Do your eyes often feel scratchy, like there’s a piece of sand stuck in them? You might find yourself blinking more than usual or reaching for eye drops, hoping for relief from a burning feeling that will not go away. This kind of discomfort can make it hard to focus on work, enjoy a good book, or even drive at night.
These persistent feelings of irritation and dryness are common, but they are not something you have to ignore. If you experience ongoing eye discomfort, redness, or blurry vision, it could be a sign that you need a dry eye evaluation. A thorough check-up can help identify what is happening with your eyes and find a path toward comfort.
What Is Dry Eye?
Your eyes rely on a steady supply of tears to stay lubricated, clear, and comfortable. When your tear system gets out of balance, you might experience dry eye. It is a common issue that affects many people.
This happens when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when your tears lack the right quality to keep your eyes moist. A healthy tear film has 3 different layers, but if the oily layer is insufficient, often due to issues with the meibomian glands, your tears can evaporate too quickly.
The result is often discomfort that can interfere with your daily life, from looking at a screen to being outdoors on a windy day.
Common Signs of Dry Eye to Watch For
One of the most frequent signs of dry eye is a general feeling of irritation. You may notice specific sensations that point to a problem with your tear film.
- A stinging or burning feeling in your eyes
- A scratchy, gritty sensation like something is in your eye
- Redness or general eye irritation
- Sensitivity to smoke or wind
- Eyes that water excessively
- Discomfort when you wear contact lenses
Dry eye can also affect your ability to see clearly. Because a healthy tear film is essential for focusing light, any imbalance can lead to visual disturbances.
- Periods of blurry vision, especially after a lot of screen time
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty with vision at night
Sometimes, your eyes might react in ways that seem confusing. For instance, watery eyes can actually be a symptom of dryness, as your body tries to produce more tears to combat the irritation.
What Contributes to Dry Eyes?
Several factors can contribute to dry eye symptoms. Some relate to your daily habits and environment, while others relate to your overall health and the natural aging process.
Your surroundings and daily routines also play a big part in your eye comfort. Spending hours in front of digital screens can reduce your blink rate, contributing to digital eye strain. Taking regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule can help, but environmental factors like wind, smoke, or dry air also cause tears to evaporate too quickly.
As you get older, your tear production often decreases. This is a natural part of the aging process. Certain medications and general health conditions can also play a part in how much, or what quality of, tears your eyes produce.
How a Dry Eye Evaluation Helps
A dry eye evaluation is a straightforward way to understand what is causing your discomfort. It allows your optometrist to closely examine your tear production, quality, and drainage system to get a full picture of your eye health.
During the exam, the team can identify the specific factors contributing to your symptoms. This clear picture helps form a treatment plan tailored to your needs, which may include innovative options available at our dedicated dry eye spa. We can use this information to help you find relief and get back to seeing comfortably.
Relief for Dry Eyes
You do not have to just live with the gritty, irritating feeling of dry eyes. A comprehensive eye exam can determine the cause of your discomfort and outline a path to relief. It starts with understanding your symptoms.
If you are ready to address your dry eye symptoms, our team at Cowichan Eyecare is available to help. Contact us to schedule your evaluation at one of our Vancouver Island locations today.
