You might be familiar with that irritating, scratchy feeling, almost like a tiny piece of sand is stuck in your eye, but you can’t find anything there. At Insight Eyecare, we can help you manage this kind of discomfort, which can be distracting and make it hard to focus on your day.
Dry eye is a common condition that happens when your tears cannot properly lubricate your eyes. This often occurs because your eyes don’t produce enough tears or because the tears you do produce are not of the right quality to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye
Everyone feels dry eye differently, but there are some common symptoms. Watch out for:
- A stinging or burning sensation
- The feeling of having something in your eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Redness or irritation
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
- Periods of watery eyes, followed by periods of dryness
- Temporary blurred vision or eye fatigue
Is It Dry Eye or Just Tired Eyes?
Tired eyes often feel heavy or strained after a long day or lots of screen time. Dry eye tends to be more persistent and can cause that scratchy, sandy feeling, even when you feel well-rested.
What Causes That Uncomfortable Feeling?
Dry eye happens when your tears can’t provide enough moisture for your eyes. This can be due to a few important factors related to your tear production.
Not Enough Tears
Sometimes, your eyes just don’t produce enough tears to stay lubricated. This can be influenced by age, certain health conditions, or even the environment around you.
Poor Quality Tears
Your tears need a specific balance of water, oil, and mucus to work correctly. If the oil layer from the tiny glands lining your eyelids is insufficient, your tears might evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes feeling dry and unprotected.
Conditions Sometimes Mistaken for Dry Eye
Other issues can cause symptoms that feel a lot like dry eye, but there are some key differences that can help you spot which one you may be experiencing.
Seasonal Allergies
Allergies often come with itchy, watery, and red eyes, and the symptoms are sometimes mistaken for pink eye. While there is some overlap between symptoms, the intense itchiness is often a key sign of allergies, not dry eye, which feels more gritty.
Digital Eye Strain
Staring at screens for a long time can contribute to digital eye strain because you tend to blink less often. This discomfort usually improves with regular breaks from your screen.
How to Find Relief for Your Dry Eye
You can manage many dry eye symptoms with a few adjustments to your daily routine. For more persistent issues, professional care can offer more direct solutions.
Simple At-Home Care Tips
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home or office
- Take regular breaks from digital screens to rest your eyes by following the 20-20-20 rule
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from wind and sun
- Try over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, often called artificial tears
- Be mindful of your diet, which plays a key role in your overall health, including your eyes
Professional Treatments and Therapies
When at-home tips aren’t enough, an eye doctor can suggest professional dry eye treatments tailored to you. These might include prescription eye drops, in-office procedures designed to support oil gland function, or special contact lenses.
When to Book an Eye Exam
If the discomfort persists despite at-home care or affects your daily activities, it’s a good idea to have your eyes checked. A comprehensive eye exam can help to identify the cause of your symptoms.
Discover Comfort with Our Team
Our team can recommend a care plan tailored to your needs. The goal is to provide lasting comfort and improve your overall eye health, not just treat your symptoms. Insight Eyecare is here to help you understand what you’re feeling and find a solution that works for you. Book an appointment today and take your first step toward comfort.
