A persistent dryness or irritation of the eye can feel frustrating and disruptive.
Tears lubricate your eyes to keep them moisturized and healthy. Dry eyes often happen when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when tears evaporate too quickly.
This can lead to inflammation and damage to the surface of the eyes.
Constant eye discomfort affects daily life, making it difficult to focus on tasks, use screens, and even enjoy reading or social interactions.
Fortunately, there are effective treatments available that can alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Here’s what to know about dry eyes.
Why Are My Eyes Dry? Causes of Dry Eyes
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, your eyes may feel dry for several reasons.
The natural aging process and associated hormonal changes may play a role. As we age, we tend to make fewer tears.
A medical condition or medication is a possible culprit, too. Possible causes of dry eye include:
- Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, thyroid disease, and lupus.
- Certain medicines, such as diuretics for high blood pressure, beta-blockers, antihistamines, sleeping pills, antidepressants, or heartburn medicines.
- Conditions in which eyelids turn inward or outward, or other types of dysfunctional tear syndrome.
- Hormonal changes due to natural aging, such as menopause.
- Long-term contact lens use.
- Prolonged screen time.
- Refractive eye surgery, such as LASIK.
- Spending time in smoke, wind, or a dry climate.
Signs of Dry Eye
The most common symptoms of dry eyes are:
- Blurred vision, especially when reading or using screens.
- Difficulty opening eyes.
- Excessive tearing — Dry eyes can lead to increased tearing as the eye tries to compensate.
- Feelings of tiredness or heaviness in the eyes.
- Increased sensitivity to bright lights or glare.
- Pain when wearing contact lenses.
- Red or irritated eyes.
- Stinging, burning, or scratchy eyes.
- Strings of mucus in or around your eyes.
Treating Dry Eye
Your ophthalmologist will diagnose dry eye after a comprehensive eye exam.
They’ll examine your eyelids and the surface of your eyes and may measure the quality of your tears or how quickly you produce tears.
After an exam, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Artificial tears — These eye drops act like your own tears. You can purchase artificial tears without a prescription and use them as often as necessary with a doctor’s guidance.
- Blocking tear ducts — Your doctor may suggest blocking your tear ducts using small silicone or gel plugs called punctal plugs to help your natural tears last longer. You can usually remove these plugs later as needed. There are also semipermanent plugs and surgery that permanently close your tear ducts.
- Prescription eye drop medication — Drops can help your eyes make more of their own tears.
- At-home remedies — Your eye doctor may recommend applying warm compresses, massaging your eyelids, or using certain ointments or eyelid cleaners.
- Reducing exposure — Protecting your eyes from smoke and harsh elements can improve your eye health.
Dry Eye Prevention Tips
Some methods for preventing dryness of the eyes include:
- Adjust your environment — Avoid sitting directly under air vents or heaters that can dry out the air.
- Avoid smoking and smoke exposure — Smoke can worsen dry eye symptoms, so try to avoid it.
- Blink regularly — Make a conscious effort to blink more often, particularly when looking at digital screens.
- Check your medications — Some medications can contribute to dry eyes. Consult with your health care provider if your medications seem to have affected your eye health.
- Limit screen time — Reduce the time you spend in front of screens to minimize eye strain.
- Maintain eye hygiene — Clean your eyelids and lashes regularly to prevent irritation and inflammation.
- Protect your eyes — Wear sunglasses or protective eyewear to shield your eyes from wind, dust, and UV rays.
- Stay hydrated — Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain overall hydration.
- Use artificial tears — Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help keep your eyes moist.
- Use a humidifier — A humidifier adds moisture to the air in your home or office, especially during dry or cold seasons.
- Use warm compresses — Run warm water on a clean cloth and apply it to your eyes for a few minutes to help stimulate tear production and alleviate dryness. Repeat as needed.
Vision Care Close to Home
The UPMC Vision Institute provides high-quality care for everyday vision needs and specialized care.
For more information or to make an appointment with an eye care specialist, please contact the UPMC Vision Institute at 412-647-2200 or 1-800-446-3797.