Dry eye is a condition that affects people of all ages, including young adults. And it’s more common than you might think, especially with today’s screen-heavy lifestyles.
It happens when tears evaporate too quickly or your eyes don’t produce the right kind of tears to keep them moist and healthy. This can lead to discomfort, blurry vision, and a scratchy or burning feeling in your eyes.
But with the right treatments and a few simple changes to your daily routine, you can find relief and protect your eyes.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye symptoms in young adults are similar to those in older adults and can range from mild to severe. You might notice:
- A gritty or scratchy feeling in your eyes
- Redness or irritation
- Blurred vision that improves when you blink
- A burning or stinging sensation
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes (Your eyes may overcompensate for dryness by producing too many tears.)
If your symptoms are persistent or getting worse, it’s a good idea to talk to an eye doctor.
What Causes Dry Eye in Young People?
Dry eye can happen for several reasons. For young adults, especially millennials, some of the most common causes include:
- Screen time. Spending long hours on your phone, tablet, or computer reduces how often you blink. Blinking helps spread tears across your eyes. When you blink less, your eyes dry out.
- Contact lenses. Young adults commonly wear contact lenses for long periods and that can irritate their eyes and cause dryness.
- Environment. Living or working in a dry, windy, or air-conditioned space can increase tear evaporation.
- Allergies. Eye allergies can contribute to dryness, especially if you rub your eyes frequently.
- Health conditions. Some autoimmune diseases, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can reduce tear production.
- Medications. Certain medications, like antihistamines, acne treatments, and antidepressants, can cause dry eyes as a side effect.
When to See an Eye Doctor
Most of the time, you can manage dry eye at home, but there are situations when you should see an eye doctor. Make an appointment if:
- Your eyes burn, sting, feel scratchy, or water a lot, especially in windy weather.
- Your vision changes, especially when using a computer or digital device, even if you’re wearing quality glasses.
- Prescription eye drops aren’t helping.
- You're struggling to do everyday tasks because of your dry eye symptoms.
An eye doctor can figure out what’s causing your dry eye and suggest the best treatments to help you feel better.
Treatment Options for Dry Eye
There are several ways to treat dry eye, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Here’s a closer look at the most effective options:
Artificial tears
OTC artificial tears are the go-to solution for many people with dry eyes. They mimic your natural tears and provide instant moisture. Artificial tears come in two types:
- Eye drops with preservatives: These usually come in bottles you can use more than once. The preservatives help keep bacteria from growing after you open the bottle. However, the preservatives can sometimes irritate your eyes, especially if your dry eye is moderate or severe.
- Preservative-free eye drops: These have fewer chemicals and are gentler on your eyes. They’re a better choice if you use drops more than four times a day or have moderate to severe dry eye. These often come in single-use containers.
You can use artificial tears as needed throughout the day, but it’s a good idea to ask your doctor for recommendations based on your symptoms.
Prescription eye drops
Prescription eye drops target inflammation and other underlying causes of dry eye. Popular options include:
- Cyclosporine (Cequa, Restasis): This prescription medicine helps reduce inflammation in the tear glands, which allows your eyes to make more natural tears. You’ll need to use it regularly for several months before seeing the full benefits.
- Lifitegrast (Xiidra): This medicated drop also targets inflammation but works a bit differently. It helps improve the quality of your tears and often provides noticeable relief within a few weeks, making it a great choice for inflammation-related dry eye.
- Corticosteroid drops (Eysuvis): These drops are powerful for quickly reducing severe inflammation. However, they’re usually used only for a short time because long-term use can cause side effects.
- Perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution (Miebo): Miebo is the first drug to be approved to target tear evaporation caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.
Talk to your eye doctor to determine the best prescription based on your needs.
Prescription nasal spray
Varenicline (Tyrvaya) is a nasal spray designed to treat dry eye. It was approved by the FDA in October 2021 and is the first treatment of its kind. Instead of using eye drops, you spray Tyrvaya into your nose. The spray helps your body produce more tears, oil, and mucin (a natural substance that keeps your eyes moist and protected).
