After a long day of juggling work, family, and screen time, you might notice your eyes feel tired and uncomfortable. It’s a feeling many people dismiss as just fatigue, but it could be your eyes telling you they need a little more support, especially here in dry Southern Alberta.
That persistent discomfort you’re feeling often points to a common condition called dry eye disease. The symptoms of dry eye can be surprising and varied, often going beyond a simple sensation of dryness. Understanding these signs through regular eye exams is the first step toward finding relief and keeping your eyes comfortable and healthy.
The Telltale Signs of Dry Eye
You might notice your eyes feel off, but it’s not always easy to know why. Dry eye symptoms can be tricky because they vary from person to person. Here are some of the most common signs you may experience:
- Watery eyes
- A stinging or burning sensation
- A sandy or gritty feeling
- Episodes of blurry vision
- Red eyes or eyelids
- Tired or strained eyes
- Sensitivity to light and glare
Why Your Eyes Feel This Way
A Look at Your Tear Film
Dry eye symptoms often start with an imbalance in your tear film. This is the protective liquid layer that keeps your eyes moist and healthy. Your tear film has three layers that work together: an oily outer layer, a watery middle layer, and a mucous inner layer. You may experience discomfort when these layers are disrupted.
Common Causes of Disruption
Many factors can affect your tear film and cause irritation. Factors such as our local climate, age, certain health conditions, and extended screen time can contribute to dry eye symptoms. Your daily habits and environment play a significant role in how your eyes feel.
A Deeper Look at Key Symptoms
Watery Eyes: An Unexpected Sign
It sounds contradictory, but watery eyes are a classic sign of dry eye. This happens when your eyes produce extra tears to make up for dryness. This is often worse in cold, windy weather or after you’ve spent a long time reading or looking at a screen.
The Stinging and Burning Sensation
That irritating, burning feeling can occur when your tears evaporate too quickly. This leaves parts of your eye’s surface unprotected, a common issue in evaporative dry eye. It’s a very common symptom for people experiencing this condition.
That Gritty “Something in Your Eye” Feeling
If it feels like there’s sand or grit in your eye, it could be a sign of dryness. This sensation is often linked to a lack of quality tears. It can also be related to eyelid inflammation, known as blepharitis, where proper eyelid hygiene becomes essential.
Blurred or Fluctuating Vision
When your tear film is unstable, it can cause your vision to blur or change throughout the day. You might notice this more when you’re focused on a screen or a book because you tend to blink less. Often, a few good blinks will help clear your vision temporarily.
Redness and Eyelid Inflammation
Dry eye is an inflammatory condition, and redness is a key sign of that inflammation. You may notice redness on your eyeball or along your eyelids. This can happen when the blood vessels dilate in the driest parts of your eye. If redness appears suddenly, it could be an eye emergency and should be checked immediately.
What Else Contributes to Dry Eye Symptoms?
Your Environment and Daily Habits
Your surroundings can play a big part in how your eyes feel. A dry environment, both indoors and outdoors, can worsen symptoms. Long hours on digital devices can also be a factor because people tend to blink less frequently, which prevents tears from spreading evenly.
Medications and Health Conditions
Some common medications can cause dry eye as a side effect. Certain health conditions, like Sjogren’s syndrome or ocular rosacea, are also closely linked to chronic dry eye symptoms. It’s helpful to consider your overall health when thinking about your eyes.
Is It Dry Eye or Something Else?
Many symptoms of dry eye can overlap with other conditions, like eye allergies or infections. That’s why a gritty feeling or redness isn’t always a straightforward sign of dryness. The best way to know for sure is to have your eyes checked by a professional during a comprehensive eye exam.
If these symptoms sound familiar, an eye exam can help identify the cause of your discomfort. As your optometrist, we can evaluate your tear film and eye health to determine whether you have dry eye disease. From there, we can create a tailored plan to help your eyes feel more comfortable.
Don’t Let Dry Eye Disrupt Your Day
At Trinity Hills Eyecare, we are here to provide the essential services you need with a commitment to quality and care. We go above and beyond to provide you and your family with the eye care you deserve. Book an appointment with us today; we’d love to see you!
