What Causes Dry Eyes? Dry Eye Syndrome Explained @DoctorEyeHealth

Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

Dry eye syndrome is rising fast because of screen time, inflammation, autoimmune issues, and meibomian gland dysfunction and younger people are feeling it more than ever. In this episode of the Dr. Eye Health Podcast, Dr. Joseph Allen and Dr. Cecelia Koetting unpack the real reasons behind dry eye, why it’s not “just dryness,” and the simple lifestyle and clinical treatments that actually work.

Dry eyes isn’t one thing. It’s a syndrome with multiple layers- oil, aqueous, mucin and when even one system breaks down, your tear film can’t stabilize. Dr. Allen and Dr. Koetting break down the science in an easily understandable way, from “dirty windshield” corneal staining to how blinking drops by two-thirds when you’re scrolling your phone.

They also dive into inflammation cycles, autoimmune triggers, diabetes-related nerve damage, incomplete blinking, eyelid position, preservatives like BAK, lash serums, Accutane, Botox complications, sleep apnea, thyroid issues, and more.

This one is packed with real answers and real-life strategies you can use to protect your vision long-term.

What You’ll Learn
✅ The top causes of dry eye syndrome most people never hear about
✅ Why meibomian gland dysfunction is behind 60 percent of cases
✅ How hormones, autoimmune issues, meds, and screen time make symptoms worse
✅ Simple steps you can take today to reduce dryness and protect your ocular surface

👉 Want real relief from dry eye? Check out TheraTears’ Dry Eye Therapy lineup and find the right product for your eyes: theratears.com

👉 Download the free Dry Eye Drop Guide - doctoreyehealth.com/eye-drop-download

Learn about Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: youtu.be/yDvYs6oA7dw?si=m9lcdOrWECGMs75-

Timestamps
0:00 Why Dry Eye Is So Misunderstood
0:20 How Screens Destroy Your Blink Rate
2:40 Dry Eye vs Dry Eye Disease
7:30 What Corneal Staining Really Shows
12:40 Autoimmune Disease and Inflammation
17:45 Medications That Damage Oil Glands
24:10 The Eye Drops That Make Dry Eye Worse
44:00 3 Lifestyle Changes That Help Dry Eye

Key Takeaways
🔹 Dry eye is a multi-layered syndrome, not a single issue
🔹 Meibomian glands drive most cases- oil imbalance leads to evaporation
🔹 Inflammation is both a symptom and an accelerator of dry eye
🔹 Lifestyle habits (blinking, hygiene, hydration) truly change outcomes

About our Guest:
Dr. Cecelia Koetting is an assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine specializing in anterior segment disease, ocular surface disease, neuro-optometry, and perioperative care. She is active in clinical research and widely known for her expertise in dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction, and complex ocular surface conditions.

Preservative Free Eyelid Cleansers
SteriLid Cleanser: amzn.to/4iRpjBf

My top 5 Dry eye drops:
amazon.com/shop/doctoreyehealth/list/15I8QLDA5IEVX?ref_=aipsflist

Allergy Relief Products:
amazon.com/shop/doctoreyehealth/list/3U4XQXC21I5H9?ref_=aipsflist

Macular Support for AMD:
amazon.com/shop/doctoreyehealth/list/36B78D5BV2WWT?ref_=aipsflist

Dry Eye Supplements:
amazon.com/shop/doctoreyehealth/list/11OBTPPBDEWD5?ref_=aipsflist

Eyelid and Eyelash Care:
amazon.com/shop/doctoreyehealth/photo/amzn1.shoppablemedia.v1.collage.da009d66-35a9-467b-b355-9e32a7477d66?ref_=aipsfphoto

Ergonomics Support for Eyestrain:
amazon.com/shop/doctoreyehealth/list/1Z77TPOQ9LHKB?ref_=aipsflist

Dry Eye PM Support:
amazon.com/shop/doctoreyehealth/list/DDYUZXFKCMA6?ref_=aipsflist

Resources Mentioned
Dr Cecelia Koetting LinkedIn
Website: doctoreyehealth.com
YouTube: Doctor Eye Health
Instagram: @doctoreyehealth
TikTok: @doctoreyehealth
Facebook: Doctor Eye Health
LinkedIn: Dr. Joseph Allen

Sponsor-
TheraTears official site — “Dry Eye Therapy” info & product finder: theratears.com TheraTears

TheraTears Lubricating Eye Drops product page: theratears.com/products/theratears-dry-eye-therapy-lubricant-eye-drops-multi-use TheraTears

