Dry Eyes and Dry Eye Disease: Causes and Symptoms
April 1, 2026 | 4 min read
Dry eyes are a common condition year-round among people living in Boulder County and throughout Colorado. Our arid, often breezy climate is a major contributor to eye dryness and irritation.
Many people describe “dry eyes” as a general symptom, but there is also a medical condition known as dry eye disease. While related, these are not always the same. Environmental factors can trigger occasional dryness, while dry eye disease is a more persistent condition involving the tear film.
In this article, I will review the symptoms, diagnosis, and causes of dry eye disease and how it relates to everyday dry eye symptoms.
Dry Eyes vs. Dry Eye Disease: What’s the Difference?
People often use the term “dry eyes” to describe how their eyes feel—irritated, burning, watery, or gritty. These symptoms are common, especially in Colorado’s dry climate, and are often temporary. Wind, low humidity, and increased screen time can all contribute.
Dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), however, is a medical condition. It is diagnosed when these symptoms persist and are linked to an unstable tear film—either because the eyes are not producing enough tears or because tears evaporate too quickly due to an imbalance in their components.
In simple terms:
- Dry eyes describe the symptoms
- Dry eye disease is the underlying condition causing those symptoms
Common dry eye symptoms include a gritty or “something in the eye” sensation, along with burning, itching, redness, and fluctuating vision. Some people also experience excess tearing, which is the eye’s reflex response to irritation.
When these symptoms are occasional, they are often related to environmental or lifestyle factors. When they are persistent or worsening, they may indicate dry eye disease and warrant evaluation.
Causes of Dry Eye Disease
While it’s not fully understood why some people produce fewer tears or develop an imbalanced tear film, several factors are known to contribute to dry eye disease:
Environment
Colorado’s climate — low humidity, colder temperatures, and frequent wind — can increase tear evaporation and worsen symptoms. Smoking and contact lens use may also contribute.
Medications
Certain medications can reduce tear production or affect tear quality, including:
- Antihistamines
- Antidepressants
- Blood pressure medications
Medical Conditions
Underlying health conditions can impact tear production, including:
- Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s syndrome
- Hormonal changes
- Natural aging
Diagnosing Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease is a medical diagnosis that generally involves tear-related problems.
Tears are made up of three parts:
- Water — comes from the lacrimal gland under the outer part of the eyebrow
- Oil — comes from glands in the eyelids
- Protein — produced by cells around the colored part of the eye
Ordinarily, these three components work together to form a smooth, protective tear film that coats the cornea. This layer keeps the eyes comfortable, supports clear vision, and maintains the health of the surface cells. An imbalance in any of these components can cause the eyes to feel irritated, affect vision, and put the eye surface at risk.
To diagnose dry eye disease, an ophthalmologist will typically:
- Review your symptoms
- Assess your visual acuity (sharpness of vision)
- Examine the eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea under magnification
- Use special stains to evaluate tear quality and how quickly the tear film breaks up between blinks
These findings help determine whether dry eye disease is present and guide appropriate treatment.
Next: Best Treatments for Dry Eyes
Let’s Talk
If your eyes feel consistently dry, irritated, or watery, it may be time for an evaluation. Donald McCormack provides comprehensive exams to determine whether your symptoms are occasional or related to dry eye disease, along with personalized treatment options. Make an appointment.