One moment your eyes feel fine, and the next they’re scratchy, red, and just plain uncomfortable. This sudden change can be frustrating and disruptive to your day. However, there are often clear reasons for the sudden discomfort of dry eye syndrome.
Sudden dry eye is often caused by a combination of your environment, daily habits, and overall health. Understanding these factors is the first step toward finding lasting relief and comfort.
Signs You Might Have Dry Eye
When your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears, they will let you know. You might notice a mix of these sensations, which can occur in one or both eyes. These signs can range from mildly annoying to quite bothersome.
- A stinging or burning feeling
- A scratchy or gritty sensation—like something is in your eye
- Redness and irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision or tired eyes
- Watery eyes—which is your body’s response to the irritation
Your Environment & Sudden Dryness
Sometimes, the cause of your discomfort is simply the world around you. Your surroundings have a big impact on how your eyes feel, especially when your environment changes quickly. New air conditioning or a shift in the weather can lead to sudden dryness.
Dry Air Indoors & Out
Air conditioners and heaters are great for keeping you comfortable, but they can also zap moisture from the air. This dry air can then pull moisture from your eyes. The same thing can happen on airplanes, in high-altitude places, or on very windy days.
Smoke, Wind & Allergens
Exposure to second-hand smoke or a direct gust of wind from a fan can disrupt the tear film that protects your eyes. Seasonal allergens like pollen and dust can also irritate your eyes. This disruption causes your tears to evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness.
How Daily Activities Affect Your Eyes
Your everyday habits play a larger role in your eye comfort than you might think. In fact, what you do for work or fun can lead to eye strain and dryness. You might not even realize it’s happening until the discomfort sets in.
Too Much Screen Time
When you focus on a computer, phone, or even a good book, you tend to blink less often. Blinking is important because it spreads a fresh layer of tears across your eyes. Fewer blinks mean less moisture and more opportunity for your eyes to feel dry and tired.
Contact Lens Wear
Contact lenses can provide clear vision, but they can also interfere with the natural flow of tears. This can make it challenging for some people to comfortably wear contacts with dry eyes, especially toward the end of the day.
Your Overall Health & Your Eyes
Your eyes are a window to your general wellness, and they often reflect changes happening elsewhere in your body. Here are some of the general factors that may contribute to dry eye:
Age & Hormonal Shifts
As you get older, your body’s tear production naturally slows down. Hormonal changes, particularly for women during pregnancy or menopause, can also reduce tear production. These natural life stages can be a common source of new dry eye symptoms.
Certain Health Conditions & Medications
Some health conditions—like thyroid issues, Sjogren’s syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis—can lead to dry eyes. Many common medications can also have a drying effect on your body. This includes antihistamines, decongestants, and some blood pressure pills.
What Your Diet May Lack
Your diet helps keep your tears healthy and stable. The tear film is complex, and certain nutrients help keep it in balance. A diet low in Vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids can sometimes contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Find Relief for Dry Eyes & When to Get Help
You can often make small changes to your daily routine to help your eyes feel more comfortable. These simple adjustments can provide noticeable relief and support your eye health.
- Take Screen Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—for every 20 minutes you stare at a screen, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Add Moisture to the Air: Use a humidifier at home or at your desk to keep the air from getting too dry.
- Protect Your Eyes: Wear wraparound sunglasses outside to block wind, sun, and dry air from irritating your eyes.
- Use Lubricating Eye Drops: Artificial tears, which you can find over the counter, can provide quick, temporary relief when your eyes feel dry.
If you’ve tried these tips and your eyes still feel uncomfortable, it may be time for an eye exam.
At Great Hills Eye Care, we’re here to help you and your family find a solution that works. Our convenient location is accessible for everyone in the area, including those from Georgetown and Pflugerville. Schedule your same or next-day appointment today to get back to feeling comfortable and seeing clearly.
