You might be familiar with that gritty, sandy feeling in your eyes after a long day staring at a computer screen. The discomfort can range from mildly annoying to completely disruptive, and we understand that it’s even more frustrating when you don’t know why it’s happening. This common condition is something that our team at Dr. Rehana Manji & Associates can help you manage.
Dry eye often happens when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or when the tears you do produce evaporate too quickly. This imbalance can be influenced by a wide range of factors, from your daily habits and environment to your overall health.
Signs You Might Have Dry Eye
Your eyes have clear ways of letting you know when something is wrong. If you find yourself dealing with regular eye discomfort, you may recognize some of these common symptoms:
- A scratchy or gritty feeling, like you have something in your eye.
- Stinging or burning sensations that come and go.
- Redness and sensitivity to bright light.
- Temporary blurry vision that clears when you blink.
Common Causes Behind Your Dry Eye Symptoms
The reasons for dry eye symptoms usually fall into 2 main groups. It’s either an issue with the quantity of your tears or the quality of them, or sometimes a combination of both.
Not Enough Tears
Your tear glands may not be producing enough fluid to keep the surface of your eyes properly lubricated. Several factors inside your body can contribute to this issue:
- Age and hormonal changes that occur over time.
- Side effects from some medications, such as anti-allergy pills.
- Certain medical conditions can impact tear production.
Poor-Quality Tears
Sometimes, your eyes produce plenty of tears, but they lack the right balance of water, oil, and mucus. This can cause them to evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes feeling dry and exposed. This can be caused by:
- Blocked oil glands that line your eyelids.
- You blink less when you focus on screens for a long time.
- Environmental factors like wind, smoke, or dry air.
Daily Habits and Factors That Affect Your Eyes
Your everyday routines can have a significant impact on your eye comfort. Many common activities can contribute to that dry, irritated feeling, including:
- Long hours of screen use for work or entertainment.
- Wearing contact lenses for extended periods without breaks.
- A diet that is low in nutrients for eye health, like Omega-3s or Vitamin A.
Simple Steps for Dry Eye Relief
The good news is that you can often find relief by making small adjustments to your daily life. In addition to changing your habits, certain types of eye drops can also provide comfort.
Adjust Your Environment
The space around you can either help or contribute to dry eye. Creating a more eye-friendly environment can make a noticeable difference in how your eyes feel throughout the day.
This can include using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, directing fans and heaters away from your face, and wearing wraparound glasses when you are outside in the wind.
Change Your Screen Habits
For many, screen time is a necessary part of the workday. By being more mindful of how you use your devices, you can help protect your eyes from strain. Our tips include:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Position your screen just below eye level.
- Remember to blink fully and often to keep your eyes moist.
When to Get a Professional Opinion
While at-home care can help, some symptoms need a more targeted approach. If your discomfort continues or gets in the way of your daily life, it may be time to get a professional evaluation from our optometrist in Liberty Village.
What to Expect at an Eye Exam
An eye exam for dry eye is a thorough process designed to identify what’s contributing to your discomfort and begin addressing it. The appointment usually involves a detailed conversation about your symptoms, lifestyle, and health.
Book Your Dry Eye Consultation
Our team at Dr. Rehana Manji & Associates wants you to know that you don’t have to manage dry eye alone. We can work with you to determine your needs and recommend treatment options to help you find relief. Book your appointment to get a customized plan for your eye health.
