One minute you’re working at your computer, and the next, your eyes feel gritty, sandy, and tired, like they’ve spent the day at the beach without you. You might try blinking a few times, but that uncomfortable feeling just won’t go away. This sudden irritation can be distracting and make it hard to focus on your day.
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Sudden dry eyes often happen thanks to changes in your environment, daily activities, or routine. Whether through simple changes or professional dry eye therapy, you can get back to your day with clear, comfortable vision.
How Do You Know You Have Dry Eye?
You might not connect that scratchy, irritated feeling with “dry eye” right away. According to the National Eye Institute, this is a common condition that affects millions of people. If you notice a few of these signs pop up unexpectedly, you could be dealing with temporary dry eye discomfort.
Common Signs of Dry Eye
- A scratchy or stinging feeling
- Redness or irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision that comes and goes
- Watery eyes—this is your body’s reaction to the irritation
- Trouble with contact lenses
Common Triggers for Sudden Dry Eye
Your eyes can feel perfectly fine one day and uncomfortably dry the next. Usually, a small shift in your surroundings or habits is the reason why. These changes can affect how your eyes produce or maintain the tears they need to stay moist.
Your Environment and Activities
- Screen time: You tend to blink less when you focus on a computer or phone for a long time. Less blinking means tears don’t spread across your eyes as often, a key factor in digital eye strain.
- Air quality: Air conditioning, indoor heating, wind, or smoke can all zap moisture from the air and from your eyes.
- Travel: The recycled air on airplanes and the atmosphere at high altitudes is extra dry, which can quickly lead to irritation.
New Things in Your Routine
- Allergies: Seasonal pollen or allergens in your home, like dust and pet dande,r can disrupt your tear film.
- Medications: Some medicines, like antihistamines or decongestants, can reduce your body’s tear production as a side effect.
- New products: A new makeup, face wash, or skincare product used near your eyes could be the culprit.
What to Do for Quick Relief
When your eyes feel dry and gritty, you may want a fast fix. These simple steps can help you feel more comfortable right away and give your eyes a much-needed break from the irritation.
Simple At-Home Fixes
- Use artificial tears: Over-the-counter eye drops are a quick way to add moisture back to your eyes and soothe them. You can find a selection of soothing eye care products to help.
- Try a warm compress: A warm, damp cloth held over your closed eyes for a few minutes can help your natural oils flow better and provide relief.
- Take breaks: Look away from your screen every 20 minutes to rest your eyes and remember to blink fully and often.
Long-Term Strategies and Habit Changes
You can make small adjustments to your daily life to help keep dry eye from coming back. These habits support your overall eye health and can help you avoid future discomfort before it even starts.
Adjust Your Daily Setup
- Add moisture to the air: A humidifier in your room can make the air less dry, which is especially helpful in the winter.
- Protect your eyes: Wear protective sunglasses outside to block wind and sun. This is an important way to shield your eyes from drying elements and harmful UV light.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your whole body—including your eyes—function properly.
Your Diet and Eye Health
Sometimes, what you eat can play a role in your eye comfort. A diet that is low in nutrients like Vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to dry eye symptoms over time.
When to See an Eye Doctor
At-home care can help a lot, but sometimes you need a little extra support. If your dry eye symptoms don’t go away or start to affect your daily activities, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with an eye doctor.
Signs It’s Time for a Visit
- Your eyes feel dry all the time
- Over-the-counter drops are not enough
- Your vision stays blurry for long periods
What Your Eye Doctor Can Do
Our team can get to the bottom of what’s causing your discomfort. After a comprehensive eye exam, we can recommend personalized options—from specific eye drops to other dry eye therapies—to help you find lasting relief.
Relief for Dry Eyes, Designed Just for You
Your eyes are unique, so your vision care should be personalized. If you’re tired of dealing with sudden dry eye, our team at Capitol Optometry is passionate about giving you a comfortable and customized eye care experience. Schedule your visit at a convenient Sacramento location to find a solution that works for you.
