What Causes Dry Eyes? Understanding the Root of the Problem

19 Apr

Dry eye is a common condition that affects many people across Northampton, Wellingborough and the wider Northamptonshire area. While it is often assumed to be caused by a lack of tears, modern research shows that the issue is usually related to tear film instability.

Understanding the Tear Film

The surface of the eye is protected by a thin tear film made up of three layers:

Oil layer (lipid) – prevents evaporation
Water layer (aqueous) – provides moisture
Mucous layer – helps tears spread evenly

According to the TFOS DEWS II report, disruption to any of these layers can result in dry eye symptoms.

The Most Common Cause: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

One of the leading causes of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). These glands sit along the eyelid margins and produce the oil layer of the tear film.

When these glands become blocked or inflamed:

Tears evaporate faster
The eye surface becomes unstable
Symptoms such as irritation and watering develop

Other Contributing Factors

Dry eye can also be influenced by:

Prolonged screen use (reduced blinking)
Contact lens wear
Hormonal changes
Ageing
Environmental factors (air conditioning, heating)

Common Symptoms

Patients across Northamptonshire often report:

Burning or stinging
Grittiness
Watery eyes
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Eye fatigue

Practical Tips to Improve Dry Eye Symptoms

You can start improving comfort with small daily changes:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
• Blink fully and regularly when using screens
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid direct airflow to the eyes (fans/heaters)
• Maintain basic eyelid hygiene

When to Seek Support

If symptoms persist despite using eye drops or lifestyle changes, it may indicate an underlying eyelid or gland-related issue.

At EyeDRATE Clinic, we support patients across Northampton, Wellingborough and surrounding areas by focusing on improving eyelid health and tear film stability.