You might notice your eyes feel gritty, tired, or just plain uncomfortable, especially after a long day of looking at a screen. It could be more than just a passing annoyance—it could be a sign of dry eye.
This common condition can interfere with your daily activities, from reading to driving at night, and can even cause blurred vision. Common symptoms of dry eye include a stinging or burning feeling, redness, light sensitivity, and even watery eyes as your body tries to compensate for the irritation.
Common Signs You Might Experience
If your eyes feel uncomfortable, you may be dealing with dry eye. The feelings can range from mildly bothersome to disruptive. Some typical signs include:
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy feeling
- Redness or irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- The sense that something is in your eye
- Blurry vision or eye fatigue
- Watery eyes—the body’s response to the irritation
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
- Discomfort when you wear contact lenses
What Causes That Dry, Gritty Feeling?
Your eyes rely on a steady supply of quality tears to stay lubricated and comfortable. When something disrupts this process, you can experience dryness. This often happens for 1 of 2 main reasons.
Not Enough Tears
Sometimes, the glands that line your eyelids just don’t produce enough tears to keep the surface properly moisturized. Age, certain health conditions, and some medications can affect your natural tear production.
Poor Quality Tears
Your tears are a specific mix of water, oil, and mucus. If this balance is off—for example, if there isn’t enough oil—your tears can evaporate too quickly. This problem is often related to the meibomian glands along your eyelids, which can become blocked.
Are Other Conditions Similar to Dry Eye?
Symptoms like redness and irritation can sometimes be linked to other issues, such as eye allergies or infections. Since the signs can overlap, getting a clear picture of what’s happening is a key step toward finding relief. An accurate assessment helps identify the specific cause of your discomfort and rule out conditions like pink eye.
How an Eye Exam Can Help
A comprehensive eye exam provides a complete view of your eye health. During a visit, your eye doctor can perform simple checks to see how your tears are working. Skilled optometrists in Vaughan can help you find clarity on your symptoms and guide you toward a solution.
What to Expect During Your Visit
To understand your symptoms, your optometrist may look at a few specific things. This often includes:
- Measuring the amount of tears your eyes make
- Seeing how long it takes for your tears to dry up
- Checking the structure of your eyelids and tear glands
Simple Steps and Professional Care for Relief
Depending on the cause of your dry eye, different approaches can help you feel more comfortable. Your options can range from simple adjustments to your daily routine to professional treatments that offer more targeted support.
Lifestyle Changes You Can Make
You can start with a few small changes at home or work to see if they help your symptoms. Consider these simple habits:
- Take regular breaks from computer screens, such as by using the 20-20-20 rule
- Avoid having air from fans or vents blow directly in your eyes
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air
- Wear wraparound sunglasses outside to block the wind
Professional Treatment Options
If lifestyle adjustments are not enough, your eye care professional may suggest other professional treatment options. These can include in-office procedures such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy or LipiFlow treatment, which are designed to improve meibomian gland function and provide longer-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.
Find Relief Today
You don’t have to live with the constant discomfort of dry eye. Understanding the cause is the first step toward finding lasting relief and improving your daily comfort. Our team at Lowy & Sewell Eye Care is ready to help you explore your options. Schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and find a solution that works for you.
