What Is Dry Eye Syndrome? (DES)

Dry eye syndrome occurs when tear production and drainage are not in balance. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or their tears are of poor quality. The result? Unpleasant symptoms, including itching, burning, redness, watery eyes, excessive tearing—and even eye pain. Dry eye syndrome can also increase your risk for more serious eye problems like corneal ulcers.
Without treatment or proper medication, DES can worsen over time.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
While over 80% of dry eye cases are due to blocked oil glands in the eyelids — a condition called meibomian gland dysfunction or evaporative dry eye — other factors can also cause this syndrome. These include:
Gender – the majority of dry eye sufferers are women. This tends to be caused by hormonal changes, whether through the use of contraceptives, pregnancy or menopause.
Age – there’s a higher prevalence of DES in those over 50 years of age
Environment – dry wind, dry air and dry climates can evaporate the tears. Home and car heaters, air conditioners, fans and hair dryers also cause tears to evaporate.
Medication – these include antidepressants, decongestants and blood pressure medications.
Auto-immune disorders – Sjogren’s disease and arthritis, among others.

How Do I Know If I Have Dry Eye Syndrome?
Do any of these symptoms seem familiar?
- Gritty, itchy, or stinging eyes
- Excessive tearing and discharge
- Eyes that feel tired or dry
- Increased light sensitivity
- Regularly using eye drops
- Discomfort that worsens as the day progresses
If so, you may have dry eye syndrome. Take our dry eye quiz to find out!

What Others Are Saying About Us
Dr. Marie Kelly and Dr. Daniel Kelly are absolutely fantastic. They are extremely knowledgeable, and thorough when discussing eye health, eye care, and insurance. The whole office is helpful and courteous making you feel welcome and appreciated. Office is very clean and easy to find. I wish they were open a little later, but the quality of care is phenomenal.

Lasting & Effective Dry Eye Treatment
Our dry eye treatment program is individualized to each patient according to the root cause.
We aim to restore or maintain the normal amount of tears in the eye to minimize dryness and discomfort. Book a consultation with one of our eye doctors, who can prescribe a customized treatment plan to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable all day, every day.

Bruder Moist Heat Eye Mask
Discover the Bruder Moist Heat Eye Mask
Relieve dry eye discomfort with the Bruder Moist Heat Eye Mask. This clinically proven therapy delivers consistent moist heat to the eyes, improving oil gland function and soothing dryness. Learn how this innovative mask works and why it's a top recommendation for dry eye relief.
OCuSOFT Eye Care Video Library
Explore an extensive collection of eye care videos from OCuSOFT. Learn about maintaining healthy eyelids, managing dry eye symptoms, and the importance of regular eye hygiene. These resources are perfect for understanding how to incorporate eye care into your daily routine.
Meet the Mites That Live on Your Face
Did you know microscopic mites live on your skin, including your eyelids? This NPR article delves into the role these mites play in eye health and how they can contribute to dry eye symptoms. Discover surprising insights into these tiny organisms and how to manage their impact.
YouTube: Understanding Dry Eye and Treatments
Understanding Dry Eye Causes and Treatments
In this detailed video, learn about the causes of dry eye and explore effective treatments. Perfect for patients seeking a deeper understanding of their condition, this video simplifies complex concepts into actionable information.


YouTube: Demodex and Dry Eye
Learn About Demodex and Dry Eye
This informative video explains how Demodex mites can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Gain insights into identifying and addressing this often-overlooked factor in dry eye management.
YouTube: Step-by-Step Warm Compress Tutorial
How to Use Warm Compresses for Dry Eye Relief
Follow this practical guide to using warm compresses as a natural remedy for dry eye symptoms. Discover tips for maximizing the effectiveness of this simple yet powerful home treatment.
YouTube: The Role of Omega-3s in Dry Eye Health
Explore Omega-3 Benefits for Dry Eyes
Learn how Omega-3 fatty acids can support tear production and alleviate dry eye symptoms. This video explains the science behind the connection and offers tips on incorporating Omega-3s into your diet for better eye health.
