What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?

Dry eyes affect many people and commonly cause comfort and irritation, so what are symptoms of dry eye? In order to seek proper treatment and find relief, you need an understanding of the symptoms to find the right fix for your own/a loved one’s situation. Here, we focus on exploring the different symptoms dry eye can cause, as well as factors that can worsen the condition. Whether experiencing occasional dryness or chronic discomfort, Mountain Shadow Vision Center will help patients and learners take the necessary steps toward better eye health.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dryness and Irritation

A common and noticeable symptom of dry eyes is persistent dryness and irritation that affects a patient daily. If a feeling of something gritty or foreign in your eyes causes discomfort and a constant urge to rub them, this could be a symptom of dry eye that makes it difficult to focus and carry out daily activities (1).

Redness and Eye Fatigue

Dry eye often leads to redness in the eyes. The blood vessels in the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the front of the eye, become more prominent due to irritation and inflammation. Additionally, prolonged periods of eye strain from tasks such as computer use or reading can further exacerbate the fatigue and redness.

Excessive Tearing

Paradoxically, another symptom of dry eye is excessive tearing. When your eyes are not producing enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, your body compensates by overproducing tears. However, these tears are often poor in quality and do not effectively lubricate the eyes, resulting in watery eyes that provide temporary relief but do not address the root cause.
 

Sensitivity to Light

People struggling with dry eyes can also experience an increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia. Normal indoor lighting and sunlight may cause discomfort and a heightened response, causing issues for them in well-lit environments. What the symptoms of dry eye are vary because of a person’s sensitivity to light.

Eye Discharge and Blurred Vision

In some cases, dry eye can lead to eye discharge and blurred vision. The discharge may be sticky or stringy, causing a constant need to clean your eyes. Additionally, the inadequate moisture on the surface of the eye can result in blurred vision, affecting your ability to see clearly.

Factors that Worsen Dry Eye

After exploring the symptoms of dry eye, Mountain Shadow wants to help people suffering understand different factors that can make the condition worse:

Aging and Dry Eyes

Aging naturally causes the body to undergo various changes, and the eyes follow suit. For many people, aging naturally leads to a decrease in tear production and decline in tear quality. The eyes become more susceptible to dryness, requiring additional help through medication, surgery, plugs, or a change in lenses depending on their condition. Visit our blog on How Your Eyes Change with Age to learn more!

Weather and Dry Eyes

Different weather conditions can exacerbate symptoms of dry eyes or aggravate them further. Dry and windy climates, like those in our great state of Colorado, can evaporate tears quicker than normal, leaving them dry and uncomfortable. Learn more about treating this condition further with Mibo Thermoflo to help alleviate your symptoms with just a few sessions of gentle, warm massage to stimulate tear production and retention.

Environmental Factors

The environment people spend time in can play a significant role in causing dry eyes. Spending prolonged periods in air-conditioned or heated environments can disrupt the moisture balance in your eyes alongside smoke, dust, and other airborne irritants. Be mindful of your environment and take steps to minimize its impact. Mountain Shadow Vision Center offers various products and treatments to help people manage their symptoms of dry eye.

Allergies and Dry Eyes

Allergies can cause a ton of issues for different people, including dry eyes. Seasonal allergies like hay fever can inflame the eyes, leading to increased dryness and irritation, especially if the eyes can’t close properly at night. Visit our article on Seasonal Allergies and the Eyes to educate yourself further.

Contacts and Dry Eyes

While contact lenses can be a convenient option for vision correction, certain types of contacts can worsen dry eye symptoms. Contacts that do not allow enough oxygen to reach the surface of the eye or those that accumulate deposits can contribute to dryness and discomfort. It's important to discuss your contact lens options with your eye care professional to find the most suitable ones for your needs.

Eye Strain and Dry Eyes

Prolonged use of digital devices, such as computers and reading, can cause eye strain and exacerbate dry eye symptoms. When focusing intently on a screen or page, people tend to blink less frequently, leading to increased evaporation of tears and subsequent dryness. Taking regular breaks and practicing proper eye care can help alleviate the strain and minimize dry eye discomfort.

Surgery and Dry Eyes

While surgery can improve certain eye conditions, it can also have an impact on tear production and contribute to dry eyes. Various eye surgeries like LASIK or cataract surgeries can disrupt tear film stability or alter the nerves responsible for producing tears (2). For eye surgery recipients experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, make sure to consult with an eye care professional to determine the best course of action. 

Medication and Dry Eyes

Some types of medication can have side effects that include dry eyes. Different antidepressants, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications list reduced tear production as a side effect (3). If you or a loved one takes these medications and experience symptoms of dry eye, discuss your issues with a trusted healthcare provider.

Understanding The Symptoms of Dry Eyes

So what are the symptoms of dry eye? That varies from person to person! By understanding the symptoms of dry eye, patients and healthcare providers can rule out treatments that will not help and find the appropriate ones. No matter what causes your dry eyes, solutions exist to help alleviate your symptoms. Mountain Shadow Vision Center offers various treatments and services to address dry eye concerns, such as Blephex, LipiFlow, EyePromise and Neurolens.
Don’t keep suffering from symptoms of dry eyes with all the modern treatments available! Reach out and schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns with our experienced professionals. Relief is within reach.

Note: While this article can help you determine what the symptoms of dry eye are, it should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional to be properly diagnosed and treated for your specific needs.

(1) National Institute of Health: Dry Eye
(2) American Academy of Opthalmology: What Is Dry Eye? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
(3) Better Health Center: Dry Eye