Understanding Dry Eye

The front of your eye (comprised of the iris, cornea, lens and pupil) filters in light and focuses an image onto the membrane at the back of the eye, called the retina. This membrane sends electrical signals to the optic nerve, which then funnels them to the brain so you can understand what you’re seeing. Most importantly, the eye needs to stay lubricated for peak functionality.

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t get enough moisture. Without proper lubrication, they can feel itchy and painful, often accompanied by a burning sensation or vision issues. Dry eye can be triggered by other factors, but it’s primarily the result of decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation. This means that your eyes aren’t making enough tears or that your overall tear quality isn’t up to speed.

What causes Dry Eye?

Many factors can contribute to dry eye, including:

• Tear duct infection or inflammation
• Environmental conditions, like dry air, heat and smoke
• Pre-existing health issues, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders
• Medications, like some that treat acne, depression or blood pressure
• Too much screen time, which can cause infrequent blinking
• Natural aging process and hormonal changes
• Frequent or long-term contact lens use
• Laser eye surgery and other procedures