Dry eye is a chronic condition that occurs when the tear film malfunctions. The tear film is a thin layer of liquid that covers the eye’s surface, keeping it moist and protected.
When the tear film is disrupted or insufficient, the eyes may react by producing excess mucous or watery discharge. In some cases, dry eye-related inflammation can also lead to crusty buildup along the eyelids.
Many people cope with dry eye by using over-the-counter drops, but they may only offer temporary relief. Fortunately, many treatment options are available to address the root cause of dry eye and provide long-term comfort.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is an ocular surface disease that occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears lack the proper balance to keep the eyes comfortable. It affects approximately 30% of Canadians and can range from mild irritation to chronic discomfort.
Tears are essential for eye health. They help wash away debris, reduce infection risk, and keep the eye’s surface smooth and clear. When tear production or quality is compromised, it can lead to persistent dry eye symptoms.
Dry eye is a multifactorial condition, meaning it can have several causes. Common risk factors include:
- Age: Tear production naturally decreases with age.
- Hormonal changes: Menopause and other hormonal shifts can affect tear composition.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines and antidepressants, have ocular side effects.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to wind, smoke, air pollution, or dry climates can cause tears to evaporate too quickly.
- Underlying health conditions: Autoimmune diseases like arthritis or thyroid disorders can contribute to dry eye.
Because dry eye presents differently for each person, symptoms can vary. Common signs include:
- Persistent redness and irritation
- A gritty or sandy sensation
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Sensitivity to light
How Does Dry Eye Cause Discharge?
When dry eye disrupts the delicate balance of the tear film, the eyes may respond in several ways:
- Mucous-like discharge: Inflammation from dryness can overstimulate the conjunctival glands, triggering excess mucous production. This can lead to thick, stringy secretions that accumulate in the corners of the eyes.
- Watery tears: The eyes may try to compensate for dryness by producing an influx of reflex tears. However, these tears are often low in quality and lack the necessary oil content to properly hydrate the eyes, leading to excessive watery discharge without real relief.
- Crusty residue: Excess mucous and tear film instability throughout the day or overnight can cause discharge to dry along the eyelid margins. This buildup may create crusting and can make it difficult to open the eyes in the morning.
These signs often indicate that the tear film is not functioning as it should be. Addressing the root cause of dry eye can help restore balance and reduce disruptive symptoms.
Common Causes of Eye Discharge
Dry eye can certainly lead to eye discharge, but it’s not the only possible cause.
A small amount of eye discharge, especially upon waking, is normal. This “sleep” in the eyes is a mix of mucus, oils, and debris that the tear film naturally clears away. However, excessive, thick, or persistent discharge may indicate an underlying issue.
Other factors that can contribute to abnormal eye discharge include:
- Environmental factors: Wind, smoke, and dry air can worsen dry eye symptoms, increasing mucous buildup. Using a humidifier or protective eyewear may help minimize environmental triggers.
- Eyelid conditions: Conditions like blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) often occur alongside dry eye and can lead to crusting, redness, and excessive discharge.
- Eye infections: Bacterial or viral infections can cause thicker, yellow or green discharge, swelling, or discomfort.
Since eye discharge can have multiple causes, it is important to see your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam. Identifying the root issue is key to finding the right treatment and lasting relief.
Effective Treatments for Dry Eyes & Discharge
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Your eye doctor may recommend:
- Artificial tears: High-quality lubricating drops to help stabilize the tear film and relieve discomfort.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory treatments to reduce irritation and support healthy tear production.
- Punctal plugs: Small, temporary plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to conserve tears on the surface of your eye.
- Intense Regulated Pulsed Light (IRPL) therapy: A non-invasive treatment using light energy to stabilize tear production.
- Meibomian gland expression: A technique to manually express the oil glands along the eyelid margins, improving tear quality.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Strategies to minimize triggers, such as taking screen breaks, using a humidifier, or wearing protective eyewear.
- Combination therapy: A combination of different treatments may be necessary for severe cases of dry eye.
Home Treatments & Tips
Along with professional care, here are some simple things you can do at home to help ease dry eye symptoms:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking lots of water helps support tear production and keep your eyes feeling less dry.
- Protect your eyes: Sunglasses or protective eyewear can help shield your eyes from wind, dust, and debris.
- Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air in your home can help keep your tear film stable and prevent your eyes from drying out.
- Practice eyelid hygiene: Gently cleaning your eyelids each day helps remove debris and keeps inflammation at bay.
- Limit makeup use: Some makeup products can make dry eye worse. If you’re experiencing irritation, it might be worth checking if your makeup is the reason.
What Are the Complications of Untreated Dry Eye?
Dry eye is more than a minor irritation. If left untreated, it can cause:
- Corneal damage: Chronic dryness can cause scratches or ulcers on the cornea, increasing the risk of infections.
- Infections: A weakened tear film makes the eyes more susceptible to eye infections.
- Discomfort wearing contacts: Dry eye can make wearing contacts uncomfortable, as they may not stay hydrated enough.
- Vision problems: Dry eye can lead to blurred vision and difficulty focusing.
Your Partner in Eye Health
At InVision Eyecare, we provide thorough diagnosis and personalized management options for dry eye. Schedule an appointment today to address your symptoms and take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable eyes.
