Dry Eye Syndrome: Common Causes and Symptoms

Introduction

If you’ve been experiencing persistent eye dryness, irritation, or that uncomfortable feeling like something is stuck in your eye, you’re not alone. Dry eye syndrome affects millions of people across the Richmond, Texas area and beyond, impacting everyone from busy professionals working long hours at computer screens to families dealing with multiple cases within the same household.

At Frame & Focus Eye Care in Richmond, we understand that dry eyes are more than just a minor inconvenience—they can significantly affect your quality of life, work productivity, and overall comfort. Our patients frequently describe the frustration of trying to focus during important meetings when their eyes feel gritty and tired, or the challenge of enjoying family time outdoors when wind and sun make their symptoms worse.

Dr. Sarah Zaver and our experienced team at Frame & Focus Eye Care have been helping families throughout Richmond, Pecan Grove, Sugar Land, Rosenberg, and Fulshear find lasting relief from dry eye symptoms for over a decade. We believe in providing straightforward answers about your condition—without the medical jargon—so you can make informed decisions about your eye health.

Using state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, including comprehensive imaging of your tear film and ocular surface, we don’t just treat the symptoms of dry eye syndrome; we identify and address the root causes. Whether your dry eyes are related to age, hormonal changes, environmental factors, or underlying health conditions, our patient-centered approach ensures your treatment plan is customized to your unique visual demands and lifestyle needs.

From children experiencing dry eyes from increased screen time to seniors dealing with age-related changes in tear production, we provide compassionate, thorough care for the entire family. Our goal is simple: to help you leave our office feeling confident that your eye health has been prioritized, and with a clear understanding of how to manage your dry eye symptoms effectively.

Dry eye syndrome is a condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce sufficient tears or fail to maintain a normal layer of tears to coat your eyes. Your eyes may also be susceptible to bacterial infections.

Also, the surface of your eyes may become inflamed, resulting in corneal scarring. Although unpleasant, dry eye syndrome rarely results in permanent vision loss.

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis, is a common eye condition. It occurs when your tear glands fail to produce sufficient tears or produce tears of the wrong consistency. Tears are necessary for maintaining eye health and providing lubrication to the eye’s surface. When your tear glands malfunction, the surface of your eye can become dry and irritated, resulting in various symptoms.

Common Causes

This eye problem can occur as a result of various circumstances. Some of these include the following:

Age

Dry eye syndrome is more common in older adults since the tear glands become less active with age. That can lead to a decrease in tear production, resulting in dry eye syndrome.

Medications

Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and some antidepressants, can interfere with tear production and contribute to the development of dry eye syndrome. These medications can cause dryness and irritation in the eyes by interfering with the function of the tear glands.

Underlying Health Problems

Certain underlying health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and infections, can affect your tear glands and cause dry eye syndrome. These conditions can cause tear gland inflammation and damage, resulting in decreased tear production.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can impair tear production and lead to dry eye syndrome. That could be due to changes affecting the tear glands’ function.

Environmental Factors

Using computers or other electronic devices for long hours and exposure to dry or windy environments can contribute to the development of dry eye syndrome. These factors can cause dryness and irritation in the eyes, resulting in a decrease in tear production.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

Depending on the severity of the condition, dry eye syndrome symptoms may include the following:

• Dryness in the eyes is the most common symptom of this condition. That can range from mild discomfort to severe dryness, leaving the eyes feeling gritty or scratchy.
• Redness and inflammation of the eyes.
• Difficulty with nighttime driving.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Itching in the eyes, which can be painful and lead to rubbing or scratching
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses.
• A buildup of discharge in the eyes, which can range from a thin, watery discharge to a thicker, pus-like discharge.
• Watery eyes due to irritation.
• Foreign object sensation in the eye.

Learn More About Eye Health and Vision Care

For additional information about maintaining optimal eye health and understanding various vision conditions, we recommend these trusted resources from leading eye care organizations:

American Optometric Association – Dry Eye Information
The American Optometric Association provides comprehensive information about dry eye causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Their resources include helpful tips for managing dry eyes in different environments and age groups.
Visit the American Optometric Association’s Dry Eye Resource Center

American Academy of Ophthalmology – Dry Eye Disease Guide
The American Academy of Ophthalmology offers detailed information about dry eye disease, including the latest research on treatment approaches and prevention strategies. This resource is particularly valuable for understanding the connection between dry eyes and other health conditions.
Explore the Academy’s Dry Eye Disease Information

For same-day appointments or urgent eye care needs, Frame & Focus Eye Care is here to help. We serve families throughout Richmond and surrounding communities with the compassionate, thorough care that has earned us a 4.9-star rating from over 315 satisfied patients.

Conclusion

You should consult an eye doctor right away if you experience dry eye syndrome symptoms. They will diagnose the problem and recommend treatment to help improve your tear production and alleviate your symptoms.

Artificial tears, ointments, or medications may help stimulate tear production and improve the quality. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases to help improve tear production.

For more on dry eye syndrome, visit Frame & Focus Eye Care at our Richmond, Texas, office. Call (832) 664-7900 to schedule an appointment today.