That gritty, scratchy, or burning feeling in your eyes can be more than just a minor annoyance. It might be your eyes trying to tell you they need more moisture. If you often experience this kind of discomfort but aren’t sure what’s going on, our team at Pinnacle Eyecare can help you learn what signs to look for.
Recognizing the symptoms of dry eye can help you get on the path towards relief. When you know what’s causing the problem, you can take action with different dry eye treatment options to help your eyes feel better.
Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye
Everyone experiences dry eye a little differently, but if you have it, you may notice 1 or more of these feelings. They can range from mildly annoying to very disruptive. Pay attention to how your eyes feel throughout the day, as these symptoms can point toward dry eye:
- A scratchy or gritty feeling, like sand is in your eye
- Stinging or burning sensations
- Redness and irritation
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Blurry vision, especially when you read or use a computer
- Watery eyes, which can be your body’s response to the irritation
- Trouble with night driving
Why Your Eyes Feel Dry and Gritty
Dry eye can happen when your tears aren’t lubricating your eyes correctly. Though many cases of dry eye are multifactorial, they’re usually caused by 2 main problems: Either you don’t produce enough tears, or the tears you do produce aren’t of the right quality.
Not Enough Tears or Poor-Quality Tears
Your eyes need a steady supply of healthy tears to stay comfortable and clear. Sometimes, your body doesn’t produce enough tears to keep them properly lubricated. In other cases, the tears you make are not the right mix of water, oil, and mucus, which causes them to evaporate too quickly.
Your Environment and Daily Habits
Things around you can also contribute to dryness. Spending a lot of time in dry, windy, or smoky places can pull moisture from your eyes. Long hours in front of a screen can also be a factor, as we tend to blink less often when focusing on tasks, which means fewer tears are spread over the surface of our eyes.
What Can Be Mistaken for Dry Eye?
Sometimes, what feels like dry eye could be something else entirely. It’s helpful to know what other conditions share similar signs so you can get the right kind of help.
- Allergies: Scratchy, red, and watery eyes are common signs of both dry eye and seasonal allergies.
- Digital eye strain: Staring at screens for long periods can cause blurry vision and tired, dry eyes.
- Blepharitis: This condition involves inflammation of the eyelids, which can cause redness, gritty feelings, and crusty eyelashes.
At-Home Tips for Relief
You can try a few simple things at home to help soothe your eyes. These small changes can often improve your daily comfort and reduce irritation. Our top tips include:
- Remember to blink: When you focus on a task, you blink less. Try to make sure you blink fully and often, especially during screen time.
- Take screen breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Add moisture to the air: Use a humidifier in your home or office, especially during dry winter months.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your whole body, including your eyes.
When to See an Eye Doctor for Dry Eye
If home remedies aren’t providing enough relief, it might be time to get a professional opinion. An eye doctor in Columbus can determine what’s causing your discomfort and can help you feel comfortable again.
If Symptoms Interfere with Your Day
When eye discomfort makes it hard to read, work, or drive, an eye exam is a good idea. Ongoing discomfort or redness is a clear sign that you should have your eyes examined.
If Your Vision Changes Noticeably
Any sudden or significant change in your vision is a reason to schedule an exam. A professional can perform a thorough check on the health of your eyes.
Find the Right Treatment Plan
You don’t have to just put up with the irritation of dry eye. Our team can offer a range of noninvasive treatment options to help your eyes feel better and stay comfortable.
Schedule Your Dry Eye Consultation
Don’t stand by and put up with the irritation of dry eye. Our team at Pinnacle Eyecare is here to build a strong, lasting relationship with you and find a solution that helps. Take action today by scheduling your appointment.
