What Is Dry Eye Disease and Why Is It So Common?

Do your eyes often feel irritated, gritty, or tired even when you haven’t been staring at a screen for long? You may be one of the millions of people affected by Dry Eye Disease, a common and often underdiagnosed condition that can seriously impact your quality of life.
 

What Is Dry Eye Disease?  

Tears do more than just keep your eyes moist—they’re essential for nourishing, protecting, and maintaining a healthy, clear surface on your eyes. A stable tear film, made up of three layers (mucous, aqueous, and lipid), coats the surface of the eye and keeps it comfortable between blinks.

When that tear film becomes unstable—whether it’s too thin, evaporates too quickly, or lacks proper composition—the eye is left exposed. This can lead to inflammation, discomfort, and blurred vision. If this instability happens consistently, it may result in Dry Eye Disease, a chronic condition that requires proper care and management.
 

Why Is It So Common?  

Dry Eye Disease is increasingly common. Several everyday factors contribute to the development or worsening of symptoms, including:

• Aging: Natural tear production often decreases as we get older, especially after age 50.

• Digital Device Use: We blink less when using screens, which leads to increased evaporation of the tear film.

• Environmental Conditions: Windy, dry, or dusty environments can quickly dehydrate the eye's surface.

• Allergens and Irritants: Exposure to allergens can inflame the eyes and disrupt tear film stability.

• Medications: Certain antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications may reduce tear production.

• Eye Surgery: Procedures like LASIK can temporarily or permanently affect tear production.

• Contact Lens Use: Long-term wear can lead to dryness and discomfort for many patients.
   

With so many contributing factors in today’s lifestyle, it’s no wonder Dry Eye Disease is on the rise.
 

Symptoms to Watch For  

Dry Eye Disease can look different for everyone, but these are the most common symptoms to look out for:

• A burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation

• Feeling like something is in your eye (foreign body sensation)

• Frequent dryness or periods of excessive watering

• Light sensitivity

• Blurry or fluctuating vision, especially after blinking

• General eye fatigue or discomfort
   

It’s important to note that excessive tearing is actually a response to dryness. Your eyes may be producing more tears, but they’re not the right type or quality to keep your eyes properly lubricated.
 

Why Early Diagnosis Matters  

If left untreated, Dry Eye Disease can worsen over time and lead to complications such as chronic inflammation, corneal damage, and difficulty wearing contact lenses. The sooner it’s diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin, and that means better long-term comfort and eye health.