What Is Dry Eye? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Feeling constant dryness or irritation in your eyes? You could be experiencing dry eye disease, a growing concern in busy cities like Pune, Wakad, and Punawale. With long screen hours, dusty environments, and constant AC exposure, more people—especially IT professionals, homemakers, and students—are facing dry eye symptoms daily. It’s not just tired eyes; it’s a medical condition where your tears either aren’t enough or evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes dry, red, and uncomfortable. At Clairevision Eye Hospital, led by a trusted eye expert in PCMC Dr. Archana Singh, patients receive personalized diagnosis and treatment using modern techniques. As a top-rated dry eye treatment clinic in Pune, Clairevision is known for providing care that’s both compassionate and results-driven. If you’re searching for a dry eye specialist near Punawale or the best eye doctor for dry eyes in Wakad, this is where clarity begins and discomfort ends.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye disease is a condition where your tears cannot provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. This happens when your eyes either don’t make enough tears to stay wet or when your tears don’t work correctly. The tear film has three important layers – fatty oils, aqueous fluid, and mucus – and problems with any of these layers can cause dry eyes. Your tear film is essential for maintaining healthy eyes. It keeps the surface of your eyes lubricated, smooth, and clear. When this delicate balance is disrupted, it leads to the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye disease.
Types of Dry Eye Disease:
Dry eye disease has different types, and knowing the right type helps in choosing the best treatment.
- Aqueous-deficient dry eye: This happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears. Common in people with diabetes, thyroid problems, arthritis, or Sjögren’s syndrome.
- Evaporative dry eye: Caused by blocked oil glands in the eyelids (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction). Tears dry up too fast, making eyes feel gritty or tired—especially after screen use.
- Mixed dry eye: A combination of low tear production and fast evaporation. It needs a complete treatment plan to manage both causes.
Each type needs different care, and getting the right diagnosis from a skilled eye surgeon in Pune makes all the difference.
What Does Dry Eye Feel Like?
Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person, but common experiences include:
- Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Gritty or sandy feeling, like something is stuck in your eye
- Blurred vision, especially when reading or using digital devices
- Eye redness and irritation
- Excessive tearing (your eyes may water more as they try to compensate)
- Mucus strings in or around your eyes
- Light sensitivity (photophobia)
- Tired or heavy eyelids
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Many people are surprised to learn that watery eyes can be a sign of dry eye. This happens when your eyes produce poor-quality tears that don’t adequately lubricate the surface.
What Are the Causes of Dry Eyes?
Understanding the root causes helps in choosing the right treatment approach:
Decreased Tear Production:
- Aging: natural decline in tear production, especially after age 65
- Medical conditions: diabetes, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases
- Medications: antihistamines, blood pressure medications, antidepressants
- Hormonal changes: menopause, pregnancy, oral contraceptives
- Corneal nerve damage: from contact lens wear or laser eye surgery
Increased Tear Evaporation:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction: blocked oil glands in eyelids
- Environmental factors: wind, smoke, dry air, air conditioning
- Reduced blinking: from computer use, reading, or certain medical conditions
- Eyelid problems: incomplete closure or abnormal positioning
What Are the Risk Factors for Dry Eyes?
Several factors increase your likelihood of developing dry eye disease:
Demographic Factors:
- Age: Most people over 65 experience some dry eye symptoms
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes
- Ethnicity: Higher prevalence in Asian populations compared to Caucasians
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors:
- Computer use: Prolonged screen time reduces blink rate
- Contact lens wear: Long-term use increases risk
- Smoking: Tobacco use worsens dry eye symptoms
- Air pollution: Particularly relevant in Indian cities
- Low humidity environments: Air conditioning, heating systems
Medical Factors:
- Thyroid disorders: Both overactive and underactive thyroid
- High blood pressure: And medications used to treat it
- Depression: And antidepressant medications
- Autoimmune diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus
What Are the Complications of Dry Eyes?
Untreated dry eye disease can lead to serious problems that affect your vision and daily life. Here are the key complications:
Vision Issues:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision that makes reading, driving, and screen time difficult
- Light sensitivity, especially during outdoor activities or night driving
Corneal Problems:
- Corneal scratches and ulcers from dry, unprotected eyes
- Scarring that may lead to permanent vision loss
- Higher risk of infection due to a weak tear film barrier
Daily Life Impact:
- Discomfort during routine tasks like reading or working on screens
- Sleep trouble from burning or stinging eyes at night
- Emotional stress, including irritation or mood changes from constant discomfort
For early relief and to avoid complications, book a dry eye doctor consultation with a trusted dry eye specialist near Punawale at Clairevision Eye Hospital.
