You know the feeling—that nagging discomfort in your eyes that just won’t go away. It can be a subtle annoyance at first, but it can quickly become a problem that makes it hard to read, work on a computer, or even drive comfortably. The team at Calgary Family Eye Doctors understands you may be blinking constantly, hoping for relief.
If you’re dealing with this kind of irritation, you could be experiencing dry eye. Dry eye often causes a scratchy, gritty, or burning sensation, sometimes accompanied by redness, blurred vision, and even unexpected watering. It happens when your tears aren’t able to provide enough lubrication for your eyes.
Telltale Signs & Symptoms of Dry Eye
You might notice a few specific feelings when your eyes are dry. The discomfort can range from mild to something that disrupts your day. It often feels like more than dryness and may include a range of symptoms.
- A scratchy or gritty feeling—like you have sand in your eye
- Stinging or burning sensations
- Red or irritated eyes
- Periods of blurry vision
- Watery eyes, which is your body’s response to the irritation
- Difficulty with night driving
Common Causes of Eye Dryness
Different factors in your life and environment can contribute to dry eye symptoms. Your eyes depend on a steady flow of quality tears to stay healthy and comfortable. Sometimes, that delicate balance is disrupted by events around you or within your body.
Your Environment & Activities
Exposure to windy, smoky, or very dry climates can affect your eyes. You may also notice additional symptoms after long hours of screen time, which can lead to digital eye strain because you tend to blink less when focused on a digital device. Reduced blinking can prevent tears from spreading evenly across your eyes.
Age & Overall Health
As you age, tear production naturally slows, a common part of the aging process. Certain health conditions and some medications can also reduce the amount or change the quality of your tears, leading to that familiar dry, uncomfortable feeling.
Is It Dry Eye or Something Else?
Sometimes, what feels like dry eye may indicate another issue. Conditions such as eye allergies or infections can share similar symptoms, including redness and irritation, making it tricky to know the true cause of your discomfort on your own.
Allergies vs. Dryness
Both allergies and dry eye can cause redness, irritation, and a watery discharge. However, allergies often come with an intense, persistent itchiness that is less common with typical dry eye. Paying attention to specific symptoms can help you start to understand the difference.
Why a Clear Diagnosis Matters
Getting to the root of the problem is the first step toward effective relief. An accurate diagnosis helps you identify a solution that addresses the root cause of your discomfort. A comprehensive eye exam is more than a simple sight test and is key to understanding what’s going on.
Simple Ways to Soothe Your Eyes
You can try a few things at home to help manage mild symptoms and give your eyes a break. These simple adjustments can make a noticeable difference in your daily comfort and provide temporary relief from the irritation.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: When using screens, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
- Adjust your space: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, and position yourself away from direct fans or vents.
- Use lubricating drops: Artificial tears available at the pharmacy can offer quick, temporary relief. Make sure you use them within limits.
When to Visit Your Eye Care Team
If your symptoms don’t improve with at-home care or start to interfere with your daily life, it might be time to get professional support. An eye exam with your family eye doctors in Calgary is a great way to take a close look and figure out what’s going on with your eyes.
If Symptoms Persist
When discomfort, redness, or blurry vision becomes a regular issue, professional guidance can help. Your eye doctor can identify the cause of your persistent symptoms and suggest a more targeted approach to help you feel better.
For a Personalized Plan
Every person’s eyes are unique, and your situation deserves individual attention. The team at Calgary Family Eye Doctors can create a plan tailored to your specific needs, help you find lasting relief, and get back to seeing your world comfortably. Book an appointment today to take the next step.
