Dry eye syndrome symptoms and causes

Dry eye syndrome can cause a prickling sensation, a feeling of sand under the eyelids, and reflex tearing, even though the eyes may appear to be watering. According to Dr. Gérard Kierzek, dry eye syndrome does not depend only on the quantity of tears, but also on their quality: they must form a stable protective film on the surface of the eye.

Hormonal changes and menopause

During menopause, this discomfort can become more noticeable, as hormonal changes can contribute to making eye comfort more fragile, even if they do not explain everything. The challenge is therefore double: recognizing a sometimes misleading symptom, and not attributing too quickly any visual disturbance to hormones.

Tear film function and issues

The tear film covers the surface of the eye to moisten it, protect it, and help ensure clear vision. When this film is insufficient, unstable, or of poor quality, the eye becomes irritated. It can then react by producing reflex tears, sometimes in abundance, especially in the wind, cold, or when exposed to dry air.

Reflex tears and their limitations

However, these tears do not necessarily solve the underlying problem. They can run down the cheek without staying long enough on the surface of the eye to lubricate it properly. This explains this confusing situation: the eye waters because it is irritated, not because it is properly moisturized.

Recognizing dry eye symptoms

The indicative signs are often very concrete: prickling, burning, a foreign body sensation, visual fatigue, discomfort in light, fluctuating vision, or discomfort with contact lenses. Some people also describe a frequent need to blink.