There are two main types of dry eyes: aqueous tear
deficiency and evaporative dry eye.
Dry eyes can cause a range of symptoms that can affect the
comfort and function of the eyes. Some of the common
symptoms of dry eyes are:
What are the causes of dry eyes?
Dry eyes can be caused by a variety of factors that can
affect the quantity or quality of the tears or the tear
film. Some of the common causes of dry eyes are:
● Aging: As people get older, they tend to produce
fewer and less effective tears. This is especially true
for women who go through menopause and experience
hormonal changes that can affect tear production and
quality.
● Diseases: Some diseases, such as rheumatoid
arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, thyroid disease, and
lupus, can affect the immune system and cause
inflammation or damage to the tear glands or the eye
surface. This can result in reduced or abnormal tear
production and dry eyes.
● Medications: Some medications, such as
antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure drugs,
and oral contraceptives, can interfere with the
production or function of tears. This can cause dry
eyes as a side effect of the medication. If you are
taking any medication that can cause dry eyes, you
should consult your doctor about the possible effects
on your eyes and the alternatives or solutions
available.
● Environmental factors: Some environmental
factors, such as dry air, wind, smoke, dust, or air
conditioning, can irritate the eyes and make them lose
moisture faster. This can cause the tears to evaporate
too quickly and the eyes to become dry and
uncomfortable. These factors can also increase the
exposure of the eyes to allergens or pollutants that
can trigger dry eyes.
● Digital devices: Spending too much time on
digital devices, such as computers, smartphones, or
tablets, can cause dry eyes. This is because we tend
to blink less when we stare at screens, which reduces
the spread of tears over the eyes and the lubrication
of the eye surface. This can also cause eye strain and
fatigue, which can worsen the symptoms of dry
eyes.
● Contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses can
cause dry eyes by reducing the oxygen supply to the
eyes, disrupting the tear film, or irritating the eye
surface. Some contact lenses can also absorb the tears
and cause them to dry out faster. If you wear contact
lenses, you should choose the ones that are designed
for dry eyes and follow the proper hygiene and care
instructions. You should also limit the wearing time
and remove the lenses before sleeping.
How are dry eyes diagnosed?
If you have any signs or symptoms of dry eyes, you
should see an eye doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
The eye doctor will examine your eyes and ask you about
your medical history, medications, lifestyle, and
environmental factors. The eye doctor may also perform
some tests to measure your tear quantity and quality and
to assess the condition of your eyes. Some of the common
tests for dry eyes are:
● Schirmer test: This test measures the amount
of tears produced by the eyes. A small strip of filter
paper is placed under the lower eyelid for five
minutes, and the wetness of the paper is measured. A
low wetness indicates a low tear production and dry
eyes.
● Tear breakup time: This test measures the
stability of the tear film. A drop of fluorescein dye
is placed in the eye, and the eye doctor observes with
a special blue-colored light, how long it takes for
the tear film to break up after blinking. A short
breakup time indicates a poor-quality tear film and
dry eyes. The dye will highlight any areas of dryness,
abrasion, or infection on the eye surface.
How can dry eyes be prevented?
Dry eyes can also be prevented or managed with some
lifestyle changes, such as
● Drinking
enough water to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration,
which can affect tear production.
● Eating a
balanced diet that includes foods rich in omega-3
fatty acids, such as fish, flaxseeds, or walnuts,
which can help reduce inflammation and improve tear
quality.
● Wearing
sunglasses or goggles to protect the eyes from wind,
dust, or sun exposure, which can dry out the
eyes.
● Avoiding
exposure to direct air flow from fans, heaters, or air
conditioners, which can reduce the humidity and
moisture in the air.
● Taking
frequent breaks and blinking more often when using
digital devices, which can help moisten the eyes and
prevent eye strain.
● Applying warm
compresses or gently massaging the eyelids, which can
help loosen the debris and oil in the glands and
improve tear flow.
● Avoiding or
limiting the use of contact lenses, which can irritate
the eyes and interfere with tear production. If you
wear contact lenses, you should choose the ones that
are designed for dry eyes and follow the proper
hygiene and care instructions.
Ayurvedic View on Dry Eyes
As per ayurvedic point of view, the symptoms of dry
eye are compared to Sushkakshipaka, a disease
affecting the entire eye. It is caused by the
simultaneous vitiation of Vata Dosha and Pitta Dosha,
which leads to inflammation, heat, and dryness in the
eyes. Sushkakshipaka can manifest by various factors,
such as:
● Exposure to
hot, dry, or windy weather, which can dehydrate the
eyes and the body
● Excessive use
of digital devices, such as computers, smartphones, or
tablets, which can strain the eyes and reduce the
blinking rate
● Consumption
of spicy, sour, salty, or fermented foods, which can
increase the acidity and heat in the body and the
eyes
● Intake of
alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, or drugs, which can
deplete the moisture and vitality of the eyes and the
body
● Stress,
anger, anxiety, or frustration, which can generate
heat and tension in the eyes and the mind
● Aging,
hormonal changes, or menopause, which can affect the
production and quality of the tears
● Certain
diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, or
autoimmune disorders, which can impair the circulation
and function of the eyes
Sushkakshipaka has the following features:
● Friction,
piercing, and pricking pain
● Increased
thickness and dryness of the eyes
● Difficulty in
opening and closing of the eyelids
● Desire for
cold comforts
● Blurred
vision
How are dry eyes treated according to Ayurveda?

