Overview
Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes do not make enough tears, tears evaporate too quickly, or the tear film does not protect the eye's surface properly. The tear film has three layers, oil, water, and mucus, and a problem with any of them can leave the eyes irritated.
Dry eye is one of the most common reasons people visit an eye doctor. It is often chronic, but it is very treatable. Identifying the main cause makes treatment more focused and effective. At Bespoke Eye Care in Chester Springs, we look beyond the symptoms to understand why your eyes feel dry.
Symptoms
Dry eye symptoms range from mild to severe and often change throughout the day.
Common Symptoms
- Burning, stinging, or a gritty, sandy feeling.
- Redness and tired eyes.
- Watery eyes, which can happen as irritation triggers reflex tearing.
- Blurry or fluctuating vision that improves with blinking.
- Light sensitivity.
- Discomfort with contact lenses.
Types of Dry Eye
- Evaporative dry eye: The most common type, usually caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, where the oil layer is poor and tears evaporate too fast.
- Aqueous-deficient dry eye: The eyes do not produce enough of the watery layer of tears.
Many people have a mix of both.
Common Triggers
Symptoms often worsen with screen use, reading, driving, or time in heated, air-conditioned, windy, or dry environments.
Causes & Risk Factors
Dry eye usually has more than one cause.
Common Causes
- Meibomian gland dysfunction and eyelid inflammation (blepharitis).
- Reduced tear production with age.
- Incomplete or infrequent blinking, especially during screen time.
- Contact lens wear and previous eye surgery, such as LASIK.
- Medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, some antidepressants, and isotretinoin.
Who is at risk?
- Adults over 50 and people going through hormonal changes, such as menopause.
- People with autoimmune conditions, such as Sjögren's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis.
- People with rosacea, diabetes, or thyroid disease.
- Heavy screen users and contact lens wearers.
Why it matters
Persistent dry eye can damage the corneal surface, make vision inconsistent, and reduce contact lens tolerance. Severe, untreated disease can raise the risk of inflammation, abrasion, infection, and scarring.
Diagnosis
A dry eye evaluation helps pinpoint which part of the tear film is affected. At Bespoke Eye Care, testing may include:
- Symptom history: Understanding your symptoms, health, medications, and daily routine.
- Slit-lamp examination: Examining the eyelids, lashes, oil glands, and eye surface.
- Tear breakup time: Measuring how quickly your tear film becomes unstable.
- Ocular surface staining: Harmless dyes that highlight dry or damaged areas.
- Tear production testing: Measuring how much watery tear your eyes produce.
- Gland assessment: Checking the quality and flow of oil from the meibomian glands.
Treatment & Management
Dry eye treatment is personalized and often combines several approaches.
Home Care
- Preservative-free artificial tears: Gentle on the eye surface for frequent use.
- Warm compresses and lid care: Support healthy oil flow and clean eyelids.
- Screen habits: Take breaks using the 20-20-20 rule and blink fully.
- Environment: Use a humidifier and avoid fans or vents blowing toward your face.
Treatments We Provide
- Prescription anti-inflammatory drops: Help the eyes produce and maintain healthier tears.
- Punctal plugs: Tiny inserts that keep natural tears on the eye longer.
- In-office therapy: Treatments that address meibomian gland dysfunction.
- Contact lens changes: Switching lens type or wearing schedule.
- Nutritional guidance: Discussing omega-3 and diet options.
We monitor your progress and adjust your plan as your eyes respond.
Find Relief With a Personalized Plan
At Bespoke Eye Care in Chester Springs, we look beyond the symptoms to find why your eyes feel dry. Schedule an exam for clear answers and a plan built around your eyes and daily routine.
Schedule Your Visit Call (484) 606-3937