Chronic dry eyes are a common condition that affects millions of people, especially older adults. As shown in the image, individuals with this condition often experience discomfort, irritation, and a constant urge to rub their eyes. When the eyes do not produce enough tears—or when the tears evaporate too quickly—the result can be persistent dryness that disrupts daily life. While occasional dryness is normal, chronic dry eyes require proper attention, medical guidance, and long-term management.

What Are Chronic Dry Eyes?

Chronic dry eyes, medically known as Dry Eye Disease (DED), occur when your eyes either fail to produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears that cannot keep the eye surface lubricated. Tears are essential for eye comfort, clear vision, and protection against irritation or infection.

When dryness becomes persistent or worsens over time, it can lead to inflammation, redness, and blurry vision. If left untreated, chronic dry eye can even damage the surface of the eye.

Common Symptoms of Chronic Dry Eyes

People with chronic dry eyes may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Stinging or burning sensation
A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
Redness or irritation
Excessive tearing (as a reflex to dryness)
Sensitivity to light
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Eye fatigue, especially after screen use
Feeling of something stuck in the eye

If these symptoms persist daily or interfere with regular activities, it’s important to seek medical advice.

What Causes Chronic Dry Eyes?

Chronic dry eyes can result from multiple factors, including:

1. Aging

Tear production naturally decreases with age, making dry eyes more common among older adults.

2. Screen Use

Computer and phone screens reduce blink rate, causing tears to evaporate more quickly.

3. Environmental Conditions

Wind, air conditioning, dry climates, or smoke can worsen dryness.

4. Medications

Certain medicines like antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can reduce tear production.

5. Hormonal Changes

Women experiencing menopause or hormonal fluctuations may be more prone to dry eyes.

6. Medical Conditions

Autoimmune disorders, thyroid disease, diabetes, and allergies can lead to chronic dry eye.

7. Contact Lenses

Extended use of contact lenses may irritate the eye surface.

Understanding the underlying cause is essential for choosing the right treatment.

Medically Reviewed Treatments for Chronic Dry Eyes

There is no single cure for chronic dry eyes, but many effective treatments can help reduce symptoms, improve tear production, and restore eye comfort.

Below are the most commonly recommended treatment options:

1. Artificial Tears and Lubricating Eye Drops

Artificial tears are often the first line of treatment. They provide moisture and relieve irritation.

You can choose from:

Preservative-free drops
Gel-based lubricating drops
Ointments (usually for bedtime)

People with severe symptoms may need to use them several times a day.

2. Prescription Medications

Eye doctors may prescribe medications that help increase tear production or reduce inflammation.

These may include:

Cyclosporine eye drops
Lifitegrast
Corticosteroid drops (short-term use only)

These treatments help repair the tear glands and reduce the inflammation associated with chronic dry eye.

3. Warm Compresses and Eyelid Hygiene

Applying a warm compress to closed eyelids helps open blocked oil glands. These glands produce the oily layer of tears, preventing quick evaporation.

Steps:

Use a clean warm cloth
Place it over closed eyes for 5–10 minutes
Follow with gentle eyelid massage

This is especially helpful for people with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)—a major cause of chronic dry eyes.

4. Omega-3 Supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids may help improve tear quality and reduce inflammation. These supplements can be beneficial, but it’s best to ask a healthcare professional before adding them to your routine.

5. Punctal Plugs

For severe dryness, doctors may insert tiny plugs that block tear drainage in the eyelids. This helps retain moisture on the eye’s surface for longer.

6. Humidifiers for Home or Office

Dry indoor air can worsen symptoms. A humidifier adds moisture to the environment, helping prevent fast tear evaporation.

7. Lifestyle and Habit Changes

Simple habits can significantly reduce dryness:

Blink more often, especially while using screens
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
Avoid smoky or dusty environments
Choose wraparound sunglasses outdoors
Stay hydrated

8. Specialty Treatments from Eye Doctors

For advanced cases, specialists may recommend:

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy
Thermal eyelid heating treatments
Manual gland expression techniques

These treatments target oil gland blockages and help restore healthy tear film.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical evaluation if:

Symptoms persist for several weeks
You feel frequent burning or stinging
Vision becomes blurry
Eyes feel painful or overly sensitive

Early treatment can prevent worsening symptoms and help protect long-term eye health.

Final Thoughts

Chronic dry eyes can significantly impact quality of life, but with the right approach and medically reviewed treatments, symptoms can be effectively managed. Whether caused by age, environment, or underlying conditions, proper care can restore comfort and protect eye health.