What Is Dry Eye Syndrome and What Causes It?

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears you make do not work as well as they should. A healthy tear film helps keep the eyes comfortable, smooth, and clear. When that balance is disrupted, you may notice irritation, burning, fluctuating vision, or a gritty feeling that does not go away. At De Anza Vision Center, we help patients understand what is behind these symptoms and how to manage them with the right care.
 

Why Tears Matter

Tears do more than keep the eyes wet. They help nourish the front surface of the eye, wash away debris, and support clear vision. When the tear film becomes unstable, even routine tasks like reading, driving, or working on a computer can become uncomfortable. Dry eye syndrome can affect daily life in subtle ways at first, then become more noticeable over time.
 

Common Causes Of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye can develop for several reasons. In many cases, it is linked to reduced tear production or poor tear quality. Other common causes include aging, screen use, environmental irritants, certain medications, contact lens wear, and meibomian gland dysfunction, which affects the oily layer of the tears. Some people also notice symptoms getting worse with air conditioning, wind, or long hours of visual concentration.
 

Symptoms To Watch For

Dry eye symptoms are not always the same from person to person. Some patients have ongoing discomfort, while others mainly notice vision changes.

• Burning, stinging, or watery eyes
• Gritty or scratchy sensation
• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• Redness or light sensitivity
• Eye fatigue, especially during screen use

Why Symptoms Can Be Misleading

One reason dry eye can be confusing is that watery eyes may actually be a sign of dryness. When the eyes become irritated, they can overproduce poor-quality tears as a reflex response. That means tearing does not always mean the eyes are properly lubricated. Many people in San Jose assume their symptoms are minor until they begin affecting comfort and vision more consistently.
 

When To Seek An Evaluation

If dryness, irritation, or blurry vision keeps returning, it is a good idea to have your eyes evaluated. A proper exam can help us look at tear quality, eyelid health, and the overall surface of the eye to identify what is causing the problem. Since De Anza Vision Center offers dry eye treatment as part of its eye care services, we can help guide patients toward the next steps based on their specific needs.
 

Dry Eye Care In San Jose

Dry eye syndrome is common, but that does not mean you have to ignore it. Understanding the cause is the first step toward lasting relief. At De Anza Vision Center, we provide eye care services in San Jose, including dry eye treatment, from our office at 1035 S De Anza Blvd Ste 1, San Jose, CA 95129. Contact De Anza Vision Center in San Jose by calling (408) 446-5533 to schedule an appointment.