Understand Persistent Dry Eye Causes & Their Impact On Your Eye Health

What Are the Main Persistent Dry Eye Causes?

Persistent dry eye develops when your tear production and drainage system becomes unbalanced. Several factors can contribute to this condition. Age plays a significant role, as tear production naturally decreases as you get older, particularly after age 50. Hormonal changes, especially in women experiencing menopause, pregnancy, or using hormonal contraceptives, can also reduce tear production.

Environmental factors frequently trigger or worsen dry eye symptoms. These include exposure to wind, smoke, dry air, high altitudes, and prolonged screen time that reduces blinking frequency. Additionally, certain medications like antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can decrease tear production as a side effect.

Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and vitamin A deficiency are strongly associated with dry eye syndrome. Structural problems with the eyelids, such as entropion (inward-turning lids) or ectropion (outward-turning lids), can also prevent proper tear distribution across the eye’s surface, contributing to persistent dryness.

What Is the Impact of Persistent Dry Eye on Your Eye Health?

When left untreated, persistent dry eye can lead to more serious eye health complications. The most immediate impact is discomfort, with symptoms ranging from burning, itching, and redness to a gritty sensation, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. These symptoms can significantly affect daily activities like reading, driving, and computer work.

More concerning is the potential for long-term damage to the eye’s surface. Without adequate lubrication, the cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) becomes vulnerable to inflammation, abrasion, and infection. In severe cases, corneal ulcers or scarring can develop, potentially resulting in permanent vision impairment. Chronic dry eye can also cause damage to the conjunctiva—the thin membrane covering the white part of your eye and lining your eyelids.

Additionally, persistent dry eye often creates a cycle of inflammation that can worsen the condition over time. Inflammation of the ocular surface and lacrimal glands can further reduce tear production and quality, exacerbating symptoms and potentially leading to chronic pain and decreased quality of life.

How Does Recognizing Persistent Dry Eyes Help Your Health?

Early recognition of persistent dry eye symptoms can prevent progression to more severe conditions and help maintain overall eye health. Being aware of symptoms such as persistent burning, scratchy sensations, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or excessive tearing (your eyes’ response to irritation) allows you to seek appropriate care before complications develop.

Understanding your risk factors—whether age-related, medication-induced, or connected to underlying health conditions—enables you to take proactive steps toward management. For example, if you know certain medications are contributing to your symptoms, you can discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider. Similarly, recognizing that extended screen time worsens your dry eye allows you to implement regular break strategies.

Regular comprehensive eye exams become even more important when you experience dry eye symptoms. These examinations can detect early signs of complications and help determine the underlying cause of your dry eye, enabling more targeted treatment approaches rather than just managing symptoms.

What Are Effective Dry Eyes Management Strategies?

Managing persistent dry eye often requires a multi-faceted approach. Environmental modifications can significantly reduce symptoms. Using a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air, avoiding direct airflow from fans or air conditioners, and taking regular breaks during screen time (following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can all help minimize dry eye discomfort.

Dietary changes may also improve tear production. Increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids through consumption of fish like salmon and sardines, or through supplements, has shown promise in improving tear quality. Staying properly hydrated by drinking adequate water throughout the day supports overall tear production.

Proper eyelid hygiene is crucial for managing dry eye, particularly when meibomian gland dysfunction is present. Warm compresses can help release oils from blocked glands, while gentle eyelid cleaning removes debris that might contribute to tear film instability. For contact lens wearers, following proper lens care protocols and considering switching to daily disposables or taking breaks from lens wear can reduce dry eye symptoms.

What Are Your Dry Eye Treatment Options?

Treatment options for persistent dry eye range from over-the-counter remedies to prescription medications and procedures. Artificial tears are typically the first-line treatment, providing temporary relief by supplementing your natural tear film. Various formulations are available, from those that address aqueous deficiency to others designed to replenish lipid components of tears.

Prescription medications may be necessary for moderate to severe cases. These include anti-inflammatory drugs like cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra), which reduce inflammation and help increase natural tear production over time. Corticosteroid eye drops may be prescribed for short-term use to quickly reduce inflammation, while antibiotics might be used when inflammation involves the oil-producing meibomian glands.

For severe cases, procedures such as punctal plugs (tiny devices inserted into tear ducts to prevent drainage), intense pulsed light therapy, thermal pulsation treatments like LipiFlow, or meibomian gland probing may be recommended. These interventions address various aspects of tear production and retention to provide more sustainable relief from dry eye symptoms.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.