# The Dry Eye

> Educational information on dry eye disease: the different types (evaporative/MGD, aqueous-deficient), what causes it, how it's diagnosed, the full range of treatments, related eye conditions people search for alongside it, and how to find a licensed eye doctor near you. Educational only — not medical advice.

The Dry Eye is an independent directory. People describe what they are looking for; the platform matches them with independent doctors. Content is educational only — not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Part of the R0cketShip network; sponsors: Somatic Experiences (https://somaticexperiences.com) and Therapists.plus (https://therapists.plus). Licensed providers: Providers.plus (https://providers.plus).

## Explore
- [Dry eye basics](https://thedryeye.org/explore/dry-eye-basics): What dry eye disease is, how common it is, and how to tell it apart from other eye problems.
- [Types of dry eye](https://thedryeye.org/explore/dry-eye-types): Evaporative dry eye (MGD) vs aqueous-deficient dry eye, and why the type matters for treatment.
- [Causes of dry eye](https://thedryeye.org/explore/dry-eye-causes): Screens, age, hormones, medications and autoimmune disease — what's actually behind dry eye.
- [Diagnosing dry eye](https://thedryeye.org/explore/dry-eye-diagnosis): How eye doctors actually test for dry eye, beyond a quick look.
- [Dry eye treatments](https://thedryeye.org/explore/dry-eye-treatments): From artificial tears and prescription drops to punctal plugs and in-office procedures.
- [Blepharitis & eyelid disease](https://thedryeye.org/explore/blepharitis-and-lid-disease): Crusty, red or irritated eyelids, and how they connect to dry eye.
- [Related eye conditions](https://thedryeye.org/explore/related-eye-conditions): Eye allergies, contact lens discomfort and Sjögren's — conditions people search for alongside dry eye.
- [When to see a doctor](https://thedryeye.org/explore/when-to-see-a-doctor): What's routine, what needs an appointment soon, and what needs urgent care right away.

## Specialties
- [Dry eye evaluation & diagnosis](https://thedryeye.org/modalities/dry-eye-evaluation-and-diagnosis): comprehensive dry eye exam, tear film osmolarity testing, meibography, tear breakup time testing
- [Evaporative dry eye & MGD](https://thedryeye.org/modalities/evaporative-dry-eye-mgd): meibomian gland dysfunction treatment, lid hygiene, warm compress therapy, meibomian gland expression
- [Aqueous-deficient dry eye](https://thedryeye.org/modalities/aqueous-deficient-dry-eye): tear production testing, aqueous tear deficiency treatment, Sjögren's-related dry eye evaluation
- [Prescription dry eye treatment](https://thedryeye.org/modalities/prescription-dry-eye-treatment): prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops, immunomodulator drops, steroid eye drops for flare-ups
- [Punctal plugs & in-office procedures](https://thedryeye.org/modalities/punctal-plugs-and-in-office-procedures): punctal plug insertion, in-office thermal pulsation treatment, intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy
- [Blepharitis & lid margin disease](https://thedryeye.org/modalities/blepharitis-and-lid-margin-disease): blepharitis treatment, demodex eyelid treatment, lid margin hygiene
- [Ocular allergy](https://thedryeye.org/modalities/ocular-allergy): allergic conjunctivitis treatment, antihistamine eye drops, seasonal eye allergy care
- [Contact lens discomfort](https://thedryeye.org/modalities/contact-lens-discomfort): contact lens dry eye evaluation, lens refitting, alternative lens material fitting
- [Sjögren's & autoimmune-related dry eye](https://thedryeye.org/modalities/sjogrens-and-autoimmune-dry-eye): Sjögren's syndrome evaluation, autoimmune dry eye management, coordinated care with rheumatology
- [Screens & digital eye strain](https://thedryeye.org/modalities/screen-and-digital-eye-strain): computer vision syndrome evaluation, blink rate and screen habit guidance, digital eye strain treatment

## Who we help
- [People on screens all day](https://thedryeye.org/for/screen-and-computer-users): relief from dry, tired eyes caused by long hours on a computer and reduced blinking
- [Older adults with dry eye](https://thedryeye.org/for/older-adults-with-dry-eye): to understand why dry eye gets more common with age and what long-term management looks like
- [Contact lens wearers](https://thedryeye.org/for/contact-lens-wearers): to fix dry, uncomfortable contacts without giving up lenses entirely
- [People with hormone-related dry eye](https://thedryeye.org/for/hormonal-changes): to understand dry eye linked to menopause or other hormonal changes, and real treatment options
- [People on medications that dry the eyes](https://thedryeye.org/for/medication-related-dry-eye): to know whether antihistamines, antidepressants or other medications are behind their dry eye
- [People with autoimmune disease](https://thedryeye.org/for/autoimmune-and-sjogrens): coordinated eye care for Sjögren's or another autoimmune condition affecting the eyes
- [People with recurring eyelid problems](https://thedryeye.org/for/chronic-blepharitis-and-lid-disease): to get ahead of crusty, red or recurring eyelid irritation and styes
- [People considering an in-office procedure](https://thedryeye.org/for/procedure-curious): honest information on punctal plugs, thermal pulsation or IPL before booking one

## Key pages
- [Topics A–Z](https://thedryeye.org/topics)
- [Answers](https://thedryeye.org/answers)
- [FAQ](https://thedryeye.org/faq)
- [Full knowledge base](https://thedryeye.org/llms-full.txt)
- [HTML sitemap](https://thedryeye.org/sitemap)
- [Get matched](https://thedryeye.org/find)
- [Doctors](https://thedryeye.org/providers)
- [Programs & events](https://thedryeye.org/events)
- [For doctors](https://thedryeye.org/for-practitioners)
- [Safety](https://thedryeye.org/safety)