Dry, irritated, tired eyes are common problems. Some people need to use artificial tears repeatedly during the day, and the discomfort can even interfere with work and daily activities.
Dry eye disease is a common ocular surface disorder associated with insufficient tear production, excessive tear evaporation, tear-film instability, and ocular surface inflammation. Modern medicine recognizes that dry eye is usually caused by multiple factors rather than simply a lack of tears.
What are the two main types of dry eye?
Dry eye disease can generally be divided into two major categories: aqueous-deficient dry eye and evaporative dry eye. The two types may also occur at the same time.
Aqueous-deficient dry eye is mainly related to reduced tear production. When the eyes do not produce enough tears, symptoms such as dryness, stinging, foreign-body sensation, and eye fatigue may occur.
Evaporative dry eye occurs when the tear film becomes unstable and tears evaporate too quickly. Meibomian gland dysfunction（MGD） is an important cause of evaporative dry eye. The meibomian glands produce the lipid component of the tear film. When these glands do not function properly, tear-film stability may decrease and tear evaporation may increase.
Therefore, even if a person frequently uses artificial tears, symptoms may continue to recur if the underlying cause is not addressed.
Why does dry eye become more common with age or prolonged screen use?
The risk of dry eye increases with age. Women, particularly after menopause, may also have a higher risk because of hormonal changes.
In addition, prolonged use of computers, smartphones, and tablets may reduce blinking frequency, making the tear film less stable. Spending long periods in air-conditioned, dry, or windy environments can also increase tear evaporation.
Contact lens use, certain medications, and some eye procedures, including LASIK, may also be associated with dry eye symptoms.
If you need artificial tears frequently every day or your dry eyes are affecting your work and quality of life, an ophthalmologic examination is recommended to identify the underlying cause and severity.
What happened to Ms. Chen, a woman in her 60s with chronic dry eyes?
Ms. Chen, a woman in her 60s, had experienced chronic eye dryness for many years. Her symptoms made it difficult for her to concentrate at work, and she frequently had to stop what she was doing to use artificial tears.
She later received Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment combined with herbal powder and eye drops. After treatment, she needed artificial tears less frequently and was able to work later into the evening. Her eye dryness had improved considerably.
This case illustrates that for people with recurrent dry eye symptoms, it may be helpful to consider not only local eye symptoms but also overall constitution, sleep, stress, and lifestyle habits.
However, an individual case does not mean that every patient will experience the same results. The causes and severity of dry eye vary, so treatment should be individualized.
What types of body constitution may be associated with dry eye from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective?
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine（TCM）, dry eye does not have only one pattern. TCM practitioners assess factors such as age, severity of dryness, sleep quality, emotional stress, digestive function, and other symptoms before determining an appropriate treatment approach.
Could dry eyes in older adults be related to Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency?
Some older patients experience dry eyes together with lower back soreness, dizziness, tinnitus, or poor sleep. From a TCM perspective, these symptoms may be considered in relation to Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency.
Depending on the individual’s constitution, TCM may use herbs such as goji berries or Rosae Fructus, or formulas such as Qi Ju Di Huang Wan, to support Liver and Kidney Yin.
Could eye discomfort and irritability be related to Liver Fire?
If dry eyes are accompanied by eyelid discomfort, irritability, or a tendency to feel restless or easily angered, a TCM practitioner may consider patterns related to Liver Qi stagnation transforming into Fire or Liver Fire.
Treatment may involve herbs traditionally used to soothe the Liver and clear heat, such as Tribulus terrestris and chrysanthemum. Yellow chrysanthemum is traditionally preferred for clearing Liver heat.
Could allergies, dry mouth, or chronic cough be related to Lung Yin deficiency?
Some people who are prone to allergies, dry mouth, or prolonged coughing after a cold may also experience dry eyes.
From a TCM perspective, such symptoms may be assessed in relation to Lung Yin deficiency, with herbs such as Polygonatum sibiricum, Glehnia root, and Chuanxiong considered according to the individual’s condition.
Can stress and poor sleep make dry eye symptoms worse?
Patients who experience significant stress, discomfort along the ribs, poor sleep, constipation, or diarrhea may be assessed from a TCM perspective for Liver Qi stagnation and Spleen deficiency.
