Dry eye is a condition caused by a reduction in the quantity or quality of tears that provide moisture to the surface of the eye and keep it lubricated. This disease leads to complaints such as burning, irritation, redness, and stinging, and in advanced stages, it can result in blurred vision and even non-healing ulcers on the eye surface. In today's world, where digital devices are used extensively, dry eye has become a common condition.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease occurs when the amount or quality of tears needed to keep the eye surface moist is reduced. It causes symptoms such as burning, irritation, redness, and stinging. If left untreated, it can progress to blurred vision and even corneal ulcers. The widespread use of digital devices has made dry eye disease increasingly common.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
When the tear quantity or quality is inadequate to sufficiently moisten the eye surface, the following symptoms may occur:
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Burning sensation
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Redness
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Irritation (stinging)
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Itching
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Feeling of grittiness when blinking
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Light sensitivity
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Reflex tearing due to reduced tear quality
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Difficulty wearing contact lenses
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Inability to read or use a computer for long periods
Who Is at Risk for Dry Eye?
Dry eye can result from a variety of personal or environmental factors. Common causes include:
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Female gender
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Age over 40
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Rheumatic or systemic diseases
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Medication use (e.g., antihistamines, antidepressants, acne treatments)
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Low water intake
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Smoking
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Frequent use of digital devices (computers, tablets)
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Air-conditioned environments
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Living in windy, dry, or dusty areas
How Can Dry Eye Be Prevented?
While it may not be possible to completely prevent dry eye, the following practices can help reduce symptoms:
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Regularly ventilate and humidify your environment
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Drink plenty of water
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Wear sunglasses outdoors
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Minimize time in air-conditioned areas
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Quit smoking
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Follow the 20-20-20 rule when using digital devices (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
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Maintain eyelid hygiene with warm compresses and clean the eyelash base to stimulate the meibomian glands
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Avoid unnecessary medications, especially those prescribed for acne
How Is Dry Eye Treated?
Although there is no definitive cure for dry eye, treatment focuses on identifying the cause and reducing symptoms.
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If tear production is low, artificial tears or special drops like cyclosporine can be used to support natural tear production.
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In most cases, dry eye results from blockage of the meibomian glands at the base of the eyelashes. These glands secrete oils that improve tear quality and lubrication. Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene help open these ducts and relieve symptoms.
Innovations in Dry Eye Treatment (Punctal Plugs, IPL Light, and Mask Therapy)
For patients who do not respond to artificial tears and lifestyle changes, additional treatments are available:
Punctal Plugs – Temporary or permanent plugs can be inserted into the tear ducts to reduce tear drainage and keep moisture on the eye surface longer, reducing the need for artificial tears.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy – At our clinic, we use the latest Eye-Light device to treat dry eye. The therapy is supported with My-Mask light modulation to enhance effectiveness. These are fast, non-invasive treatments applied to the skin, with no known side effects.
The goal of IPL and Meibomian Mask treatments is to stimulate the oil-producing glands and improve tear film quality. Patients typically undergo 3 to 4 sessions and experience significant relief.
Dry eye can usually be managed effectively with timely and appropriate treatment. Ophthalmologist Op. Dr. Ömer TAKEŞ ensures patient comfort by using the most effective methods in dry eye treatment. For more information about dry eye and other eye diseases or to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact our clinic.
