Evaporative vs. Aqueous Dry Eye: How to Recognize Symptoms & Choose the Best Treatment Options
Dry eye syndrome is a multifaceted condition that can have a significant impact on your visual comfort, day-to-day activities, and overall eye health. There are two primary types: Evaporative Dry Eye and Aqueous Dry Eye. While both share common symptoms like irritation, redness, and blurred vision, the underlying causes and best treatment options differ.
Evaporative Dry Eye
Evaporative dry eye occurs when the oily (lipid) layer of the tear film is compromised, often due to issues with the meibomian glands in your eyelids. Without adequate oil, tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes feeling parched.
Signs & Symptoms of Evaporative Dry Eye
- Grittiness or a sandy sensation on the eye surface
- Redness and mild irritation
- Fluctuating vision that improves with blinking
- Excessive tearing, as your eyes try to compensate for dryness
Over-the-Counter Options for Evaporative Dry Eye
- We Love Eyes Posterior MGD Cleansing System – A specialized eyelid and eyelash cleansing kit designed to support healthy meibomian gland function by unclogging excess / clogged oil and washing away debris.
- Warm compress masks to help soften, loosen and relieve clogged oils from the meibomian glands
- Preservative-free artificial tears formulated to support the lipid layer such as Optase MGD Advanced and Refresh Optive Omega-3
- Preservative-free artificial tear gels and ointments from brands Optase, Systane, and Refresh
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplements to support overall tear quality such as PRN DE3 and Hyrdoeye by Science Based Health
- Foaming cleansers formulated with Gamma-linolenic fatty acids such as We Love Eye superGLA® Eyelid & Eyelash Foaming Cleanser
Doctor-Provided / Prescription-Only Treatment Options for Evaporative Dry Eye
- Lipiflow®: A procedure using heat and gentle pressure to unblock meibomian glands
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: Targets inflammation and improves gland function
- Radiofrequency (RF) Treatment: Stimulates collagen and improves eyelid gland function
- Punctal Plugs: Help reduce tear drainage, allowing tears to remain on the surface longer
Aqueous Dry Eye
Aqueous dry eye results from inadequate tear production in the water layer of the tear film. This can be due to problems with the lacrimal glands, systemic conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, or certain medications.
Signs & Symptoms of Aqueous Dry Eye
- Persistent dryness and discomfort
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Light sensitivity
- Intermittent blurry vision
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Over-the-Counter Options for Aqueous Dry Eye
- Preservative Free Artificial tears that replenish the watery (aqueous) layer of the tear film
- Humidifiers to increase environmental moisture
- Warm compresses to encourage natural tear production
Doctor-Provided / Prescription-Only Treatment Options for Aqueous Dry Eye
- Prescription eye drops (e.g., cyclosporine, lifitegrast) to reduce inflammation and improve tear production
- Punctal Plugs to conserve your natural tears on the ocular surface
- Specialty contact lenses (e.g., scleral lenses) that create a protected tear reservoir over the eye’s surface
About Dr. Tanya Gill, OD: Dr. Gill is the Founder of We Love Eyes and a pioneering optometrist who is passionate about eye health and providing natural, gentle products that empower you to take control of your dry eye symptoms. If you’re ready to explore options tailored to your individual eye concerns, visit weloveeyes.com.