Depending on the individual’s constitution, herbs such as Angelica sinensis, White peony root, Atractylodes, and Poria may be considered. A modified version of Jia Wei Xiao Yao San may also be used in appropriate cases.
TCM formulas should not be self-prescribed. The appropriate prescription depends on the individual’s symptoms and constitution and should be determined by a qualified TCM practitioner.
How can dry eye be improved through daily habits?
Daily eye care is important for managing dry eye. Treatment should not rely solely on artificial tears.
First, when using a computer or smartphone for extended periods, take regular breaks and consciously increase blinking.
Second, avoid prolonged exposure to direct airflow from air conditioners or fans. If the environment is dry, maintaining appropriate humidity may help reduce discomfort.
Third, maintain regular sleep and avoid chronic sleep deprivation.
Fourth, if eyelid inflammation or abnormal meibomian gland function is present, warm compresses and eyelid hygiene may be recommended under the guidance of an eye-care professional.
Fifth, dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as deep-sea fish and walnuts, as well as vegetables and fruits that provide vitamins A, C, and E, can be incorporated into a balanced diet. However, dietary changes are part of general health care and should not replace professional diagnosis or treatment of dry eye disease.
Can goji berry and chrysanthemum tea improve dry eyes?
The original recommendation is to use approximately 3 qian of goji berries and 3 qian of chrysanthemum, steeped in 300 mL of hot water. People who are prone to diarrhea may add 2–3 slices of fresh ginger.
However, goji berry and chrysanthemum tea should be considered a dietary approach rather than a direct treatment for dry eye disease.
If dry eye symptoms are persistent, recurrent, or affecting daily life, it is important to determine whether dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, or another eye condition is present.
People who take medications or have chronic health conditions should also consult a healthcare professional before regularly consuming herbal drinks.
What should you do if your eyes remain dry despite frequent use of artificial tears?
If you frequently use artificial tears but continue to experience dryness, stinging, foreign-body sensation, or blurred vision, do not assume that your eyes simply need more moisture.
An ophthalmologist can assess tear production, tear-film stability, and eyelid conditions using examinations such as slit-lamp examination, the Schirmer test, and tear break-up time（TBUT）.
More severe dry eye disease can cause damage to the ocular surface. Therefore, people with persistent symptoms should not rely solely on self-treatment and ignore professional eye examinations.
TCM may be used as a complementary approach to assess and regulate the individual’s overall constitution. However, ophthalmologic diagnosis and necessary medical treatment should remain the foundation, with TCM considered as an adjunctive approach when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Eye Disease
Q1: Can dry eye disease go away on its own?
Some dry eye symptoms caused by temporary environmental factors, excessive screen use, or certain eye procedures may improve as the triggering factors resolve. However, chronic dry eye or meibomian gland dysfunction may recur. Identifying the underlying cause is important.
Q2: Does frequently using artificial tears mean that my dry eye disease is severe?
Not necessarily. The appropriate frequency of artificial tear use should be considered together with symptoms, ocular surface findings, and the type of dry eye. If you need artificial tears very frequently or they do not provide adequate relief, an ophthalmologic examination is recommended.
Q3: Can Traditional Chinese Medicine help with dry eye disease?
TCM may provide complementary care by assessing an individual’s overall constitution and using an individualized treatment approach. However, dry eye has many possible causes, and not every patient should receive the same herbal formula. A qualified TCM practitioner should evaluate the patient’s condition before treatment.
Q4: Can looking at a smartphone really cause dry eyes?
Prolonged smartphone and computer use may reduce blinking frequency, which can make the tear film less stable and worsen dry eye symptoms. Taking regular breaks, blinking more frequently, and avoiding direct airflow can help reduce discomfort.
Q5: Do I need to see an ophthalmologist for dry eye?
If dryness is persistent, recurrent, or interferes with work, reading, or daily activities, an ophthalmologic examination is recommended. The cause and severity can then be assessed, and TCM may be considered as a complementary approach when appropriate.
References
- Craig JP, et al. TFOS DEWS II Definition and Classification Report. The Ocular Surface. 2017.
- Stapleton F, et al. TFOS DEWS II Epidemiology Report. The Ocular Surface. 2017.
- Jones L, et al. TFOS DEWS II Management and Therapy Report. The Ocular Surface. 2017.
- National Eye Institute. Dry Eye.
- National Eye Institute. Causes of Dry Eye.