If you’ve been dealing with dry, irritated, burning eyes you are not alone. Dry eye disease is one of the most common reasons people visit their optometrist. Recently, experts from around the world updated their guidelines for how dry eye is diagnosed and treated. This update is the first major change since 2017 and it is packed with new information to help patients get better relief and targeted treatment.
A Clearer Understanding of Dry Eye
Dry eye isn’t just “not enough tears.” It’s now described as a condition where the tear film, the thin layer of moisture and oil that covers your eyes, does not stay balanced. That imbalance can cause symptoms like burning, stinging, watering, or blurry vision.
Experts now focus more on how you feel—so symptom surveys are being made quicker and easier which help your optometrist figure out if your symptoms may be dry eye.
New Insights Into Causes
Since 2017, research has taught us much more about why dry eye happens. Some highlights include:
- Hormones matter: Changes from aging, menopause, or certain medications can affect your tear production.
- Different types of dry eye: Some people don’t make enough tears (aqueous-deficient dry eye), while others’ tears evaporate too quickly (evaporative dry eye). Many have a mix of both.
- Inflammation and nerve changes: In some cases, the surface of the eye or the nerves that sense discomfort are part of the problem.
- Everyday causes: Things like certain medications, contact lenses, eye surgery, and even too much screen time can play a role.
Better Treatment Options
Dry eye treatment has moved beyond just “use artificial tears.” The new recommendations are more personalized, based on what’s actually causing your dryness. Some updates include:
- Better drops: New types of artificial tears and prescription drops that last longer and protect the tear film.
- Lid treatments: At-home warm compresses are still great, but now there are in-office options like light therapy, thermal devices, and treatments for eyelid mites (Demodex).
- Devices and lenses: Special moisture-retaining goggles and scleral contact lenses can help protect the eye surface.
- Regenerative treatments: In certain cases, therapies made from your own blood, or amniotic membranes, can help the eye heal.
- Lifestyle changes: Taking screen breaks, improving diet, wearing wrap-around sunglasses outside, and being mindful of makeup use all make a big difference.
A More Customized Approach
Instead of using the same step-by-step treatment plan for everyone, eye doctors now have three main pathways: focusing on the tear film, the eyelids, or the surface of the eye depending on what is driving your symptoms. This means your treatment can be more targeted and effective.
The latest research shows that dry eye is more complex than we once thought, but the good news is that there are now more tools than ever to help manage it. If you’re struggling with dryness, burning, or irritation, talk to your optometrist. With the new DEWS-III guidelines, your care can be more personalized and more likely to bring you relief.
