Many people think dry eyes are a small problem, something that happens because of weather, screens, or tiredness. So they buy random eye drops, use them for a few days, feel slight relief, and then stop. Weeks later, the irritation returns, sometimes worse than before.
At Dr. Pawan Sthapak’s Eye Clinic, dry eye is treated very differently. Because dry eye is not just dryness. It is a chronic eye condition that needs proper diagnosis and targeted treatment, not guesswork.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes either do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are not just water, they are a complex mixture that lubricates, protects, and nourishes the eye surface.
When this balance is disturbed, the eye surface becomes irritated and inflamed. Over time, untreated dry eye can affect vision quality and cause constant discomfort.
Why Dry Eye Has Become So Common Today
Dry eye cases have increased sharply in recent years. One major reason is lifestyle change. Long hours on mobile phones, computers, and laptops reduce blinking. Air-conditioning dries the eye surface. Pollution and dust add irritation.
Age also plays a role. Tear production naturally decreases as we get older. Hormonal changes, certain medications, and medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders can worsen dryness.
This is why dry eye is now seen not only in elderly patients, but also in young professionals and students.
Common Symptoms Patients Experience
Patients rarely come saying “I have dry eye.” Instead, they describe burning, stinging, redness, heaviness of the eyes, or a constant tired feeling. Some complain of watering — which sounds confusing, but is actually a sign of dryness. Vision may fluctuate, becoming blurry after long reading or screen use.
If these symptoms are ignored, the eye surface remains chronically irritated, leading to long-term discomfort.
Why Self-Medication Often Fails
Many patients rely on over-the-counter drops without understanding the cause of their dryness. Some drops give temporary comfort but do not treat the underlying problem. Others, when used excessively, can actually worsen dryness.
At Dr. Sthapak’s clinic, the first step is finding out why the eyes are dry, not just masking the symptoms.
Dry Eye Evaluation by Dr. Pawan Sthapak
Dry eye assessment is more than a quick look at the eye. Dr. Sthapak carefully examines the tear film, eyelids, and eye surface to understand the type and severity of dryness.
Some patients have poor tear quantity. Others have tears that evaporate too fast because of eyelid or gland issues. Treatment depends entirely on this evaluation. That’s why two people with similar complaints may need completely different treatment plans.
Personalized Dry Eye Treatment Approach
Dry eye treatment is not one-size-fits-all. At Dr. Pawan Sthapak’s clinic, treatment is tailored to the individual.
Some patients need specific lubricating drops used correctly and consistently. Others require treatment for eyelid inflammation or gland dysfunction. Lifestyle guidance is also an important part of treatment, simple changes in screen habits, blinking patterns, and eye hygiene can make a big difference.
In moderate to severe cases, advanced treatment options help stabilize the tear film and protect the eye surface, providing long-term relief rather than short-term comfort.
Dry Eye in Special Groups: Who Is at Higher Risk and Why
Dry eye disease does not affect everyone equally. Clinical studies and real-world practice both show that certain groups are significantly more vulnerable due to lifestyle, hormonal, or systemic factors.
People who spend more than 6–8 hours a day on digital screens are among the most commonly affected. Prolonged screen use reduces the natural blink rate by nearly 40–60%, leading to faster tear evaporation and chronic eye surface irritation. This is now one of the leading causes of dry eye in working professionals and students.
Contact lens users are another high-risk group. Lenses disrupt the natural tear film and can worsen dryness if worn for long hours or without proper care. Many patients mistake contact-lens discomfort for allergy, delaying correct treatment.
Dry eye prevalence increases significantly after the age of 40. With aging, tear production naturally declines and the quality of tears also changes, making the eye surface more vulnerable to inflammation and irritation.
In post-menopausal women, hormonal changes, especially reduced estrogen levels—directly affect tear gland function. This is why dry eye is almost twice as common in women compared to men in this age group.
Patients with diabetes are also at higher risk. Diabetes affects nerve function and tear secretion, often leading to reduced corneal sensitivity and unstable tear film. In such cases, dry eye may progress silently unless actively screened.
Lastly, people who have undergone eye surgery—such as cataract or refractive procedures—may experience temporary or persistent dry eye. Surgical intervention can alter corneal nerves and tear dynamics, making post-operative dry eye management an essential part of recovery.
Understanding these risk groups is important, because dry eye in such patients is often chronic and requires structured, long-term management rather than short-term relief.
Living Comfortably with Dry Eyes
Dry eye is often a chronic condition, but it can be controlled very effectively with the right care. Patients who follow their treatment plan and attend follow-ups experience significant improvement in comfort, clarity of vision, and quality of life.
The key is understanding that dry eye treatment is a process, not a one-time solution.
Why Choose Dr. Pawan Sthapak for Dry Eye Treatment in Jabalpur
Patients trust Dr. Pawan Sthapak because the approach is practical, honest, and patient-centric. There is no unnecessary medication, no rushing, and no confusion. Every patient is educated about their condition so they understand why treatment is needed and how it helps.
The focus is always on lasting relief, not temporary fixes.
When Should You See an Eye Specialist for Dry Eyes?
Dry eye is often underestimated because symptoms may appear mild in the beginning. However, persistent dryness can cause chronic inflammation of the eye surface and gradually affect visual quality.
You should consult an eye specialist if burning, stinging, or irritation occurs on most days, rather than occasionally. Redness that does not settle with rest, or keeps returning despite basic care, is another important warning sign.
Fluctuating vision, especially vision that becomes blurry after reading, screen use, or by the end of the day, is a classic symptom of unstable tear film and should not be ignored.
If your eyes feel tired, heavy, or uncomfortable even after adequate sleep, it often indicates underlying tear film dysfunction rather than simple fatigue.
Another key indicator is dependency on over-the-counter eye drops. If you find yourself using drops frequently with only temporary relief, it usually means the underlying cause has not been identified or treated correctly.
Early consultation is critical because untreated dry eye can lead to long-term damage of the corneal surface, increased risk of infections, and persistent visual discomfort. With timely diagnosis and targeted treatment, these complications are largely preventable.
Conclusion
Dry eyes may seem minor, but living with constant irritation is not normal. With proper diagnosis and expert care, dry eye symptoms can be controlled effectively.
If your eyes feel uncomfortable more often than not, consult Dr. Pawan Sthapak, Eye Specialist in Jabalpur, for comprehensive dry eye evaluation and treatment you can trust.
FAQs
Is dry eye a permanent condition?
It is often chronic, but symptoms can be well controlled with proper treatment.
Why do my eyes water if they are dry?
Dryness triggers reflex tearing, which lacks proper lubrication.
Can mobile and laptop use cause dry eyes?
Yes. Reduced blinking during screen use is a major cause.
Are all eye drops safe for long-term use?
No. Only prescribed drops should be used regularly.
How long does dry eye treatment take to work?
Improvement is gradual. Most patients feel relief within weeks with consistent treatment.