Dry Eye Disease (DED)
A common eye condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, when tears evaporate too quickly, or when the quality of tears is insufficient to keep the surface of the eye healthy and comfortable.
Understanding Dry Eye Disease
Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a common eye condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, tears evaporate too quickly, or the tear film does not function properly to keep the surface of the eye healthy and comfortable.
The tear film is a thin layer of tears that lubricates and protects the eye surface and helps maintain clear vision. When it becomes unstable, the surface of the eye may become irritated and vision can fluctuate.
There are two main types of Dry Eye Disease:
- Aqueous-deficient dry eye: Occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep the surface adequately lubricated and protected.
- Evaporative dry eye: Occurs when tears evaporate too quickly, often because of problems with the oily layer of the tear film, which is produced by the meibomian glands in the eyelids.
Many people experience a combination of both types. Symptoms may include dryness, irritation, a gritty or burning sensation, light sensitivity and fluctuating vision. These symptoms can affect everyday activities such as reading, driving and using digital screens.
Dry Eye Disease can affect people of all ages and may be associated with ageing, environmental factors, medical conditions, medications or changes in tear production and tear film function. Although it does not primarily affect the retina, it can significantly affect eye comfort, visual quality and quality of life.
Retina International recognises the importance of understanding conditions that affect vision and eye health and supports access to information, research and resources that help people better understand and manage their eye conditions.
~1 in 5
adults experience Dry Eye Disease
Up to 50%
say symptoms affect daily activities
More common with age
Risk increases as natural tear production changes
How DED can affect vision
Common symptoms include:
- Dryness or a gritty sensation
- Burning or stinging
- Redness
- Watery eyes
- Eye fatigue
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Feeling that something is in the eye
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Discomfort when reading or using screens
Although the eyes may feel dry, excessive watering can occur because irritation triggers reflex tear production.
Identifying DED
Eye examination
An eye care professional may assess:
- Tear quality
- Eye surface health
- Eyelid function
- Signs of inflammation
Tear Film Tests
Tests may measure:
- Tear production
- Tear stability
- Tear evaporation
Examples include:
- Schirmer’s test
- Tear break-up time assessment
Imaging
Specialised imaging may be used to assess:
- Tear film changes
- Meibomian gland function
- Eye surface damage
Supporting persons living with DED
Artificial Tears
Lubricating eye drops can help replace or supplement natural tears.
Lifestyle and Environmental Changes
Helpful approaches may include:
- Taking regular breaks from screens
- Using humidifiers in dry environments
- Avoiding direct airflow onto the eyes
- Staying hydrated
- Protecting eyes from wind and smoke
Eyelid Care
For evaporative dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, management may include:
- Warm compresses
- Eyelid hygiene
- Treatments to improve gland function
Prescription Treatments
Some people may benefit from:
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Medicines that stimulate tear production
- Treatments targeting underlying inflammation
Specialist Treatments
In more severe cases, options may include:
- Punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage
- Advanced tear substitutes
- Specialist procedures for eyelid or gland dysfunction
Adapting to diagnosis
Dry Eye Disease can affect daily activities and quality of life, particularly when symptoms are persistent.
People may experience challenges with:
- Reading
- Computer and screen use
- Driving
- Working in dry environments
- Wearing contact lenses
Managing symptoms often requires ongoing care and adjustment of treatments over time.
Helpful strategies may include:
- Following treatment plans consistently
- Identifying triggers
- Attending regular eye appointments
- Using workplace or lifestyle adaptations where needed
Advancing the future of DED treatment
Improved Diagnostics
Researchers are developing better ways to measure:
- Tear film quality
- Eye surface inflammation
- Disease severity
New Therapies
Research areas include:
- New anti-inflammatory treatments
- Regenerative approaches
- Treatments targeting tear gland function
- Advanced drug delivery systems
Personalised Treatment
Future approaches may use individual disease characteristics to guide treatment choices.
Information and community support
Take the Next Step
Living with Dry Eye Disease can involve ongoing symptom management and finding the right treatment approach.
Support may include:
- Eye care professionals
- Optometrists and ophthalmologists
- Patient education resources
- Lifestyle guidance
- Community support
Retina International connects people affected by vision-related conditions with trusted information, research updates, and global patient communities.
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