Many people find it easier to use than eye drops because there’s no need to put anything directly into your eyes. It also avoids the stinging or burning that some eye drops can cause. Tyrvaya is a newer option for people looking for a more comfortable way to manage dry eye.
Punctal plugs
Punctal plugs are tiny devices that your doctor can place in the small openings in your eyelids where tears normally drain away. By blocking these openings, the plugs keep your natural tears on your eyes longer, which helps keep them moist and relieves dryness. The procedure is simple, doesn’t hurt, and is usually done in your doctor’s office.
These plugs can either be temporary (lasting about five to seven days), semi-permanent (lasting weeks or months), or permanent.
There are two kinds of punctal plugs:
- Medicated plugs: These plugs release medication into your eyes over time or are coated with medicine to help treat specific eye conditions.
- Perforated plugs: These plugs have a tiny hole in the center. They let some tear fluid drain but slow it down, so your eyes stay moist longer.
Punctal plugs are an option if eye drops or medicated drops don’t help enough. The procedure is safe, but sometimes there are minor issues like irritation, a small infection, or the plugs falling out. If that happens, your doctor can replace or remove them easily.
For many people with moderate to severe dry eye, punctal plugs are a simple, effective solution that can make a big difference.
Thermal pulsation therapy (LipiFlow)
Thermal pulsation therapy is a treatment for dry eye caused by problems with tiny oil glands in your eyelids called meibomian glands. These glands make the oily layer of your tears, which helps keep them from drying out too fast. If the glands get clogged or swollen, your tears can’t do their job, and your eyes may feel dry, itchy, or irritated.
This therapy uses a special device that gently warms and presses on your eyelids. The heat and pressure help unclog the glands so they can make the oils your eyes need. The procedure doesn’t hurt and usually takes about 12 minutes.
Many people start to feel relief a few weeks after treatment, and the results can last for months. However, some people may need to repeat the therapy to keep their symptoms under control. Thermal pulsation therapy is a great option for young adults who haven’t gotten enough relief from eye drops or other treatments. While it won’t cure dry eye, it can make your tears work better and help your eyes feel more comfortable.
Intense pulsed light therapy for dry eye
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a treatment originally used for skin conditions, but it has been found to help people with dry eye caused by problems with their meibomian glands. If they get clogged or don’t work properly, your tears can dry out too quickly.
During IPL therapy, your doctor uses a special device that shines flashes of light on the skin around your eyes. This light helps reduce inflammation and melts blockages in the meibomian glands, allowing them to produce the oil your tears need. The treatment is painless and takes about 10 minutes per session, but the results only last about three months. Most people need several sessions.
While IPL therapy won’t cure your dry eye, it can significantly improve your symptoms, especially if you haven’t had success with other treatments. Talk to your doctor to see if IPL therapy might be a good option.
Scleral contact lenses
Scleral contact lenses are special lenses made to help people with severe or long-lasting dry eye. They're bigger than regular contact lenses and rest on the white part of your eye (called the sclera) instead of the clear front part (the cornea). These lenses hold a small layer of fluid between the lens and your eye, keeping your eye moist all day.
Because they're custom-made for each person, scleral lenses fit your eyes perfectly and are comfortable to wear for long periods. They're especially helpful for people with serious dry eye, damage to the surface of the eye, or other eye conditions. Scleral lenses not only help keep your eyes moist but also improve vision by making the surface of the eye smoother.
Getting scleral lenses requires visits to an eye specialist, and it may take a few fittings to get them just right. You'll also need to clean them carefully every day to avoid infections. While using scleral lenses takes some effort, they can make a huge difference if you have severe dry eye, especially if other treatments haven’t worked.
