You know that feeling when your eyes are just…off? Maybe they feel scratchy, tired, or just plain weird after a long day of school or work. Let’s talk about what dry eye feels like, why it happens, and how our dedicated eye care team can help you get some relief.
That discomfort you feel is your eyes telling you they need a little help with moisture. Dry eyes often feel scratchy, gritty, and tired, like there’s something in your eye you can’t get out. It’s a common issue, and understanding the signs is the first step toward finding the right dry eye therapy for you.
Telltale Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye
According to the National Eye Institute, if you have dry eye, you might notice a few specific feelings. It often affects both of your eyes at the same time. You may feel:
- A stinging or burning sensation
- A scratchy or gritty feeling, like sand is in your eye
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Redness and irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes, which sounds strange, but is your body’s response to the irritation
- Blurry vision or a tired feeling in your eyes
What Are the Early Stages of Dry Eye?
At first, you might just notice some mild irritation or a little bit of blurry vision that comes and goes. You might also feel a slight burning sensation, especially at the end of the day. This can be particularly true if you’re experiencing digital eye strain.
Do Dry Eyes Feel Like Tired Eyes?
Yes, they often do. The heavy, fatigued feeling in your eyes can be a sign of dryness. Your eyes work harder when they lack proper lubrication, which can make them feel exhausted, similar to how they feel when you need more sleep.
Why Your Eyes Feel So Gritty and Uncomfortable
Your eyes have a natural layer of tears to keep them smooth and comfortable. Dry eye happens when there’s a problem with those tears. It usually comes down to one of two things.
Not Enough Tears
Sometimes, your eyes just don’t produce enough tears to keep everything properly moisturized. This can happen for different reasons, like certain environmental factors or even some medications. It’s a simple case of low tear volume.
Tears That Evaporate Too Fast
Other times, your eyes make enough tears, but they don’t stick around long enough. A healthy tear film has an oily layer from meibomian glands that prevents it from drying up too quickly. If that layer is off, your tears can disappear before they do their job.
What Can Be Mistaken for Dry Eyes?
Eye allergies or certain infections like conjunctivitis can sometimes feel a lot like dry eye. Both can cause redness, irritation, and a gritty feeling. That’s why it’s helpful to get a clear picture of what’s really causing the discomfort.
Everyday Things That Can Cause Dry Eye
You might be surprised by how many things in your daily life can contribute to that dry, scratchy feeling. From the environment to your daily habits, lots of factors play a role. Let’s look at a few common ones.
Too Much Screen Time
When you focus on a computer, tablet, or phone, you tend to blink less often. Blinking is how your eyes spread tears across their surface, so less blinking means drier eyes. It’s a common issue for students and professionals, often leading to what’s known as computer vision syndrome.
Your Environment and Lifestyle
Air conditioners, heaters, fans, and even windy days can dry out your eyes. Dry climates or smoky environments can also make symptoms worse. If you wear contact lenses, you might notice your eyes feel drier than usual, which is why a proper fitting is so important.
Simple Ways to Find Relief and Comfort
The good news is you can take simple steps to help your eyes feel better. Small changes can make a big difference in your daily comfort. Getting into a few new habits can offer some welcome relief.
Easy At-Home Tips and Tricks
You can try a few things right away to get some relief. These simple habits can help keep your eyes comfortable:
- Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops as needed.
- Take regular breaks from your computer screen. Try the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Position your computer screen below eye level.
- Wear cool wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and sun.
Lifestyle Tweaks for Happier Eyes
Making a few small adjustments to your daily routine can also be beneficial. Focus on creating an eye-friendly environment with the following:
- Add a humidifier to your room to put moisture back into the air.
- Avoid having air from fans or vents blow directly into your eyes.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
When to Chat with an Eye Doctor
If you’ve tried these tips and your eyes still feel uncomfortable, it might be time to talk to a professional. Your eye doctor can help figure out exactly what’s causing your dry eye and create a personalized plan at one of our offices. They can recommend treatments tailored to your specific needs. At Capitol Optometry, our friendly team is passionate about giving you a comfortable and customized eye care experience. We can help you find lasting relief and even explore some fun, fashion-forward eyewear that protects your eyes and fits your style. Come say hello and let us help you find a solution.
