Dry Eyes
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a condition in which the eyes do not get adequately moistened. Tears create a film layer on the eye surface, keeping the eyes moist and helping to protect them from external factors. If there are structural changes in the tears or a decrease in tear quantity, the moisture balance in the eyes is disrupted, leading to a feeling of dryness. Increasing the frequency of blinking is quite important for the quality of tears. Therefore, it is recommended to consciously blink frequently to increase the blinking rate while working or reading in front of a screen for long periods. Additionally, it is advised to periodically close the eyes to rest them.
Untreated dry eye can have serious effects on eye health, so it is important to follow the treatment methods recommended by your eye doctor to protect your eye health.
The most common cause of dry eye is age-related decrease in tear production. In women, particularly after menopause, dry eye is seen more frequently. However, other factors that can cause dry eye include:
- Eyebrow problems (inflammation of the eyelash base, closure problems of the eyelid)
- Eye inflammation or infection
- Some medications, such as those for eye pressure
- Contact lens usage
- Environmental factors, such as air conditioning, heating, cigarette smoke, wind, or dry air
- Prolonged work with computers or other light-emitting devices
- Rheumatic diseases
- Previous eye surgeries (cataract, laser surgeries, eyelid surgeries, etc.)
What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
Symptoms of dry eye may include:
- Burning, stinging, or discomfort in the eye (as if a foreign body is present)
- Redness in the eye
- Blurred vision
- Stickiness or crusting on the eyelids
- Itching or burning sensation in the eyes
- Watering of the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
Treatment for dry eye may vary depending on the factors causing it. Options may include eye drops, eye creams, treatments for eyelids, and contact lenses among others. Your eye doctor will determine the most suitable treatment method for you.
What are the Causes of Dry Eye?
The causes of dry eye can be due to patient-related factors or environmental factors. Spending long hours in front of screens, such as computers, or incorrect use of contact lenses are common causes of dry eye.
Additionally, conditions such as acne rosacea (rose disease) and certain rheumatic diseases can predispose someone to dry eye. Medications used for the diseases a patient has can also cause dry eye. Hormonal medications for hormonal disorders, especially post-menopausal periods in women, systemic medications, retinoic acid treatment for acne (known as acne medication), and particularly the widespread use of antidepressants in recent years are among the common causes of dry eye today.
What are the Treatment Methods for Dry Eye?
Treatment for dry eye may vary depending on the underlying causes. Your eye doctor will assess your dry eye complaints and suggest the most appropriate treatment methods for you. Treatment for dry eye could involve one or a combination of the following methods:
- Artificial Tear Drops: Your eye doctor will recommend tear drops that you can use. Tear drops help to moisten the eyes and relieve dry eye symptoms. Some artificial tear drops may contain medication to reduce inflammation on the eye surface.
- Eye Ointment: Your eye doctor may recommend eye ointments that you can use. Eye ointment helps to moisturize the eyes and keeps them moist throughout the night.
- Treatments for Eyelids: Problems with the eyelids causing dry eye should also be treated. Your eye doctor may recommend treatments such as cleaning the eyelids or warm compresses.
- Systemic Medications: If there is inflammation or another medical condition causing dry eye, your eye doctor may prescribe medications.
- Contact Lens Treatment: Dry eye occurs more frequently in contact lens users. Your eye doctor will recommend suitable contact lenses for your eyes and provide instructions on how to clean and care for your lenses, as well as medications that can be used with contact lenses.
- Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Treatment: This treatment method, which involves pulses of concentrated light around the eye, has become an effective treatment method applied for dry eye and inflammation of the eyelash base in recent years. It is applied for 2 to 4 sessions depending on the patient's response, at certain intervals. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, does not require hospitalization, and does not disrupt daily life.
- Home Remedies You Can Implement: There are some measures you can take at home to prevent or alleviate dry eye. The most important of these is to increase fluid intake. In addition, frequently blinking and resting your eyes while working with computers and other devices, using artificial tears to keep your eyes moist, avoiding heating devices like air conditioning or heaters, and wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes can be included.
Your eye doctor will determine the most suitable treatment method for you. Treatment for dry eye can take a long time and may require regular check-ups depending on the severity of the symptoms and the factors causing dry eye.
Last updated on: 14.04.2026
*The content of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.