Autologous serum tears
Autologous serum tears are a special type of eye drop made from your own blood. They're used to treat severe or long-lasting dry eye, especially when other treatments aren’t helping. These drops are created by taking a small amount of your blood and processing it to make a liquid (called serum) that’s full of nutrients and growth factors. This serum is very similar to the natural tears your eyes produce, so it works well to heal and hydrate your eyes.
To make these drops, your blood is sent to a special pharmacy, where it’s turned into custom eye drops just for you. These drops are especially helpful for people with serious conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome (an autoimmune disease that affects moisture-producing glands) or other eye surface diseases.
Since the drops are made from your own blood, there’s little risk of allergic reactions. However, they need to be kept in the refrigerator and refilled regularly, which can be a bit inconvenient. Even with these challenges, many people find autologous serum tears to be life-changing because they provide relief when nothing else has worked. If your dry eye is severe, ask your doctor if this treatment might be right for you.
Home Remedies for Dry Eye
In addition to medical treatments, simple home remedies can provide relief for dry eyes. Here are some to try:
- Use a humidifier. Dry indoor air can make eyes feel worse. A humidifier adds moisture to the air and helps keep eyes hydrated.
- Apply a warm compress. A warm compress can unclog oil glands in your eyelids, improving the quality of tears. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water, wring it out, and place it over your closed eyes for five to 10 minutes. Or use a specially made moist heat compress just for dry eye.
- Adjust your workspace. When working on a computer, be sure the screen is positioned slightly below eye level to reduce strain. Keep it about 20 to 24 inches away from your face.
- Always wear eye protection. If you’re in a windy or dry environment, consider wearing moisture-seal goggles or wrap-around sunglasses. These help trap moisture and protect your eyes from irritation.
- Limit contact lens use. If you wear contact lenses, give your eyes a break by switching to glasses occasionally. Look into lenses designed for dry eyes, which retain moisture better.
Preventing Dry Eye
Prevention is key to managing dry eye. By making small changes to your habits, you can reduce your symptoms and keep your eyes healthier.
Take breaks from screens. Staring at a screen for hours without blinking enough is one of the biggest causes of dry eye in young adults. Follow the 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to rest and rehydrate.
Blink more. Make a conscious effort to blink more often, especially when using screens or reading. Blinking spreads tears across your eyes and keeps them from drying out.
Improve your diet. What you eat can affect your eye health. Foods rich in vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids can help your body produce healthier tears. Try adding these to your meals:
- Salmon, tuna, and other fatty fish
- Flaxseeds and chia seeds
- Carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach
Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water is crucial for tear production. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day.
Protect your eyes. Wind, sunlight, smoke, and dry air can make your eyes dry. Wear sunglasses when you’re outside to protect your eyes from UV rays and wind. Consider wraparound sunglasses for extra protection.
By combining medical treatments and home remedies with preventive measures, you can manage dry eye effectively and enjoy better eye comfort. Always consult your doctor to explore the right mix of options for your specific needs.
If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, start by trying over-the-counter artificial tears and making small adjustments to your habits. And don’t hesitate to reach out to an eye doctor for guidance.
Show Sources
Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images
SOURCES:
Gundersen Health System: “5 signs you should see a doctor for dry eye.”
Mayo Clinic: “Artificial tears: How to select eye drops for dry eyes,” “Punctal Plugs.”
American Academy of Ophthalmology: “Improved Dry Eye Drugs for 2022 and Beyond,” “12 Devices for Treating Dry Eyes.”
Dean McGee Eye Institute: “LipiFlow Treatment.”
Health: University of Utah: “Scleral Contact Lenses Might Be the Best Solution You’ve Never Heard of for Dry Eye and More.”
Optometrists Network: “Scleral Lenses for Dry Eyes.”
The Rheumatologist: “Autologous Serum Tears Receives High Patient Satisfaction Scores for Dry Eye Disease.”
Modern Optometry: “Autologous Serum Tears: An Overlooked Treatment for Dry Eye.”
