Do your eyes ever feel scratchy, like there’s a piece of sand stuck in them? The gritty, uncomfortable feeling can make it hard to focus on your work, enjoy a good book, or even drive comfortably.
When your dry eye symptoms don’t go away, get worse, or start to interfere with your daily life, it’s time to see an optometrist. A professional dry eye therapy plan can identify the cause of your discomfort and help you achieve lasting relief.
What Does Dry Eye Feel Like?
You might have dry eye if you notice a few common, frustrating symptoms that affect your day-to-day activities, when working or spending time outdoors.
Some common symptoms can be:
- A scratchy or gritty feeling, like something is in your eye
- Stinging or burning sensation
- Redness and irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision, especially when you read or use a computer
- Watery eyes—your body’s response to the irritation
- Discomfort while you wear contact lenses
If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to additional issues, such as headaches, blurred vision, or eye strain.
Common Causes of Dry Eye
Many things can disrupt your eyes’ natural moisture. The cause is often a combination of your health, your habits, and your environment.
Your Environment and Habits
Where you are and what you do can affect your eyes. When you spend long hours on a screen, you tend to blink less, which is a major contributor to digital eye strain and dryness. Being in windy, smoky, cold, or very dry climates can also cause your tears to evaporate too quickly.
Your Age and Health
As you age, your body’s tear production can naturally slow. Certain health conditions and hormonal changes can also contribute to dry eye.
Medications and Contact Lenses
Some common medications—such as antihistamines and decongestants—can reduce tear production as a side effect. For some people, long-term contact lens use can also contribute to dry eye symptoms.
At-Home Tips for Relief
While persistent symptoms need professional care, a few simple changes can help you feel more comfortable. These small adjustments can make a noticeable difference in your day.
Adjust Your Surroundings
You can use a humidifier to add moisture to the air inside your home, especially during dry winter months. It also helps to point car heaters and fans away from your face to keep air from blowing directly into your eyes.
Protect Your Eyes
Wear wraparound sunglasses when you’re outside to shield your eyes from wind and sun. When using digital screens, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a needed break.
Think About Diet & Hydration
Drinking plenty of water is important for your whole body, including your eyes. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and walnuts, may also support your eye health, and certain supplements for dry eye can also play a helpful role.
When Your Symptoms Need a Closer Look
Over-the-counter drops can offer a quick fix, but they don’t always address the underlying issue. It’s time to schedule a visit at MEye Health if you experience any of the following:
- Your symptoms are persistent or getting worse over time
- Artificial tears don’t seem to help
- You have eye pain, significant redness, or changes in your vision
- Dryness makes it hard to do daily activities like reading or driving
How an Optometrist in Burlington Can Help
A professional eye exam can identify the cause of your discomfort and provide a clear path to relief. A visit to our optometrist helps the team understand your specific situation and needs.
A Detailed Eye Exam
Our optometrist can perform a comprehensive eye exam, examining your eyes, eyelids, and blink rate. This exam helps to identify any issues with your tear production or the surface of your eye that may be contributing to the problem.
Measure Your Tear Quality
Special tests can measure the amount and quality of your tears. This information indicates whether you are not producing enough tears or if your tears are evaporating too quickly, helping pinpoint the cause of your dryness.
Create a Personalized Plan
Based on your exam results, our eye care team can recommend a tailored approach. This may include prescription drops, in-office treatments such as IPL, or specific lifestyle changes designed to provide longer-lasting comfort. You don’t have to live with the constant irritation of dry eye. The team at MEye Health is passionate about developing solutions that go beyond basic eye care. If you’re ready to address your dry eye symptoms, book an appointment today.
