Óptica Carreras Dry eye

Do your eyes feel dry, irritated or tired? Do you have a gritty feeling, stinging, blurred vision or constantly watery eyes?

Dry eye disease is a chronic, multifactorial, symptomatic eye condition that affects a growing share of the population. In Spain it is estimated to affect up to 21 % of people, and its prevalence keeps rising due to lifestyle changes such as prolonged use of digital screens and visual stress, shaped by environmental factors and systemic conditions.

According to TFOS DEWS III (2025), dry eye is no longer considered a syndrome but a disease, with well-defined pathophysiological mechanisms that require precise assessment and personalised treatment.

What is dry eye?

What is dry eye, really?

Dry eye appears when the tear film is insufficient or doesn't work properly. It may sound contradictory, but dry eye can also be present when the eye waters a lot.

Tears are the eye's first line of defence and are essential for comfort, vision and eye health. They keep the eye hydrated, protect the ocular surface and allow you to see clearly and comfortably.

The tear film is made up of three interdependent components:

  • Lipid layer: reduces evaporation and provides stability.
  • Aqueous layer: hydrates, nourishes, protects against infection and removes debris.
  • Mucin layer: allows tears to adhere properly to the ocular surface.

A problem in one or more of these components can trigger dry eye disease.

Why does it happen?

Why does it happen?

In most cases there is not a single cause, but several combined.

There are several risk factors for dry eye, including:

Systemic factors: older age, higher prevalence in women, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis, diabetes, Sjögren's syndrome.

Environmental and lifestyle factors: dry or air-conditioned environments, smoking, diets low in omega-3 fatty acids, prolonged use of digital screens.

Ocular factors: allergies, blepharitis, chronic Demodex infestation, eyelid abnormalities, contact lens wear, meibomian gland dysfunction.

Pharmacological factors:

  • Systemic: chloroquine, antidepressants, retinoids, antihistamines, etc.
  • Topical: glaucoma drops, aciclovir, atropine, neomycin, etc.
Common symptoms of dry eye

Common symptoms

Symptoms vary widely between patients and do not always match the clinical signs.

The most frequent are:

  • A feeling of dryness.
  • Irritation or stinging.
  • A gritty sensation.
  • Increased watering.
  • Blurred vision that worsens through the day.
  • Red eyes.
  • Eye fatigue.

Many people live with these symptoms for years without knowing there is a solution.

Tear analysis for dry eye

Tear film assessment

"Because eye drops alone are not enough"

  1. In our practice we carry out a complete dry eye work-up using advanced technology such as the Keratograph 5, which allows a comprehensive study of each patient's tear film.
  2. Tests such as meniscometry, NIKBUT, conjunctival redness analysis, meibography, vital staining, interferometry, the OSDI questionnaire, and more.
  3. This lets us see what your tear film is like, whether it evaporates too quickly, the condition of your eyelids and how your tear glands are working — so we can understand what is happening to your eye and decide which treatment is right for you.
Artificial tears for dry eye

Artificial tears

Today we know that dry eye treatment must be personalised. What works for one person may not work for another.

Not all artificial tears are the same:

  • Some hydrate quickly.
  • Others last longer.
  • Some help reduce inflammation.

Choosing the right one depends on your type of dry eye, which is why it's important to identify the deficient layer with precise technology.

"The choice of the right artificial tear must be individualised and based on the results of the tear film study."

Eyelid hygiene

Eyelid hygiene

Eyelid hygiene is essential, especially when there is meibomian gland dysfunction, one of the main drivers of evaporative dry eye.

A proper eyelid hygiene routine:

  • Improves meibum quality.
  • Reduces eyelid inflammation.
  • Helps with blepharitis and Demodex.

Recommended steps:

  1. Controlled warm compresses.
  2. Gentle eyelid massage.
  3. Cleaning of the lid margin and lashes.
In-practice thermotherapy

In-practice thermotherapy

At Óptica Carreras we offer advanced in-practice thermotherapy, designed to improve meibomian gland function.

Therapeutic heat combined with massage helps to:

  • Soften the meibum.
  • Facilitate meibomian gland expression.
  • Improve tear film stability.

This treatment is supported by current clinical evidence and recommended in DEWS III for patients with evaporative dry eye.

Other treatments

From specialised optometry:

  • Therapeutic bandage contact lenses for corneal protection.
  • SCLERAL lenses, which create a tear reservoir, protect the ocular surface and optimise visual quality. They are currently one of the most advanced and effective options for moderate and severe dry eye. For many patients, scleral lenses are a genuine turning point.

Our approach

We understand dry eye as a real disease that affects your daily life.

That is why our goal is to

  • Listen to you
  • Study your case in detail
  • Explain clearly what is happening
  • Support you throughout treatment

Because seeing well also means feeling good about your eyes, all day long.