Dry eye syndrome, also known as dry eye, is a common eye condition that can significantly impact your day-to-day life. Basically, it occurs when the tears in your eyes lack sufficient oil or water. Consequently, it can lead to problems such as eye redness, a burning sensation, or sensitivity to light. If not addressed properly, dry eyes can lead to eye fatigue, blurred vision, and may interfere with visually intense activities. Hence, you shouldn’t delay consulting a Brickell dry eye specialist - especially if you’ve been dealing with it for a long time.

Did you know there are two primary types of dry eye syndrome? That’s right! They are evaporative dry eye and aqueous-deficient dry eye. While dry eye disease falls into these two categories, it’s possible to experience either one or even a combination of both types simultaneously. However, Evaporative dry eye (EDE) is the most common form of dry eye as it makes up over 85% of all cases.

Keep reading the post below to learn more about the two types:

Evaporative Dry Eye 

Evaporative dry eye occurs when your eyes don't produce quality tears to coat the ocular surface. The condition causes an oily layer of tears to become deficient. It can lead a person to blurred vision, itchy eyes, and swollen eyelids. Evaporative dry eye can develop from the dysfunctioning of the meibomian gland - a gland responsible for oil producing of the eyelid. Other causes of evaporative dry eye are: prolonged use of screens, low humidity and other environmental factors. It’s often advised to visit a dry eye treatment center in Miami to determine if you have EDE.

Symptoms 

1. Eye fatigue, particularly after prolonged computer use, reading, or looking at a phone  

2. Discomfort or grittiness, as if something is in the eyes  

3. Swollen, discolored eyelids  

4. Blurred vision that fluctuates  

5. A stinging or burning sensation in the eyes  

6. Crusty buildup around the eyes  

7. Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably 

Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye

Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye (ADDE) is responsible for the remaining cases of dry eye syndrome in which your eyes fail to produce enough tears. This type of dry eye can be caused by a lot of factors such as age, sjogren's syndrome, autoimmune conditions, hormone replacement therapy, medications and environmental factors. As a rare type of dry eye, it can also occur due to hormonal changes.

Symptoms

1. A burning or scratchy feeling in the eyes.

2. Vision may appear blurry.

3. Eyes may be sensitive to bright light.

4. It may be hard to wear contact lenses.

5. Few or no tears when crying.

6. Eyes may feel tired after reading.

Differences Between Evaporative Dry Eye and Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye

Tears Quality: Evaporative tears have low oil; aqueous-deficient tears have low water.

Symptoms: Evaporative dry eye causes grittiness; aqueous-deficient dry eye causes redness.

Triggers: Evaporative dry eye is triggered by environmental factors; aqueous-deficient dry eye is linked to systemic conditions.

Treatment: Evaporative dry eye is treated with lipid-based tears; aqueous-deficient dry eye uses water-based tears.

Treating Dry Eye Syndrome

There are a lot of things you can do to treat dry eye syndrome. Some of the best options to manage dry eye are as follows:

1. Prescription eye drops

2. Taking breaks during prolonged computer use

3. Warm compresses and eyelid massage

4. Lipid-based eye drops

5. Surgical procedures

6. Using a humidifier

7. Punctal plugs

8. Specialty contact lenses

9. Regular cleaning of the eyelids with mild soap or eyelid-cleansing products

10. In-office procedures, such as thermal pulsation or intense pulsed light

11. Wearing wraparound glasses outdoors

12. Avoiding dry or windy environments

13. Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops

Book An Appointment At Eyes on Brickell Now!

Aqueous tear-deficient dry eye and evaporative dry eye are two main types of dry eye syndrome. However, if you're not sure which type of dry eye you've, you can visit Brickell dry eye specialist at Eye on Brickell. Led by Dr. Antoine Copty, it provides comprehensive eye care services in Miami. Refer to their website now to learn more or book an appointment!