Dry Eye

Common Questions About Dry Eye

In epidemiological studies performed globally, the prevalence of dry eye disease ranges from 5 to 50 percent. Based on data from the National Health and Wellness Survey 6.8 percent of the United States adult population, about 16.4 million people have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome. Optometric Associates of Southern Maine understand how irritating dry eyes can be and are here to provide the treatments needed to help you.

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What Is Dry Eye?

Typically, your tears create a protective tear film over your eyes whenever you blink. This barrier of water and oil keeps the surface of your eye (the cornea) hydrated and comfortable. If you suffer from dry eyes, you don’t make enough tears or don’t create the kind of tears your eyes need for ideal lubrication. Dry eyes can cause very uncomfortable symptoms and may potentially be debilitating if untreated. 

Dry Eye Symptoms

Typical dry eyes symptoms will include: 


  • Intermittent or persistent: Sand/grit sensation, scratchy eyes, foreign body sensation, burning, stinging, soreness, tired eyes, redness, tearing.
A pair of glasses and a bottle of eye drops on a table.

Why Does Dry Eye Happen?

Dry eye can occur for several reasons. Some of the factors that may be contributing to dry eye symptoms include: 

  • Aging – Often, dry eyes happen as you age. Many men and women over the age of 65 suffer dry eye symptoms at least occasionally. 
  • Hormones – Dry eye is particularly common in women after menopause, which is likely connected to hormone loss. Any hormone changes, including the use of oral or injected hormones and pregnancy, can cause dry eyes. 
  • Disease – Many diseases can cause dry eyes, with some of the most common triggers, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, and conditions that cause thyroid disease, such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. 
  • Oral medication – Some kinds of medication, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and hypertensive medications can lower your natural tear production. 
  • Environment – Constant exposure to smoke, dry air, and wind can all cause dry eyes. 
  • Digital eye strain – The longer that you peer fixedly at a screen without regular blinking, the higher your risk for dry eyes. These risks apply to many Americans today because the use of computers, tablets, and smartphones is commonplace.

Refractive eye surgery – Eye surgery like laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) can potentially cause temporary dry eyes during the recovery period. 

A close up of a person 's blue eye

What Can I Do About Dry Eyes? 

Optometric Associates of Southern Maine diagnoses dry eye and finds its underlying causes so you can start an effective treatment plan immediately. There are numerous treatment methods to dry eye disease management such as artificial tear supplementation, prescription eye drop therapy, vitamin supplementation, warm compresses, eyelid massage, eyelid hygiene, and others. 

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