You’re going about your day when your eyes suddenly feel gritty and uncomfortable. Here at West Shore Eye Care, we know how frustrating dry eye can be.
Sudden dry eye is often caused by changes in your environment, daily habits, or overall health. Understanding the cause of your symptoms is the first step towards developing a dry eye treatment plan and finding relief.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye is more than just a feeling of dryness. The condition can cause a number of symptoms, some of which may come and go, and some of which may stick around.
Common symptoms of dry eye include:
- A gritty or sandy feeling—like something is in your eye
- Stinging, burning, or scratchy sensations
- Blurry vision that can be caused by dryness, especially when you read or use a computer
- Redness & irritation
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Watery eyes, which is your body’s response to the irritation
Conditions That Can Seem Like Dry Eye
Sometimes, what feels like dry eye could be related to other factors like seasonal allergies or a minor eye infection. As your eye doctor in Ludington, MI, we can help find the cause of your discomfort.
Everyday Triggers for Sudden Dryness
Your environment and daily habits play a huge role in how your eyes feel. Often, a small change in your routine is the reason for a sudden dry eye flare-up.
Your Environment
The world around you can directly impact your eye comfort:
- Weather & Air Quality: Dry climates, windy days, and low humidity can make your tears evaporate too quickly.
- Indoor Air: Air conditioning and heating systems can remove moisture from the air and your eyes.
- Airborne Irritants: Smoke, dust, and other pollutants can irritate your eyes and trigger dryness.
Your Daily Habits
Things you do every day can also contribute to dry eye:
- Screen Time: When you stare at a screen, you tend to blink less often. This can lead to eye strain, but practicing the 20-20-20 rule can offer some relief. Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break to look at something 20 feet away.
- Contact Lenses: Wearing contacts for long hours can sometimes interfere with your eye’s natural tear film, but there are lenses for dry eyes that can help.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can affect your entire body, including its ability to produce tears.
Health & Body Changes That Affect Your Tears
What happens inside your body can have a big impact on your eyes. Sometimes, sudden dry eye is a sign of an internal change or a new medication.
Medical Conditions
Certain health conditions can reduce your body’s ability to make tears, leading to different types of dry eye. Hormonal shifts, such as those during menopause, can also lead to changes in tear production.
Medications You Take
Many common medications list dry eye as a side effect. These can include antihistamines, decongestants, and certain blood pressure medicines.
Nutritional Factors
Your diet can also influence your eye health. A diet low in vitamin A may contribute to dry eye symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil were also once thought to be effective for preventing dry eye, but new evidence questions their effectiveness.
Could Your Dry Eye Be a Sign of Something Else?
While most cases of dry eye come from environmental or lifestyle factors, persistent symptoms are worth a closer look. It’s helpful to know when you should consider a conversation with your optometrist.
When to Talk to an Eye Doctor
It’s a good idea to schedule a comprehensive eye exam if you experience any of the following.
- Symptoms that are severe or appeared very suddenly
- Over-the-counter eye drops do not help
- Your vision is consistently blurry
- Your eyes are painful or very red
Ways to Find Relief & Lasting Comfort
Finding relief from sudden dry eye often involves a mix of simple home remedies and a personalized care plan. The goal is to restore moisture and make your eyes comfortable again.
Simple At-Home Adjustments
You can try a few things at home to help soothe your eyes.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air.
- Take regular screen breaks using the 20-20-20 rule.
- Try over-the-counter, preservative-free artificial tears for temporary relief.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from wind and harmful UV light.
Professional Care Plans
If at-home care isn’t enough, we can offer in-office solutions. After a thorough exam to understand the cause of your dryness, our team may suggest a treatment plan tailored to your situation. This might include options like prescription eye drops or in-office treatments like OptiLight by Lumenis.You don’t have to navigate sudden dry eye symptoms on your own. Our team at West Shore Eye Care takes the time to understand your concerns and find a path toward relief. Reach out to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward more comfortable vision.
