Are There Different Types of Dry Eye?

If you’ve ever experienced stinging, burning, or gritty sensations in your eyes, you may be dealing with dry eye disease. This common condition affects millions of people and can significantly impact your daily life. But did you know that there are actually different types of dry eye? Understanding the root cause of your symptoms is key to finding the right treatment—and that’s where the specialists at Campus Eye Group can help.

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the quality of your tears isn’t sufficient to keep the surface of your eyes properly lubricated. Healthy tears are essential—they help protect the eye from infection, keep the surface smooth, and wash away debris.

When your eyes don’t get the moisture they need, you may notice symptoms like:

• Redness and irritation
• A gritty or sandy feeling
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Excessive tearing (a sign your eyes are trying to compensate for dryness)

These symptoms can come and go or persist over time, and they can worsen with age, screen time, environmental factors, or certain medical conditions.

Types of Dry Eye Disease

There are two main types of dry eye disease, and they often overlap:

Aqueous Tear-Deficient Dry Eye

This type occurs when the tear glands (lacrimal glands) fail to produce enough of the watery component of tears. It’s often linked to autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome and is more common in older adults.

Evaporative Dry Eye

This is the most common type of dry eye. It happens when your tears evaporate too quickly, usually due to a deficiency in the oily layer of your tear film. The meibomian glands in your eyelids are responsible for producing this oil. When they become blocked or dysfunctional—a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)—your tears can’t do their job.

Understanding which type you have is essential because the treatment approach can differ significantly. That’s why seeing a dry eye doctor at Campus Eye Group is so important.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Aging
• Hormonal changes (especially in women)
• Prolonged screen use
• Contact lens wear
• Certain medications (like antihistamines and antidepressants)
• Environmental factors (wind, dry air, smoke)
• Medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune diseases

Dry Eye Treatments at Campus Eye Group

At Campus Eye Group, we take a personalized approach to dry eye care. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to determine the type and severity of your condition. Once we understand the cause, we’ll recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Treatment options may include:

• Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops
• Prescription medications to reduce inflammation and increase tear production
• Punctal plugs to help keep tears on the eye longer
• Lid hygiene therapy to treat blepharitis or MGD
• Meibomian gland expression or Lipiflow® Thermal Pulsation to unclog oil glands
• Lifestyle changes and supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids

We also offer ongoing support and education so you can manage your symptoms effectively and maintain your eye health.

Get Relief from Dry Eye in Hamilton, NJ

You don’t have to live with the discomfort of dry eye disease. If you’re dealing with persistent symptoms, it’s time to schedule an evaluation with a trusted eye doctor in Hamilton and Princeton, NJ. At Campus Eye Group, our experienced team is here to help you find long-lasting relief with advanced diagnostics and treatment options tailored to your needs.

Call Campus Eye Group today or request an appointment online to take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable eyes.