How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed at Clairevision Eye Hospital?
At Clairevision Eye Hospital in Wakad, Punawale, and PCMC, Dr. Archana Singh uses comprehensive diagnostic methods to accurately identify dry eye disease:
Comprehensive Eye Examination:
- A detailed history of your symptoms, overall health, and medications helps identify potential causes of your dry eye condition.
Tear Production Tests:
- Schirmer Test: Measures tear production using special paper strips placed under the lower eyelid for 5 minutes
- Phenol Red Thread Test: Uses pH-sensitive dye to measure tear volume over 15 seconds
Tear Quality Assessment:
- Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT): Measures how long tears last on the eye surface before evaporating
- Fluorescein Staining: Uses special dyes to check for eye surface damage
- Tear Osmolarity Test: Measures the concentration of particles in tears
Advanced Diagnostic Tools:
- Slit Lamp Examination: Detailed microscopic examination of eye structures
- Meibomian Gland Evaluation: Assessment of oil gland function
- Corneal Surface Analysis: Checking for surface irregularities
Treatment Options for Dry Eyes at Clairevision Eye Hospital:
At Clairevision Eye Hospital, Dr. Archana Singh provides complete and personalised care for dry eye disease and computer vision syndrome. The clinic uses the latest treatments to relieve symptoms and improve tear quality.
Artificial Tears and Lubricants:
- Preservative-free drops for frequent use
- Gel formulations for longer-lasting relief
- Nighttime ointments for severe dryness
- Lipid-based emulsions for evaporative dry eye
Prescription Medications:
- Cyclosporine drops (Restasis): Reduces inflammation and increases tear production
- Lifitegrast drops (Xiidra): Block inflammatory pathways
- Steroid drops: For short-term inflammation control
- Nasal sprays: Stimulate natural tear production
Advanced Procedures
- Punctal plugs: Tiny devices that block tear drainage to keep tears in the eyes longer
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy: Treats meibomian gland dysfunction
- Thermal pulsation: Clears blocked oil glands using heat and pressure
- Meibomian gland expression: Manual clearing of blocked glands
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Environmental controls: Humidifiers, air purifiers
- Digital device management: Screen positioning, regular breaks
- Nutritional support: Omega-3 supplements, adequate hydration
- Eyelid hygiene: Warm compresses, lid scrubs
Looking for an affordable eye clinic in Wakad, Pune? Clairevision Eye Care is a trusted Dry eye treatment clinic in Punawale, offering expert care and lasting relief.
When Should I See a Dry Eye Specialist?
If your eyes feel dry, itchy, or irritated often, it’s time to see a specialist. At Clairevision Eye Hospital, Dr. Archana Singh helps patients get the right treatment before the problem worsens. Here are signs you shouldn’t ignore:
- Persistent dryness or discomfort that doesn’t go away with regular eye drops
- Burning or gritty feeling in your eyes for several days
- Blurry or changing vision, especially in the evening
- Eye pain that doesn’t improve
- Red, watery eyes with light sensitivity
- Trouble wearing contact lenses
- Sudden vision loss or discharge from the eyes
If you notice any of these, visit the best eye doctor for dry eyes in Wakad or a dry eye clinic near Punawale. Clairevision Eye Hospital in Pune offers expert care to help you feel better fast.
Dry Eye Prevention Tips:
Dr. Archana Singh recommends these preventive measures for patients in Wakad, Punawale, and PCMC.
- Stay hydrated—aim for 8+ glasses of water daily
- Use a humidifier, especially during summer or AC usage
- Follow the 20 20 20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 sec)
- Blink consciously when working on the screen
- Take short breaks every hour during focused tasks
- Maintain eyelid hygiene: massage, warm compresses, gentle scrubs
- Wear wrap around sunglasses outdoors to block wind and dust
- Avoid smoke and dust; keep AC out of direct eye path
- Consume foods rich in omega 3 (fish, flax seeds, walnuts)
- Get regular eye check ups, especially if you wear lenses or have a health condition
Conclusion:
Dry eye might seem like a small issue, but it can truly affect how you see, work, and feel every day. In cities like Wakad, Punawale, and PCMC where screen time is high and pollution levels rise, more people are suffering from dry eyes than ever before. At Clairevision Eye Hospital in Pune, Dr. Archana Singh and her team understand how dry eye impacts daily life. They offer personalized, effective solutions using the latest technology and care. Whether you need a dry eye hospital in Punawale, the best eye doctor for dry eyes in Wakad, or an affordable dry eye treatment in PCMC, we’re here to support you. Don’t ignore dry eyes—early care can prevent future problems. Book your consultation today and let us help you see better, feel better, and live better.
