Your eyes might feel scratchy after a long day at the computer, or maybe you notice a stinging sensation when you step out into the wind. Our team at Oceanside Optometry Clinic knows that this kind of discomfort is common and frustrating, and it can disrupt your day.
The common symptoms of dry eye include a stinging, gritty, or scratchy feeling in your eyes. This condition usually happens for 2 reasons: Either your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears you do produce evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes feeling irritated and uncomfortable.
Common Signs and Sensations of Dry Eye
When your eyes lack proper moisture, you might experience a range of sensations. Paying attention to these feelings can help you understand what your eyes are telling you. Some of the most frequent signs include:
- A stinging or burning feeling
- A scratchy or gritty sensation, like something is in your eye
- Redness and irritation
- Strings of mucus in or around your eyes
What Contributes to Dry Eye Discomfort?
Several factors can contribute to dry eye symptoms, including age, environment, and daily routines.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
Your surroundings play a big part in how your eyes feel. For example, you tend to blink less when you look at a screen for a long time, which can prevent your tears from spreading evenly and can lead to digital eye strain.
Dry air from heaters, air conditioners, or windy weather can also cause tears to evaporate faster than usual, leaving your eyes unprotected. Some contact lens wearers may also notice dry eye after having their lenses in for a long time.
Your Health and Age
Your overall health can also affect your tear production. As you get older, your body may naturally produce fewer tears, which is a common reason for eye dryness. For women, hormonal changes linked to pregnancy or menopause can also lead to changes in tear composition and volume.
Some medications for other health conditions may also list dry eye as a side effect. For instance, allergy or cold medications can reduce tear production, and certain health conditions can also be associated with dry eye symptoms.
How Dry Eye Affects Your Vision and Daily Life
Dryness doesn’t just feel uncomfortable: It can also impact your vision and how you go about your day. You might find that your vision gets blurry, especially after reading or working on the computer. This often clears up after you blink a few times, but the interruption can be frustrating.
You may also notice that your eyes are more sensitive to light, making it difficult to drive at night or focus in a brightly lit room. You could also experience watery eyes, which seems a little odd at first, but this is your body’s response to irritation. Your eyes can flood with tears to try to wash away the dryness, but these tears lack some of the key factors that lubricate your eyes properly.
Simple Tips for Dry Eye Relief at Home
You can make small changes to your daily routine to help soothe your eyes. Taking frequent breaks from screens gives your eyes a chance to rest and rehydrate. The 20-20-20 rule is a great habit: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
You can also try to make a conscious effort to blink more often, as your blink rate can drop when you focus on a task. A few other simple tips include:
- Add moisture to the air at home or work with a humidifier
- Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from the wind
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
When to See an Eye Doctor
If you’ve tried these at-home tips and your eyes still feel dry and irritated, it may be time to get a professional opinion. An eye exam can help get to the bottom of your discomfort and explore different options for relief. It is a good idea to seek an eye doctor in Parksville and Nanaimo if you notice:
- Your symptoms aren’t stopping or seem to get worse
- Artificial tears or eye drops provide little to no relief
- You experience eye pain or significant changes in your vision
Discover Relief from Dry Eye Symptoms
At Oceanside Optometry Clinic, our team can help you find a path toward more comfortable vision. If you’re struggling with dry eye, we’d love to see you for a visit. Schedule your appointment to discuss your symptoms and learn about personalized solutions for dry eye relief.
