. Your doctor may advise you to cleanse your eyelids after using the warm mask or compress.
  
• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements. Your doctor may recommend that you take omega-3 fatty acid nutritional supplements. Evidence that these help eye conditions is not strong, but many doctors believe they may work for some people. Of course, you can also eat plenty of foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and other fatty fish, edamame, and walnuts.

Purchase the products your eye doctor recommends. See what helps. And keep in contact with your doctor as you try out treatments.  

Managing dry eyes – beyond self-care treatments 

If self-care treatments don’t clear up your dry eye symptoms, it may be time to turn to medical treatments with the help of your eye doctor. Here are some options.

• Prescription eye drops. These are stronger than OTC eye drops. They can reduce inflammation or lower the rate at which tears evaporate.  
  
• Plugs for tear ducts. Tiny gel-like plugs can be placed in the tear ducts to block tears from draining. Keeping tears in the eyes longer works to relieve dry eyes. The plugs can be removed when symptoms are resolved.
  
• Special contact lenses. Known as scleral lenses, these come into contact with the whites of your eyes. They protect your eyes, help keep them moist, and also correct your vision.
• Surgery. If other treatments fail, surgery is an option. The decision to turn to surgery is made in consultation with your doctor.

Dry eyes are common. Symptoms include excessive watering of the eyes, burning and stinging of the eyes, blurry vision, and inflammation of the eyelids or eye area. If you have symptoms, see your eye doctor and follow their advice. Keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable will help you live your best life! 

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This information is not intended to take the place of regular medical care or advice. Please check with your doctor before using this information or beginning any self-care program. Images used for this article do not depict any members of the Silver&Fit Program.

References

American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2025, December 8). What is dry eye? Symptoms, causes, and treatment. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye

American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Dry eye. https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/dry-eye

Biggers, L. (2023, November 28). When to see your doctor for dry eye. Duke Health. https://www.dukehealth.org/blog/when-see-your-doctor-dry-eye

Cleveland Clinic. (2025, June 20). Dry eyes. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24479-dry-eye

Cleveland Clinic. (2025, May 27). Optometrist vs. ophthalmologist: Who should you see? Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/optometrist-or-ophthalmologist-which-is-best-for-your-eye-care

Ginsberg Eye Ophthalmology. (2021, December 29). Will drinking more water help dry eye symptoms? 
https://www.ginsbergeye.com/eye-health/will-drinking-more-water-help-dry-eye-symptoms/

Lazarus, R. (n.d.). Systemic diseases that cause dry eye. Optometrists.org. https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-conditions/dry-eye/what-is-dry-eye-syndrome/systemic-diseases-that-cause-dry-eye/

Mayo Clinic. (2022, September 23). Dry eyes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863

National Eye Institute. (2025, August 6). Dry eye. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye

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