Have you ever felt a gritty, scratchy sensation in your eyes, like there’s a tiny piece of sand you just can’t blink away? You’re not the only one! This uncomfortable feeling is a common experience for many people, from kids glued to their tablets to grandparents enjoying a book.
This irritation often happens for one of 2 main reasons. Either your eyes aren’t making enough tears, or the tears they do make are drying up too quickly. Once you know what’s happening beneath the surface, it’s time to take the next step toward relief with customized dry eye therapy from Bethany Eye Care.
Signs Your Eyes Might Be Dry
You might notice a few specific feelings if your eyes are dry, and it’s common for these symptoms to affect both of your eyes. Pay attention to feelings like these:
- A scratchy or burning feeling
- Redness or irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision, especially after screen time
- Watery eyes, as this is your body’s way of responding to the irritation
- A feeling like something is in your eye
If these symptoms are persistent, they could be signs of dry eye disease, a common and treatable condition that your optometrist can diagnose during an eye exam.
The Main Reasons for Dry Eyes
Dry eye usually happens because of a problem with your tears. Effective eye disease management starts with figuring out if the issue is the quantity or the quality of the tears your eyes produce.
Reason 1: Not Enough Tears
Sometimes, the glands in your eyes slow down their tear production, leaving your eyes thirsty for moisture. This can happen simply because of age, as a part of certain health conditions, or even as a side effect of some medications.
Reason 2: Tears Evaporate Too Fast
Your tears are a special mix of water, oil, and mucus that form 3 distinct layers. If this mixture is out of balance, especially if there isn’t enough of the oily layer, your tears can evaporate before they get a chance to properly lubricate your eyes. This issue is often related to meibomian gland dysfunction, though things like blinking less often while staring at a screen can make it worse.
Who Is More Likely to Have Dry Eyes?
Certain factors can increase your or your family members’ risk of dry eyes. Many of these are a normal part of life, but some can be addressed with simple lifestyle changes:
Age & Hormones
Tear production often decreases as you get older, so it’s more common in people over 50. This is one reason why regular adult and senior eye exams are helpful for monitoring changes in your eye health. Women are more likely to experience dry eye, as hormonal changes from events such as pregnancy or menopause can also contribute to dryness.
Your Environment and Daily Habits
Where you spend your time matters! Windy, smoky, or very dry places can affect your tears and cause them to evaporate faster. Your daily habits, like long hours on the computer or wearing contact lenses for too long, can also contribute to that dry feeling.
What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Dry Eyes?
Our bodies are interconnected systems, so a diet low in vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with dry eye symptoms. You can find vitamin A in colorful foods like carrots and broccoli, while fatty fish and walnuts are great sources of omega-3s.
Simple Ways to Soothe Dry Eyes at Home
You can make small changes to your daily routine that may help your eyes feel more comfortable. Here are some steps you can take:
- Take Screen Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a needed rest and can help relieve symptoms of digital eye strain.
- Add Moisture to the Air: Use a humidifier at home or in the office. This is especially helpful during the dry winter months.
- Protect Your Eyes Outside: Wear wraparound sunglasses to shield your eyes from wind and sun.
- Position Your Computer Screen: Place your screen slightly below eye level and just outside arm’s reach. This can help you avoid eye strain, which can reduce tear evaporation.
If home remedies aren’t enough and the gritty, uncomfortable feeling won’t go away, it might be time to visit the professionals. Persistent dry eyes can sometimes lead to other issues, like eye infections or damage to the eye’s surface. Don’t let mild discomfort turn into a real problem.
Say Goodbye to Dry Eye
Dry eye can feel like it’s taking over your entire day, but it doesn’t have to. Our team at Bethany Eye Care is here to help your whole family enjoy comfortable vision. We can take a closer look at your tear health to figure out what’s going on and find a solution that helps everyone feel better.
Schedule a visit to get the conversation started!
