Overview

Healthy eyes require a consistent layer of tears to remain moist, nourished, and protected. When this balance is disturbed, the eyes feel dry, irritated, or strained. With the increasing use of digital devices, changing lifestyles, and environmental factors, dry eyes are becoming one of the leading causes of eye discomfort today.

Causes

• Prolonged screen time (computers, mobiles, TV)

• Environmental exposure: dust, smoke, wind, or air-conditioning

• Age-related decline in tear secretion

• Side effects of certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure drugs)

• Health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or thyroid disorders

• Contact lens usage or post–eye surgery dryness

Symptoms

• Persistent dryness or burning sensation in the eyes

• Redness and irritation

• A gritty or sand-like feeling inside the eyes

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Light sensitivity

• Paradoxical watery eyes due to irritation

Ayurvedic View

Shushkakshipaka - In Ayurveda, Dry Eye Syndrome is comparable to Shushkakshipaka, a condition caused mainly by Vata dosha imbalance along with Pitta involvement. This leads to depletion of the natural tear film (ashru dhatu kshaya). Excessive eye strain, exposure to heat, smoke, and irregular lifestyle habits further aggravate the condition.