From Screen Time to Medication: Modern Lifestyle Factors Driving the Surge in Dry Eye Cases
When Sarah Martinez embarked on her vacation to Asia last September, she experienced an unexpected discomfort: her eyes became irritated, teary, and sore—similar to the sensation of wearing damaged contact lenses. Initially puzzled, she dismissed it as a possible reaction to the new environment. However, upon returning to her home in San Francisco, the symptoms didn’t subside.
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Martinez, aged 33, was taken aback when her ophthalmologist revealed the diagnosis: dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. “I never thought dry eyes could be a serious condition,” she recalls. Now, a year later, managing her chronic dry eye has become a daily challenge; she has abandoned contact lenses for eyeglasses, and even mild air conditioning causes her discomfort. She recently began using prescribed eye drops, hoping to see positive results in the coming months.
Dry eye syndrome affects a significant number of individuals annually, with studies indicating an increasing prevalence. Yet, like Martinez, many patients are caught off guard by their diagnosis—the condition often goes unrecognized. “Many individuals experience eye discomfort but don’t understand the underlying cause,” explains Dr. Sarah Thompson, a clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of California Medical Center who specializes in dry eye research. Unfortunately, many sufferers delay seeking professional help. “There’s a significant population dealing with dry eyes without receiving proper medical attention.”
We consulted specialists to understand the nature of dry eye syndrome, its causes, and available treatments for dry eyes.
What exactly is dry eye syndrome?
Proper eye lubrication is essential for maintaining comfort and clear vision throughout the day. This requires sufficient tear film (a fluid layer) covering the eye’s surface, explains Dr. Michael Chen, a cornea specialist and medical director at VisionCare Institute, an organization dedicated to treating severe dry eye cases. When there’s insufficient tear film—either due to decreased tear production or tear instability—dry eye syndrome develops.
Common dry eyes symptoms include “discomfort, or a feeling of something gritty or sandy in the eye—what we medically term as foreign body sensation, similar to having an eyelash stuck in the eye,” Chen explains. “Symptoms can range from eye redness and inflammation to light sensitivity, and in severe cases, intense pain and difficulty opening the eyes.” Patients often report burning sensations, eye fatigue, and unclear vision; if left untreated, the condition can lead to infections and corneal ulcers.
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Studies indicate that chronic dry eye significantly impacts workplace productivity, with severity directly correlating to decreased performance levels. The condition’s effects extend beyond professional settings. “Many patients report limitations in their daily activities, from reduced reading capacity to challenges with driving,” notes Dr. Thompson.
Dr. Chen emphasizes the potentially devastating nature of dry eye syndrome. “Some patients experience such severe symptoms that they become virtually homebound, unable to participate in routine activities,” he explains. “The condition can completely dominate their daily lives.”
What causes dry eyes?
While dry eye syndrome predominantly affects individuals over 50, it can impact people of all ages, including children. Women face a higher risk compared to men, Dr. Thompson points out. Contact lens usage is another significant factor: these thin optical devices can restrict corneal oxygen supply, disrupt tear production, and cause ocular irritation and dryness.
Moreover, dry eye syndrome frequently accompanies autoimmune conditions such as lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome. Research indicates that approximately 95% of Sjögren’s syndrome patients experience dry eye symptoms.
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Geographic location plays a crucial role as well. Living in arid regions presents greater challenges compared to residing in consistently humid areas. “Eyes naturally fare better in humid environments due to increased atmospheric moisture,” Dr. Chen explains. “We’ve observed patients relocating from drier northern regions to humid climates like Florida specifically to improve their quality of life.”
Environmental factors, such as dry air and prolonged exposure to air conditioning, can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. These factors can increase tear evaporation and contribute to eye discomfort.
Lifestyle and environmental modifications for dry eye relief
When evaluating patients with dry eye complaints, Dr. Chen typically inquires about their daily water and caffeine intake. “Caffeine’s diuretic properties can deplete bodily moisture, often creating an imbalance in hydration levels,” he explains. His recommendations usually include increasing water consumption while reducing caffeine intake. Follow-up appointments frequently reveal significant improvements in eye moisture levels.
Certain medications can worsen dry eye symptoms, particularly blood pressure medications and allergy treatments, including oral antihistamines. “I consistently advise dry eye patients to have their healthcare providers review their medication regimens, as adjustments often prove beneficial,” Dr. Chen suggests.
