What is Dry Eye?
Dry Eye Syndrome (also known as dry eye disease) happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are crucial — they’re not just about emotions. They help keep your eyes lubricated, protect against infections, and wash away dust and irritants.
When that delicate tear balance is disrupted, your eyes can become dry, irritated, and inflamed, leading to discomfort and even vision issues if left untreated.
Common Causes of Dry Eye
Dry eye can result from a variety of factors, some temporary and others more chronic. Here are a few of the most common causes:
- Prolonged screen time: Staring at digital devices reduces blinking, which means fewer tears are spread over the surface of your eye.
- Aging: As we get older, tear production tends to decrease — particularly after the age of 50.
- Environmental conditions: Dry climates, air conditioning, wind, and smoke can all dry out your eyes.
- Hormonal changes: Especially in women during pregnancy, menopause, or while using birth control.
- Medications: Antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can reduce tear production.
- Health conditions: Autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus can contribute to chronic dry eye.
- Contact lenses: Long-term use can interfere with normal tear production and distribution.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common include:
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Red or tired eyes
- Blurred vision, especially at the end of the day
- A feeling like something’s in your eye
- Watery eyes (strangely enough, this is your body’s response to the irritation)
If you’re experiencing any of these signs regularly, it might be time to look into treatment options.
How is Dry Eye Diagnosed?
Eye care professionals can diagnose dry eye using a variety of tests. They may evaluate the quality of your tears, how quickly your tears evaporate, or check for inflammation on the eye’s surface. It’s a simple and painless process — and definitely worth it if you’ve been struggling with discomfort.
Treatment Options: From Simple Fixes to Medical Help
The good news? Dry eye is usually manageable. Depending on the severity, here are some treatment options:
- Lifestyle Adjustments
- Take regular breaks during screen time using the 20–20–20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Use a humidifier to keep indoor air moist.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from wind and sun.
- Stay well hydrated and eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon, walnuts, or flaxseeds).
2. Artificial Tears and Lubricants
Over-the-counter Dry Eye Drops are often the first line of defense. These drops mimic natural tears and can offer quick relief. It’s important to choose preservative-free versions if you’re using them more than four times a day.
There are a variety of Dry Eye Drops on the market, some targeting mild cases and others formulated for more chronic conditions. Talk to your pharmacist or eye doctor about what might be best for your needs.
3. Prescription Medications
For more stubborn cases, doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops (like cyclosporine or lifitegrast), which help increase tear production and reduce irritation.
4. Punctal Plugs
These tiny devices are inserted into your tear ducts to prevent tears from draining too quickly. It’s a painless and effective way to keep your eyes moist longer.
5. Treating the Underlying Cause
If your dry eyes are related to an underlying condition or medication, managing that root issue can significantly improve your symptoms.
Why It’s Important to Treat Dry Eye
Dry eye isn’t just about discomfort — it can impact your quality of life and even lead to eye damage if not treated properly. Constant irritation can make it hard to read, drive, work on a computer, or even wear contact lenses comfortably.
By treating it early — whether with Dry Eye Drops, lifestyle changes, or medical options — you can keep your vision clear and your eyes feeling more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dealing with dry, irritated eyes, don’t brush it off as just screen fatigue or a temporary issue. Dry eye is real, and it’s manageable with the right care and consistency.
Start by taking small steps: give your eyes a break, keep them hydrated, and try reliable dry eye drops to soothe irritation. And if the discomfort sticks around, see your eye doctor. You deserve to feel good in your own eyes — literally.
