Dry eye syndrome is a condition that results when your eyes do not receive adequate moisture from your tears. Dry eyes can be caused by numerous factors such as poor tear quality usually due to inflammation or environmental factors (i.e., windy, dusty, dry conditions). There are 2 main types of dry eye. The first type, aqueous tear-deficient dry eye, results when your eyes lack natural moisture due to a lack of the liquid portion of tears.

The second type, evaporative dry eye is linked with the composition of your tears (tear quality) and is commonly associated with blepharitis. Tears usually contain a combination of oil, liquid and mucus. When the tear quality is poor, usually due to a lack of the oil portion, tears evaporate from the surface of your eyes more readily and inadequately moisturizes the eye.

Symptoms

• Irritation
• Burning
• Redness
• Tearing
• Mucus/Crusting
• Fluctuating/blurred vision

Treatment

• Reducing exposure to windy, dusty dry environment
• Artificial tears, gel or ointment
• Warm compresses
• Lid cleansers (e.g., lid scrubs, hypochlorous acid lid cleansing spray)
• Humidifier
• Prescription eyedrops (e.g., steroid, Restasis or Xiidra)
• Punctal plugs