Do your eyes often feel dry, tired, or irritated? Are you blinking more than usual to clear your vision? If so, you’re not alone—Dry Eye Syndrome is much more common than people realize, especially in today’s screen-heavy world.
Dry Eye Syndrome (also called dry eye disease) happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can affect your comfort, your vision, and even your day-to-day quality of life. The good news? With the right care, dry eye symptoms can be effectively managed.
In this article, we’ll break down the common symptoms, causes, and treatments—and how to know when it’s time to visit your optometrist.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Your eyes rely on a healthy tear film made up of water, oil, and mucus to stay lubricated and clear. If that balance is disrupted, it can lead to inflammation and damage to the surface of the eye—a condition known as Dry Eye Syndrome.
There are two main types:
- Aqueous-deficient dry eye: not enough tear production
- Evaporative dry eye: tears evaporate too quickly, often due to blocked oil glands (meibomian glands)
Common Symptoms
Dry Eye Syndrome can feel different for everyone, and it doesn’t always feel “dry.” You might notice:
- Burning or stinging
- A gritty or sandy sensation
- Redness or irritation
- Excessive tearing (yes—watery eyes can be a sign of dryness!)
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Eye fatigue, especially after screen time or reading
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Dry Eye Syndrome can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Age
Tear production naturally decreases with age, especially after the age of 50.
- Medications
Certain medications can reduce tear production or affect tear quality, such as:
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Antidepressants
- Beta-blockers
- Birth control pills
- Medical Conditions
Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or Parkinson’s disease can interfere with tear production.
- Blocked Oil Glands
If your meibomian glands are blocked, the oily layer of your tears breaks down—leading to quicker evaporation.
- Environment
Dry air, wind, smoke, and exposure to fans or car vents can speed up tear evaporation.
- Digital Screens
We blink less when we’re on screens—reducing tear spread and increasing evaporation.
- Contact Lens Wear
Long-term contact lens use can disrupt your natural tear film.
- Eye Surgery
Procedures like LASIK can temporarily reduce tear production during recovery.
Do I Have Dry Eye Syndrome?
Occasional dryness is common—but if your symptoms are frequent or persistent, you may have Dry Eye Syndrome. A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to know for sure.
An optometrist can:
- Assess your tear production and quality
- Check for blocked oil glands
- Rule out other underlying eye conditions
How to Treat Dry Eye Syndrome
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Here are some commonly recommended options:
At-Home Relief
- Artificial tears: Preservative-free eye drops can provide moisture throughout the day.
- Warm compresses: Help unclog oil glands and stabilize the tear film.
- Omega-3 supplements: May support healthy tear production and reduce inflammation.
- Lifestyle tweaks:
- Take breaks from screens (20-20-20 rule)
- Use a humidifier
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid direct airflow (fans, vents)
Prescription Treatments
For more severe or chronic cases, your optometrist may recommend:
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops
- Tear-stimulating medications
- Punctal plugs to help retain tears on the eye’s surface
When to See an Optometrist
If your eyes are frequently uncomfortable—burning, stinging, watering, or blurry—it’s time to book an eye exam. Early diagnosis can help prevent long-term irritation or vision issues.
Ready to See Clearly?
You don’t have to live with dry, irritated eyes.
Talk to your optometrist about your symptoms and get personalized care to feel better and protect your vision.