TheraTears Extra Preservative-Free Vials product page: theratears.com/products/theratears-extra-preservative-free

Disclaimer: The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content and information is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional. In addition, some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

#DryEye #EyeHealth #MGD #ScreenTimeStrain #OcularSurface #Sjogrens #ThyroidEyeDisease #Blepharitis #Optometry #EyeCare

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$Glasses TOO STRONG? (Over-minused) Heres Whats Happening Are your eyeglasses too strong? This video explores how an overly strong eyeglasses prescription can lead to symptoms like persistent blurred vision and frequent headaches. We also discuss common eye strain symptoms and how they might be related to your current glasses. Understanding these signs is crucial for maintaining good eye health and finding effective headache relief. Learn more about why your glasses might be causing discomfort and what steps you can take to address it, especially if youre experiencing eye strain symptoms or seeking glasses for eye strain. This video also reviews the topic of being over-minused in prescription glasses - which refers to when minus glasses power is prescribed in excess to what is optically required to see well. While this is typically discouraged in clinical practice, we know it still happens. Dr. Allen shares his hot takes on why he thinks we still see people getting overminused in their glasses prescription despite the heavy training to avoid error. Things we cover in this video: - What it means to be over-minused in a glasses prescription - Common symptoms like eye strain, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and blurry distance or near vision- - Why over-minusing can happen even when eye doctors are well-trained and careful - How modern exams, habits, and visual demand can influence prescriptions - Simple ways to self-assess if your glasses feel “off” - What to tell your eye doctor if you’re worried your prescription is too strong This isn’t about blaming eye doctors—refractions are nuanced, and your visual system changes depending on fatigue, stress, screen use, and more. My goal is to help you better understand your eyes and feel confident advocating for clear, comfortable vision. 👓 If your glasses cause discomfort or just don’t feel right, this video is for you. 📌 Important: This video is for education only and does not replace a comprehensive eye exam. Always discuss symptoms and concerns directly with your eye care provider. If this helped, consider liking the video, subscribing, and sharing it with someone who just got new glasses and isn’t loving them. Being over-minused could be a reason why some people claim that they reversed their need for glasses, meaning they were probably prescribed too strong of glasses at one point and then learned to not over flex their eye muscles to compensate for the extra power. To learn more about this phenomenon and the topic of eye exercises to improve vision - check out this reaction video here: https://youtu.be/Mcbuyk3JNP4 My top 5 Dry eye drops: https://www.amazon.com/shop/doctoreyehealth/list/15I8QLDA5IEVX?ref aipsflist Allergy Relief Products: https://www.amazon.com/shop/doctoreyehealth/list/3U4XQXC21I5H9?ref aipsflist Macular Support for AMD: https://www.amazon.com/shop/doctoreyehealth/list/36B78D5BV2WWT?ref aipsflist Dry Eye Supplements: https://www.amazon.com/shop/doctoreyehealth/list/11OBTPPBDEWD5?ref aipsflist Eyelid and Eyelash Care: https://www.amazon.com/shop/doctoreyehealth/photo/amzn1.shoppablemedia.v1.collage.da009d66-35a9-467b-b355-9e32a7477d66?ref aipsfphoto Ergonomics Support for Eyestrain: https://www.amazon.com/shop/doctoreyehealth/list/1Z77TPOQ9LHKB?ref aipsflist Dry Eye PM Support: https://www.amazon.com/shop/doctoreyehealth/list/DDYUZXFKCMA6?ref aipsflist Chapters: 0:00 Are your Glasses TOO STRONG? 1:35 What is over-minused 2:50 What happens when your glasses are too strong 5:54 Why do people get Over Minused in the first place? 9:13 What can you do if you feel Over Minused? 11:32 Final Thoughts Dr. Allen on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctoreyehealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctoreyehealth For Collaborations: DoctorEyeHealth@gmail.com 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an update! DISCLAIMER: All content in this video and description including information, opinions, content, references, and links is for informational purposes only. The Author does not provide any medical advice on the Site. Accessing, viewing, reading, or otherwise using this content does NOT create a physician-patient relationship between you and its author. Providing personal or medical information to the Principal author does not create a physician-patient relationship between you and the Principal author or authors. Nothing contained in this video or its description is intended to establish a physician-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained physician or health care professional, or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should consult a licensed physician or appropriately-credentialed health care worker in your community in all matters relating to your health. #glasses #eyeglasses #eyehealth$

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