Dry eye is more than an occasional feeling of irritation. It develops when the eyes do not produce enough healthy tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. These are the two main causes of dry eyes, and determining which one is affecting you is an important part of choosing the right treatment. At Eye Center of Virginia, we evaluate the tear film and ocular surface to identify what is contributing to a patient's symptoms rather than simply addressing temporary discomfort.

Cause #1: Not Producing Enough Tears

The first major cause is known as aqueous-deficient dry eye. This occurs when the eyes do not produce enough of the watery portion of the tear film to keep the surface properly lubricated.

Tear production can decline with age and may also be affected by certain health conditions or medications. When there are not enough tears, the surface of the eye can become irritated and uncomfortable.

Common dry eye symptoms may include:
 

• Burning, stinging, or itching
• A gritty or foreign body sensation
• Eye redness
• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• General eye irritation or discomfort

Some people may even notice watery eyes because irritation can trigger excessive reflex tearing, even though the tear film itself is not functioning properly.

Cause #2: Tears Evaporating Too Quickly

The second main cause of dry eyes is excessive tear evaporation. Healthy tears contain water, mucin, and oil, and each component helps maintain a stable tear film. The oil layer is especially important because it slows evaporation from the eye's surface.

When the tear film does not contain enough healthy oil, tears can evaporate faster than they should. Problems involving the oil-producing meibomian glands along the eyelids are a common contributor to evaporative dry eye.

Environmental and lifestyle factors can also increase evaporation. Wind, prolonged computer use, reduced blinking, and contact lens wear can all contribute to dry eye symptoms in some patients.

Finding the Cause of Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Someone who does not produce enough tears may need a different approach than someone whose tears evaporate too rapidly. Some patients also experience a combination of both forms.

Our goal is to determine what is disrupting the tear film so we can recommend care based on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. We provide diagnostic and treatment options for patients dealing with mild to severe dry eye and ocular surface disease.

Schedule a dry eye evaluation with Eye Center of Virginia to find out what may be causing your symptoms and explore personalized treatment options. Visit our office in Williamsburg, Virginia, or call (757) 919-3500 to book an appointment.