Dry Eye Specialist in Mumbai

What is dry eye?

Dry eye disease is a common condition in which the tear film — the thin, three-layered fluid coating of the eye's surface — becomes unstable or insufficient. The result is a cycle of surface dryness, inflammation and further tear-film breakdown. It is chronic for many people but very manageable once the type is identified.

The tear film and the two main types

The tear film has three layers: an outer lipid (oil) layer from the meibomian glands that slows evaporation; a middle aqueous (water) layer from the tear glands; and an inner mucin layer that spreads tears evenly. Problems map onto two overlapping types:

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• Aqueous-deficient dry eye — the tear glands produce too little watery tears; may accompany autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome.
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• Evaporative dry eye — tears evaporate too quickly, most often due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where the eyelid oil glands are blocked or produce poor-quality oil. This is the most common form.
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Contributing factors

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• Prolonged screen use with reduced blinking
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• Contact lens wear
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• Air-conditioning, fans, pollution and low humidity
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• Ageing and hormonal change (especially around menopause)
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• Certain medications (e.g. some antihistamines, isotretinoin, antidepressants)
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• Eyelid problems, incomplete blinking, previous eye surgery including LASIK
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Symptoms

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• Burning, stinging or gritty foreign-body sensation
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• Redness and tired eyes, worse towards evening
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• Vision that fluctuates and clears with blinking
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• Paradoxical watering — irritation triggers reflex tears that do not fix the underlying dryness
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• Stringy discharge; discomfort with contact lenses or screens
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Note: not every headache, eye strain or screen-related discomfort is dry eye — a proper assessment distinguishes dry eye from other causes such as uncorrected refractive error.

How dry eye is diagnosed

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• History and screening questionnaires for symptom pattern and triggers
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• Slit-lamp examination of the lid margins, meibomian glands and ocular surface with diagnostic dyes
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• Tear-film tests — tear break-up time, tear meniscus height and tear production tests; gland imaging where available
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Treatment options

Foundations for everyone

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• Artificial tears — lubricating drops supplement the tear film; the right formulation depends on the type of dry eye (preservative-free for frequent use).
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• Blink habits and screen hygiene — deliberate full blinks and regular breaks during screen work.
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• Environment — avoid direct fans/AC draughts; humidify dry rooms; wraparound protection outdoors.
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For evaporative disease / MGD

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• Warm compresses and lid hygiene — where generally appropriate, warmth helps liquefy blocked gland oils; your doctor will show you the correct technique.
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• In-clinic gland expression or thermal/mechanical treatments where available and indicated.
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Medical and advanced options

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• Anti-inflammatory prescription drops (e.g. cyclosporine, lifitegrast or short steroid courses) for inflammatory dry eye, under supervision
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• Punctal plugs to retain natural tears in suitable aqueous-deficient cases
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• Speciality options for severe disease — autologous serum tears or scleral lenses — after specialist evaluation
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• Treating contributing conditions: allergy, blepharitis, eyelid malposition
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Dry eye and LASIK

Laser vision correction can temporarily worsen dryness, and pre-existing dry eye can distort pre-LASIK measurements and slow recovery. For this reason, the tear film is assessed and treated before refractive surgery at our clinic, and significant untreated dry eye may change the recommended procedure or timing. Read about LASIK eligibility.

Long-term management

Dry eye is usually controlled, not "cured" — the goal is a comfortable, stable surface with a sustainable routine. Reviews adjust treatment to seasons, screen load and life changes. Seek assessment if symptoms persist despite over-the-counter drops, or if you have significant pain or light sensitivity (which suggests something other than simple dry eye).

Information on this page is for general education and does not replace an examination, diagnosis or personalised medical advice from a qualified eye-care professional.

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