If you experience tearing or fluctuating vision or if your eyes feel like sand, you may have dry eye syndrome—a common occurrence for glaucoma patients. Studies show 40-50% of glaucoma patients have dry eye syndrome, with an even higher prevalence in females. Learn more about dry eye syndrome, including why this commonly occurs in glaucoma patients and how to treat it.*

What causes dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye may be caused by one or multiple factors, which include:

• Inflammation of the eyelids
• Activities that reduce blinking, like prolonged reading or looking at a computer screen
• Using glaucoma eye drops over a long period 
• Low humidity, wind, or forced air heating and cooling systems
• Previous eye infections or eye surgeries
• Diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren’s syndrome
• Medications, including antihistamines and antidepressants

How do you treat dry eye syndrome?

Based on the type of glaucoma and symptoms of dry eye, your doctor will prescribe medication, or a combination of medications, as treatment, in addition to lifestyle changes.

The treatment options for dry eye include:

• Artificial tears, such as eye drops, gels, or ointments
• Punctal plugs to block drainage through the tear ducts and conservative tears
• Eye drops to suppress inflammation, such as Cyclosporine, Lifitegrast, and steroids 
• Eyelid cleansing and warm compresses to improve inflammation
• Environmental changes, such as using a humidifier, avoiding air or wind blowing into your eyes, and taking frequent breaks while reading

Why is treating dry eyes important?

Both glaucoma and dry eye syndrome are chronic conditions that are not curable but are treatable. Treating glaucoma disease takes precedence, as it can eventually lead to blindness, but dry eye syndrome symptoms can be more frustrating for a patient. 

With dry eyes and glaucoma, keeping the tear surface healthy will:

• Increase comfort
• Promote eye health
• Increase success rates of some glaucoma surgeries

*Williams, R. D. (2020, Oct. 1). Dry Eyes and Glaucoma: Double Trouble. Glaucoma Research Foundation. https://www.glaucoma.org/treatment/dry-eyes-and-glaucoma-double-trouble.php

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