You’ve finished a busy day of juggling work, family schedules, and errands, and now your eyes feel worn out. It’s a familiar feeling, but lately, it has been more persistent—a nagging irritation that simple rest doesn’t seem to fix. You might be wondering if you’re experiencing fatigue, or if it’s something more, like dry eye disease.
Dry eyes are often marked by a gritty, scratchy, or burning sensation that lingers, making it hard to focus and enjoy your day. If you think that you might have dry eye, we recommend that you book an eye exam.
The Telltale Signs & Sensations of Dry Eye
You may be experiencing dry eye if you notice:
- A gritty, scratchy, or sandy feeling—as if a piece of sand is stuck in your eye
- A stinging or burning sensation that doesn’t go away
- General redness and irritation
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Watery eyes (unintuitive, but this is your body’s attempt to fix the problem)
- Blurred vision or a feeling of heaviness in your eyes
Is It Dry Eye or Just Tired Eyes?
It’s easy to mistake dry eye for digital eye strain, especially after a long day in front of a screen. Tired eyes usually feel better after a good night’s sleep or after some time away from digital devices. Dry eye symptoms, however, tend to stick around.
The main difference is often the quality and persistence of the discomfort. That gritty, burning feeling that doesn’t improve with rest is a strong indicator of an underlying issue with your tear film. While your eyes can feel tired and dry at the same time, chronic irritation is unlikely to indicate tiredness.
Common Causes for That Dry & Irritated Feeling
The comfort of your eyes depends on having a healthy and stable layer of tears that keeps them lubricated and clear. When the balance of these components is off, you start to feel the effects. Common contributing factors include:
Your Environment & Daily Habits
Your surroundings play a large role in your eye comfort. Spending hours in front of a computer screen, for example, can reduce your blink rate and cause tears to evaporate. The same thing can happen in a car with the air conditioning on or on a windy day at the park.
Age & Other Life Changes
As we get older, our bodies naturally produce fewer tears. In fact, research shows that aging increases the risk of dry eye due to inflammation and other structural changes. Hormonal shifts, particularly for women, can also affect the quality and quantity of tears.
Contact Lenses & Allergies
If you wear contact lenses, you might notice they become less comfortable as the day goes on. Some lenses can absorb moisture from your eyes, contributing to dryness. Seasonal allergies can also make the situation worse by increasing redness, itchiness, and irritation.
Simple Lifestyle Tips for More Comfortable Eyes
If you do have dry eye, there are some small adjustments you can make to get relief from irritation. Try the following:
- Take Screen Breaks: Practice the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water throughout the day supports your entire body’s functions, including tear production.
- Add Moisture to the Air: Using a humidifier can help with dry eyes in your bedroom or home office by adding moisture to the air and helping slow tear evaporation.
- Protect Your Eyes Outdoors: Wear wraparound sunglasses to shield your eyes from wind, sun, and other irritants.
When to Get Professional Support for Your Eyes
When at-home adjustments aren’t enough and your symptoms interfere with daily life—like working or reading—it may be time for a professional evaluation. Persistent discomfort is a sign that your eyes need more support. You don’t have to simply accept irritation as a normal part of life.
A Clear Path to Relief
An optometrist can help you understand the causes of your dry eyes. At Eyes on Westlake, we can perform a thorough evaluation of your tear film and eye health. This allows us to take steps to address the root causes of your condition.
Customized Care for Your Family
Your family’s health is a top priority, and that includes their vision. If you or a family member are struggling with dry eye symptoms, we can help.At Eyes on Westlake, we take the time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions in a way that makes sense. If dry, irritated eyes are impacting your life, please schedule an appointment. Let us help you find the lasting comfort you deserve.