Dry eyes can also be prevented or managed with some
lifestyle changes according to ayurveda, such
as:
● Drinking
enough water to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration,
which can affect tear production and eye health.
● Eating a
balanced diet that includes foods that are sweet,
bitter, and astringent in taste, which can balance
Vata and Pitta Dosha and nourish the eyes. Some of the
foods that are good for the eyes are milk, ghee,
honey, almonds, dates, carrots, spinach, cucumber,
rose, and fennel.
● Avoiding
foods that are spicy, sour, salty, or fermented, which
can aggravate Vata and Pitta Dosha and cause dryness
and heat in the eyes. Some of the foods that are bad
for the eyes are chili, vinegar, pickles, cheese,
yogurt, garlic, onion, and alcohol.
● Practicing
yoga and meditation, which can relax and calm the
eyes and the mind, and also improve the blood
circulation and oxygen supply to the eyes. Some of
the yoga poses and exercises that are good for the
eyes are sun salutation, palming, eye rotation, eye
blinking, and eye focusing.
● Wearing
sunglasses or eye protection, which can shield the
eyes from the harmful effects of the sun, wind,
dust, or pollution, which can dry out and damage the
eyes.
● Using a
humidifier or avoiding direct air flow from fans,
heaters, or air conditioners, which can reduce the
humidity and moisture in the air and the eyes.
● Taking
frequent breaks and blinking more often when using
digital devices, which can prevent eye strain and
dryness, and also moisten and refresh the
eyes.
● Applying
warm compresses or gently massaging the eyelids,
which can help loosen the debris and oil in the
glands and improve tear flow and quality.
● Avoiding or
limiting the use of contact lenses or eye makeup,
which can irritate the eyes and interfere with tear
production and quality. If you wear contact lenses,
you should choose the ones that are designed for dry
eyes and follow the proper hygiene and care
instructions.
Conclusion
Dry eyes are a common and treatable condition that
can affect anyone at any age. Dry eyes occur when
the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears
evaporate too quickly, causing discomfort,
irritation, and vision problems. According to
ayurveda, dry eyes are mainly caused by an
imbalance of the pitta dosha, the fire element
that governs the eyes, metabolism, and digestion.
Dry eyes can be diagnosed by an ayurvedic
practitioner, who will examine the eyes and the
body, and perform some tests to assess the
quantity and quality of the tears and the
condition of the eyes. Dry eyes can also be
prevented or managed with some lifestyle changes
according to ayurveda, such as drinking enough
water, eating a balanced diet, practicing yoga and
meditation, wearing sunglasses, using a
humidifier, taking breaks from digital devices,
applying warm compresses, or avoiding contact
lenses.
FAQ
Q : Can dry eyes affect my vision, and if so,
how?
A : Yes, dry eyes can affect vision,
particularly if left untreated or if the condition
becomes severe. When the eyes are dry, the tear
film, which normally lubricates the surface of the
eye and helps maintain clear vision, may become
unstable or inadequate. This can lead to several
vision-related issues.
Q : Is dry eye a vitamin deficiency?
A : Vitamin A deficiency, which usually
occurs in developing countries, can cause an
increase in dry eye. By adding foods rich in Vitamin
A, like carrots, pumpkins, apricots, spinach,
tomatoes, dairy products and liver, you can prevent
the development of this condition.
Q : Can dry eye be cured?
A : Dry eyes can leave your eyes feeling
itchy or irritated. Eye drops can treat symptoms,
but there's no cure. In some cases, a doctor may
recommend an eye procedure, such as minor gland
salivary autotransplant.
Q : Is it true that Dry Eye symptoms seem to be
more severe in the winter than in the warmer
spring and summer months?
A: Due to the decrease in humidity, it’s
not abnormal for the eyes to feel additional
discomfort during cooler months. People may also
notice that if they travel to a drier climate,
their eyes feel worse.
Q : Can drinking water stop dry eyes?
A : Drinking more water can help your
body produce a healthy volume of tears, which is
important to prevent dry eyes
Q : Is Milk good for your eyes?
A : Not only do they contain Vitamin A
but also Zinc. Therefore, incorporating food
items like milk and yogurt becomes vital for
maintaining good eyesight