You might notice your eyes feel uncomfortable, but it’s hard to put a finger on why. Dry eye often feels like a stinging, burning, or gritty sensation, as if sand is stuck in your eye. Understanding these common signs is the first step toward finding comfort. A comprehensive eye examination is the best way to determine the root cause of your dry eyes.
Dry eye is more than just dryness: it’s a collection of feelings that can get in the way of your day. These symptoms can show up when your eyes are not getting the moisture they need, but effective dry eye therapy can provide relief.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye
Your eyes have a way of telling you when something is not right. The symptoms often affect both eyes and can range from slightly annoying to a significant disruption when you experience dry eye. You might feel:
- A stinging or burning sensation
- A scratchy or gritty feeling
- Ovely watery eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Redness or irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
- Discomfort when you wear contact lenses
Common Causes of Dry Eye
That gritty, sore feeling happens when your tears cannot properly lubricate your eyes. This feeling typically stems from an imbalance in your tear film, a thin layer that protects the surface of your eye. According to the National Eye Institute, a healthy tear film needs a balance of oil, water, and mucus.
Not Enough Tears
Sometimes, your eyes don’t produce enough tears. This lack of tears can be related to age, certain health conditions, or even some medications. Without enough of the watery part of your tears, the surface of your eye is not properly protected.
Low-Quality Tears
You may produce plenty of tears, but if they are missing key ingredients, like enough oil, they evaporate too quickly. This issue is often related to meibomian gland dysfunction, and leaves parts of your eye unprotected. This exposure leads to the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye.
Your Environment and Habits
Your surroundings play a significant role. Factors like wind, smoke, or dry air can cause tears to evaporate faster. Long hours at a computer can also contribute because you tend to blink less often when you focus on a screen.
Risk Factors for Dry Eye
While anyone can experience dry eye, certain factors can increase the likelihood. Knowing what they are can help you understand why your eyes feel the way they do.
- Age: Tear production can decrease as you get older, making dry eye more common in people over 50
- Hormonal changes: Women may experience dry eye symptoms during hormonal shifts associated with pregnancy or menopause
- Contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses can sometimes interfere with the tear film and contribute to dryness
- Diet: A diet low in vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids may affect eye health, highlighting the importance of proper eye nutrition
Dry Eye or Something Else?
Symptoms like redness and itchiness can sometimes be confusing. It’s easy to mistake dry eye for other conditions, such as seasonal allergies. While they share some signs, their causes and treatments are different.
Dry Eye vs. Allergies
Allergies often come with intense itching and may be accompanied by other allergy signs like sneezing. On the other hand, you’ll feel dry eye more consistently as a burning or gritty sensation. Sometimes you can have both, which is why it’s essential to determine if allergies are causing your dry eyes.
A Professional Diagnosis
Figuring out the exact cause of your discomfort is key to finding relief. Your eye doctor can perform tests to check your tear production and quality. A comprehensive eye exam helps determine whether you have dry eye and provides a path to the right solution for you.
Find Relief and Professional Support
Small changes can make a big difference, but sometimes professional support is needed for long-term comfort. Your daily habits can significantly affect how your eyes feel.
You can start with a few adjustments at home to see if your symptoms improve:
- Blink more often: If you are on a computer, remember to blink regularly to help evenly distribute your tears, and practice the 20-20-20 rule to help reduce strain
- Add moisture to the air: Use a humidifier in rooms where you spend a lot of time
- Protect your eyes: Wear wraparound sunglasses outside to block wind and dry air
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your whole body, including your eyes
Professional Dry Eye Therapies
If at-home care is not enough, your eye doctor can help. There are many professional treatments available, from prescription eye drops to innovative therapies like OptiLight by Lumenis that address the root cause of your dry eye.
If your eyes are consistently red, irritated, or painful, it may be time to schedule a visit. Persistent symptoms indicate that your eyes need professional attention. A comprehensive eye exam is the first step toward understanding what’s going on and finding lasting relief.
The team at Bethel Vision Care is here to support you on your path to comfortable vision. A personalized approach can help address your vision needs. Schedule a visit today to learn more.