One of the primary factors contributing to the surge in dry eye syndrome is the unprecedented increase in screen time. Blinking is crucial for tear production, and while humans typically blink 15 to 20 times per minute under normal circumstances, this frequency drastically reduces to 4 to 6 blinks per minute during screen interaction. “This significant reduction in blink rate can substantially contribute to eye dryness,” explains Dr. Ami Vadada, who serves as a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and practices at AdvantageCare Physicians in New York. She recommends implementing the 20-20-20 rule: take a break every 20 minutes to focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, providing essential relief for your eyes.
Several home remedies can provide dry eye relief. Over-the-counter artificial tears and lubricants are available in numerous formulations and effectively simulate natural tears to moisturize the eyes. “These products can be applied as frequently as needed without risk of overuse,” Vadada notes. She particularly recommends gel-based drops for nighttime use—while they may temporarily blur vision, their thicker consistency provides longer-lasting moisture retention. Many individuals also find comfort in applying warm compresses to their eyes with gentle massage, according to Vadada.
Environmental adjustments can also make a significant difference. Vadada recommends installing a humidifier at home to maintain optimal moisture levels and avoiding direct air currents, particularly from car air conditioning systems. “Direct exposure to air conditioning can significantly dehydrate your eyes, so it’s important to redirect these airflows,” she advises.
More aggressive dry eye treatments
For severe cases—particularly those involving underlying autoimmune conditions—conventional treatments like over-the-counter drops and lifestyle changes may prove insufficient. Some patients experience improvement with punctal plugs, which are miniature devices inserted into the tear ducts to impede tear drainage, thereby enhancing moisture retention. This quick procedure is performed in an ophthalmologist’s office, typically under local anesthesia. “These plugs function similarly to a sink stopper, allowing tears to drain more gradually,” Brocks explains.
The pharmaceutical landscape for dry eye treatment continues to expand, with Brocks describing it as “an area of huge growth.” Various prescription eye drops are available, with more in development. Cyclosporine stands out as one of the most effective options, working to decrease ocular inflammation while boosting tear production. Innovation in treatment methods has even led to the development of Tyrvaya, a nasal spray designed to stimulate tear production by activating nasal nerve endings.
For patients with severe dry eyes, Brocks recommends autologous serum eye drops, a specialized treatment derived from the patient’s own blood. “Our blood contains numerous healing components, so we refer patients to specialized laboratories for blood collection. The lab processes the blood through centrifugation to extract the serum—the clear liquid portion,” he explains. “This serum is then combined with artificial tears to create customized drops, which patients apply four to ten times daily.” These serum tears effectively promote ocular surface healing and provide significant symptom relief for many patients. Clinical evidence supports their efficacy, with one randomized trial demonstrating notable improvement in patients after just two weeks of treatment.
Another innovative approach involves amniotic membrane grafting, where specially processed tissue from donated placentas is applied to the eye’s surface to enhance healing. These membranes possess natural anti-inflammatory properties that benefit ocular health. “The sterilized tissue is incorporated into a contact lens,” Brocks elaborates. “This lens remains on the eye for approximately five to seven days before naturally dissolving, delivering unique healing properties unavailable through other treatments.” Research supports this approach, with one study reporting symptom improvement in approximately 88% of dry eye participants, with no adverse reactions documented.
Scleral lenses represent another area where Brocks has concentrated his expertise. These specialized contact lenses, which are larger in diameter than conventional lenses, rest on the eye’s white portion, creating a protective moisture barrier for the cornea. “Each lens is custom-designed for the individual patient,” he describes. “The lens functions like a reservoir—patients fill it with saline solution each morning before placement, effectively creating a protective moisture chamber for the eye.”
Looking ahead, Brocks maintains an optimistic outlook regarding the evolution of dry eye treatments. “Researchers are uncovering new mechanisms and developing promising medications that many in the field are eagerly anticipating,” he notes. “While dry eye syndrome may sound straightforward, it’s actually quite complex and becomes increasingly prevalent with age. The condition can stem from numerous
Source:
Angela Haupt (July 21, 2025). Battling Dry Eyes? Here’s What Actually Helps. TIMES. https://time.com/7303678/dry-eyes-causes-treatments/
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