Dry eye syndrome causes various uncomfortable symptoms such as a scratchy feeling in the eyes, blurry vision, and redness. While not usually serious, these symptoms can lead to complications like eye damage or infections if left untreated.

Dry eye syndrome, also known as dry eye disease, occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or lack the right quality of moisture to keep the eyes lubricated. This can happen gradually with age or suddenly due to environmental factors like dry or windy conditions or the use of certain medications. People with dry eyes might also experience fatigue and sensitivity to light.

Many individuals experience dry eye symptoms occasionally, often triggered by allergies, a cold, or prolonged contact lens use. It's a common condition affecting millions of people.

Blurry Vision

A healthy tear film is essential for clear vision as it provides lubrication and protection from irritants. When this layer dries out, it can distort vision, making things appear blurry. This blurriness might be worse after waking up due to prolonged eye closure during sleep and may improve after using lubricating eye drops.

Difficulty Blinking

The eyelids need a smooth surface for effective blinking. Dry eyes interfere with this process by reducing the production of the necessary tears and oils, resulting in friction and discomfort when blinking.

Eye Strain and Fatigue

Extended screen time or focusing on digital devices can reduce the blinking rate, leading to eye fatigue. People usually blink around 22 times per minute, but this rate decreases significantly during intense focus. Blinking is crucial for keeping the tear film healthy, and reduced blinking contributes to dryness and strain.

Following the 20/20/20 rule—looking at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds—can help alleviate this fatigue.

Inability to Cry

Some individuals with dry eyes find they cannot produce tears even when emotionally triggered. This lack of emotional release can feel frustrating and may be mistaken for emotional suppression. The actual cause is often the eye's inability to produce adequate tears.

A reduced tear supply may also result from medications, environmental conditions, or autoimmune disorders like Sjögren's syndrome, which affects tear and saliva production.

Light Sensitivity

Dry eyes can cause light sensitivity due to irregularities in the tear film. Without adequate lubrication, light entering the eye interacts with dry spots, causing discomfort. This reaction may be linked to sensitive cells in the retina that relay sensory signals to the brain.

People with light sensitivity often squint or close their eyes in bright environments. The discomfort level varies, ranging from mild irritation to severe pain.

Redness

Red or bloodshot eyes are common in dry eye syndrome. A healthy tear film normally spreads evenly across the cornea when blinking, but dryness causes friction and irritation. This irritation can dilate blood vessels in the white part of the eye, leading to visible redness.

Another possible cause is meibomian gland dysfunction, where the oil glands in the eyelids fail to produce enough oil, compromising the tear film and worsening inflammation.

Scratchy Eyes

Dry eyes can feel gritty, sandy, or as though something is stuck in them—a sensation known as foreign body feeling. Inadequate moisture leads to the development of dry spots on the tear film, which can irritate the eyes. These spots are not permanent and can be treated with proper moisturizing treatments.

Stinging or Burning

This sensation is typically due to an insufficient production of tear components, especially oils. Blinking helps distribute oil over the tear film. Without enough oil, the eyes may sting or burn due to dryness.

Stringy Mucus in the Eye

Moderate to severe dry eyes may result in stringy mucus, sometimes associated with other conditions like infections or allergies. The eye tries to compensate for the lack of moisture by producing mucus. This discharge should be gently cleaned with a tissue rather than rubbed, as rubbing can worsen inflammation.

Watery Eyes

It may seem contradictory, but watery eyes can also be a sign of dry eye syndrome. This usually indicates a type called evaporative dry eye, where tears lack the proper oil content needed to stay in the eye.

If the meibomian glands fail to produce enough oil, tears evaporate too quickly, triggering excessive tear production as a response. These tears are not effective at lubricating the eye.

Is Dry Eye Syndrome Contagious?

Dry eye syndrome is not contagious. It can result from aging, environmental exposure, medications, or genetic predisposition.

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider

If dry eye symptoms worsen or cause significant discomfort, it's important to consult a healthcare provider. Untreated dry eyes can lead to complications, including corneal damage or infections.

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • A bulging or drooping eyelid

  • Dry eyes along with painful, swollen joints and a dry mouth

  • Eye discharge or flaking

  • An eye injury

  • Persistent pain or redness in the eye

  • Sores on the eye or eyelid

Mild cases may be managed with lifestyle adjustments such as frequent blinking and using over-the-counter lubricating eye drops.