Eyes that burn, sting,
or never feel comfortable?
Dry eye syndrome affects 1 in 5 adults in India, and screen use, air conditioning, and contact lenses make it worse. The good news: it's highly treatable once properly diagnosed.
How does dry eye syndrome feel?
The symptoms of dry eye are varied, and many people are surprised that their constantly watering eyes could actually be a sign of dryness.
Burning & stinging
A persistent burning sensation, especially in AC rooms, outdoor wind, or smoke.
Gritty feeling
Like sand or dust in the eye even when there's nothing there, the hallmark dry eye sensation.
Excessive watering
Paradoxical reflex tearing, the eye floods with watery tears in response to surface irritation.
Blurry or fluctuating vision
Vision clears after blinking but blurs again quickly, caused by an unstable tear film.
Light sensitivity
Discomfort in bright sunlight or from screens, the irritated eye surface scatters light.
Contact lens discomfort
Lenses feel dry, sticky, or unwearable, the tear film is too thin to keep them comfortable.
Worsening by evening
Symptoms build up through the day, especially after long screen hours or indoor air conditioning.
Redness
Persistent mild redness that doesn't resolve with rest. Often mistaken for allergic or infective conjunctivitis.
What causes dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye occurs when the quantity or quality of tears is insufficient. It's usually multifactorial, several causes combine to disrupt the delicate tear film.
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
Tiny oil glands in the eyelids become blocked, reducing the oily layer that prevents tear evaporation. This is the leading cause of evaporative dry eye, responsible for up to 86% of cases.
Reduced blinking from screen use
Digital screen use reduces blink rate by up to 60%, allowing the tear film to evaporate between blinks. The 20-20-20 rule and conscious blinking exercises are first-line preventive measures.
Decreased tear production with age
Tear production naturally decreases with age. Post-menopausal women are especially susceptible due to hormonal changes affecting the lacrimal and meibomian glands.
Systemic medications
Antihistamines, antidepressants, beta-blockers, diuretics, and hormone replacement therapy can all reduce tear production as a side effect. Don't stop medication, report it to your eye doctor.
Environment & air conditioning
Air-conditioned offices, air travel, and dry or windy outdoor conditions all accelerate tear evaporation. Chennai's high heat and wind during summer months compound this significantly.
After LASIK or refractive surgery
LASIK can temporarily reduce corneal sensation, reducing the reflex to blink and produce tears. Usually resolves within 6 to 12 months. Pre-LASIK dry eye assessment is essential for this reason.
Are you more likely to get dry eye?
Dry eye is more common than most people realise, affecting roughly 20% of adults. These factors raise your risk.
Women over 40
Hormonal changes after menopause significantly increase dry eye risk.
Heavy screen users
6+ hours of screen time daily substantially increases evaporative dry eye.
Contact lens wearers
Lenses disrupt the tear film and reduce oxygen to the cornea, worsening dryness.
AC environments
Working in air-conditioned offices or spending long hours in AC rooms dries the eye surface.
On certain medications
Antihistamines, antidepressants, and some blood pressure drugs reduce tear production.
Autoimmune conditions
Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disease can all cause significant dry eye.
Self-help tips for dry eye relief
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds and blink deliberately 10 times.
Apply a warm compress to closed eyes for 5 to 10 minutes twice daily to loosen meibomian gland secretions.
Use preservative-free lubricating drops regularly throughout the day, not just when it hurts.
Position your screen slightly below eye level, looking slightly down reduces the exposed tear surface area.
Stay well hydrated and consider omega-3 supplements, they improve meibomian gland oil quality.
Dry eye is treatable and manageable long-term
Treatment is matched to the underlying cause and severity. Most patients see significant relief within weeks of starting the right regimen.
Lubricating Eye Drops
Preservative-free artificial tears supplement natural tear volume. Gels and ointments give longer-lasting coverage, especially useful at night.
First-line treatment for all grades of dry eye.
Warm Compresses & Lid Hygiene
Daily warm compresses (40°C) melt meibomian gland blockages; lid scrubs remove debris and bacteria from the lash margin. Highly effective for MGD-related dry eye.
Especially effective for meibomian gland dysfunction.
Anti-inflammatory Drops
Cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast drops reduce the inflammatory cycle that drives chronic dry eye. Prescribed for moderate-to-severe cases that don't respond to lubricants alone.
For moderate to severe chronic dry eye disease.
Punctal Plugs
Tiny silicone plugs inserted into the tear drainage ducts to slow tear drainage, keeping more moisture on the eye surface. A simple, reversible in-office procedure.
For moderate dry eye with good natural tear quality.
Omega-3 Supplements
High-dose fish oil (EPA + DHA) supplements improve the oily component of the tear film, reducing evaporation. Effective over 3 to 6 months for MGD-related symptoms.
Adjunct treatment: most effective for MGD.
Lifestyle & Environment
Reduce screen exposure, use a humidifier in AC rooms, avoid direct airflow toward the face, stay hydrated, take regular blink breaks, and switch to spectacles from contact lenses when needed.
Foundational: essential alongside any treatment.
Your dry eye questions answered
From Dr Vasantha Gowri, the questions we hear most often from patients in Perambur and North Chennai.
Medical sources
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Eye health information.
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health. Eye conditions and diseases.
- All India Ophthalmological Society. aios.org.
Dry eye clinic, Perambur
Comfortable eyes are possible. Let's find your solution.
Don't settle for eyes that ache, burn, or blur. A proper dry eye assessment takes under an hour and gives you a clear diagnosis and treatment plan. Book at Aadithya Eye Care in Perambur.