Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes don't produce enough tears, or produce tears of poor quality, leading to irritation, grittiness and fluctuating vision.
What Is It?
Dry eye disease results from an imbalance in the tear film that normally lubricates and protects the eye's surface — either too little tear production, poor tear quality, or tears evaporating too quickly.
A common contributor is meibomian gland dysfunction, where the oil-producing glands along the eyelid margin become blocked or under-function, causing tears to evaporate faster than they should.
Extended screen use, contact lens wear, certain medications, ageing and some underlying medical conditions can all contribute to or worsen dry eye symptoms.
Symptoms & Indications
Dry eye symptoms can vary widely between patients and often fluctuate through the day, especially with prolonged screen use.
A persistent feeling of grit or sand in the eye is one of the most common dry eye complaints.
Paradoxically, dry eyes can sometimes water excessively as the eye overcompensates for surface irritation.
Reduced blink rate during focused tasks like screen use often makes dry eye symptoms noticeably worse.
Vision may blur intermittently and clear again with blinking, which is characteristic of an unstable tear film.
Treatment Options
Examination of tear quantity, tear break-up time and the eyelid margins to identify the underlying cause of dry eye.
Artificial tears or lubricating drops appropriate to the severity and cause of dry eye, tailored per patient.
Lid hygiene and warm compress routines, and other lid-margin measures, where meibomian gland dysfunction is contributing.
What To Expect
Dry eye assessment focuses on identifying which part of the tear film system is affected, since treatment differs depending on the cause.
Screen time, contact lens use, medications and any related medical conditions are discussed.
The ocular surface, tear film and eyelid margins are examined under magnification.
Tests such as tear break-up time help assess tear film stability.
A plan combining drops, lid care and lifestyle adjustments is suggested based on findings, with follow-up to reassess.
Please note: Dry eye is usually a chronic condition managed over time rather than 'cured' in a single visit. Response to treatment varies and follow-up review is generally needed.
Common Questions
Evaluated and treated under Dr. Deepak Gandhi, Director of Gandhi Eye Centre, with clinical experience across cataract, glaucoma, cornea, retina and pediatric eye care.
View Doctor Profile →Book a consultation at Gandhi Eye Centre, Faridabad, if you have persistent eye irritation, grittiness or fluctuating vision.
