Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that can cause discomfort, blurry vision, and even long-term eye health problems if left untreated. While it can affect people of all ages, it’s especially common in adults, contact lens wearers, and individuals exposed to dry or windy environments. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage and treat dry eye effectively.
Our Austin eye care team at Lone Star Eye discusses further below.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when the tears you do produce aren’t high enough quality to keep your eyes properly lubricated. Tears play a key role in protecting and nourishing the surface of your eyes. Without enough of them, your eyes can become dry, irritated, and even inflamed.
Common Dry Eye Symptoms
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Redness
- A feeling of sand or grit in the eyes
- Blurry vision that improves when blinking
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes (yes, too many tears can actually be a sign of dryness)
These symptoms may come and go or get worse in certain situations, like spending long hours in front of a screen or being outdoors on a windy day.
Main Causes of Dry Eye
Dry eye can result from many different factors. Some of the most common causes of dry eye include:
- Aging: Tear production tends to slow down with age.
- Environmental Factors: Wind, dry air, smoke, and sun can dry out your tear film.
- Screen Time: Blinking less often while using screens can reduce tear spread.
- Contact Lenses: Long-term wear can irritate the eye’s surface.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, thyroid issues, and autoimmune diseases can all affect tear production.
- Medications: Antihistamines, decongestants, and some antidepressants may reduce tear output.
Dry Eye Treatment Options
Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and what’s causing them. The most common starting point is using artificial tears, which are eye drops that add moisture to the eyes.
Artificial Tears and Eye Drops
Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide quick relief. Some drops are made for occasional use, while others are preservative-free for people who use them more frequently. Ask your eye doctor about the best eye drops for dry eyes based on your specific needs. In general:
- Thicker drops or gels last longer but may blur vision slightly.
- Preservative-free drops are best for sensitive eyes or frequent use.
Prescription Medications and In-Office Treatments
If artificial tears aren’t enough, your optometrist may suggest:
- Prescription eye drops that help your eyes make more natural tears
- Punctal plugs to block tear drainage and keep moisture on the eye longer
- Lid hygiene treatments or warm compresses if inflammation is involved
- Lifestyle adjustments to reduce dryness triggers
Daily Habits That Help
In addition to using eye drops, you can improve your eye comfort with some easy changes:
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps your body—including your eyes—stay hydrated.
Use a Humidifier
Indoor heating and air conditioning can dry out the air. A humidifier keeps moisture in the environment.
Blink More Often
When staring at a screen, we blink less. Set reminders to blink or take screen breaks every 20 minutes.
Wear Sunglasses Outdoors
Wraparound sunglasses protect your eyes from wind and UV rays, both of which can make dryness worse.
Dry eye syndrome can be frustrating, but with the right dry eye treatment plan, you don’t have to live with constant irritation. If you're experiencing dry eye symptoms, visit your eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your needs. Relief is possible—with the right care, your eyes can feel comfortable and healthy again.