Do your eyes burn, water, feel tired, or become blurry after long hours on the computer?

You are not alone.

Dry eye disease has become one of the most common problems we see in eye care today. Many patients are surprised to learn that dry eyes are not simply caused by “not enough tears.” In reality, it is a complex condition that can affect vision, comfort, work productivity, and overall quality of life.

With increased screen time, digital device use, aging, environmental changes, and certain health conditions, dry eye symptoms are becoming more common in patients of all ages.

Common symptoms of dry eye may include:
- Burning or stinging
- Redness
- Fluctuating blurry vision
- Watery eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Eye fatigue
- A gritty or sandy sensation
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Dry Eye Is Often Multifactorial

One of the most important things patients should understand is that dry eye disease usually has more than one cause.

In our office, we commonly evaluate dry eye in three major categories:

1. Reduced Tear Production

As we age, our tear-producing glands may gradually slow down. Certain medications, hormonal changes, and autoimmune or inflammatory conditions can also decrease tear production.

When the eyes do not produce enough healthy tears, patients may experience chronic irritation and fluctuating vision.

2. Inflammatory Dry Eye

Inflammation is a major contributor to dry eye disease. In some patients, underlying inflammation affects the quality of the tear film and damages the ocular surface over time.

This is why artificial tears alone may not fully solve the problem for every patient.

3. Evaporative Dry Eye

This is one of the most common forms of dry eye today, especially among heavy computer users.

The meibomian glands in the eyelids produce oils that help keep tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or dysfunctional, tears evaporate rapidly, leading to dryness, irritation, and unstable vision.

Blepharitis and eyelid inflammation are also commonly associated with evaporative dry eye.

A Personalized Treatment Approach

Because dry eye disease can have multiple causes, treatment should be individualized for each patient.

Depending on the underlying condition, treatment may include:
- Artificial tears and lubricating ointments
- Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene
- Treatment for eyelid inflammation
- Prescription medications
- Environmental and lifestyle recommendations
- Nutritional support
- Evaluation for underlying medical conditions

Our goal is not only to improve comfort, but also to improve long-term ocular surface health and visual quality.

Ariel Wang, OD