Key Takeaways
- Dry eye can feel like sand under your eyelids and bring a persistent burning sensation
- Screen time and dry air can dry out your eyes quickly
- Warm compresses and screen breaks can offer quick comfort at home
- Our team at Great Hills Eye Care can help you find lasting relief
You sit down at your desk to check emails in the morning, and within 10 minutes, you feel like your eyes are burning, scratching, or just plain uncomfortable. You rub your face to make the scratchy feeling go away, but a few hours later, your eyes feel heavy and completely worn out. Our team at Great Hills Eye Care sees this problem often, and we want you to know that you don’t have to deal with it alone.
Dry eye can feel like a handful of sand trapped under your eyelids, along with a constant burning sensation that makes you want to keep your eyes closed. These common symptoms tend to get worse as the day goes on, and a dry environment can make the stinging sensation even more intense.
Common Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Sensations in Your Eyes
The surface of your eye needs a steady layer of tears to stay comfortable. When that moisture is disrupted, you may experience very specific physical feelings that come and go. Though dry eye feels different for everyone, you may notice:
- A scratchy feeling, like sand in your eyes
- A burning feeling or constant sting throughout the day
- Eye fatigue that leaves you with tired and heavy eyelids
Visible Changes to Look For
The discomfort may also show up in ways you can see in the mirror. A quick glance can sometimes help you spot the physical changes before they get worse. A targeted dry eye therapy plan can help manage these symptoms.
Some physical signs you may see can include:
- Noticeable redness in or around your eyes
- Stringy crustiness or mucus upon waking up
- Heavy watering, which can be your body’s reaction to the irritation
The First Stages and Early Signs
How the Discomfort Begins
Dry eye usually doesn’t start with pain, but instead creeps up slowly during your daily routine. At the early stages, you might have felt screen fatigue with mild discomfort when looking at your phone or computer, but over time find that you can barely stand to answer a few emails before needing a break.
If you have dry eye, you may also experience light sensitivity when you step outside or walk into a very bright room. You may notice blurriness that temporarily clears up after a few hard blinks. These early warnings can indicate that your tears aren’t doing their job properly.
The Main Reasons and Everyday Factors
Your Tear Production Basics
Having comfortable eyes relies on a steady flow of healthy tears. But sometimes your tears lack a healthy mix of oil and water. This poor quality can mean your tears evaporate quickly in the open air.
It’s common to wonder what causes dry eye, and it’s often a combination of factors. As you age, your tear production may naturally decrease. Hormonal changes, like those that happen during pregnancy or menopause, can affect tear production as well.
Sometimes, the glands in your eyelids can get clogged and stop producing the oils necessary to keep your tears from evaporating, leaving your eyes without proper moisture. You can take steps to unclog these meibomian glands to help bring back balance.
Everyday Environmental Factors
Your surroundings can play a big role in eye comfort. When we stare at devices like a phone, computer, or TV, we tend to blink less often, causing less moisture to spread across the surface of our eyes. Direct air from an air conditioning system or harsh weather can also disrupt your tear film.
Conditions Mistaken for Dry Eye
Other Vision Issues
Many eye problems feel very similar at first glance. Seasonal allergies bring intense itchiness that makes you want to rub your eyes constantly, which can be mistaken for dry eye.
Improperly fitted contact lenses can create friction that feels a lot like something is stuck in your eye. A proper comprehensive eye exam can help you figure out what may be happening so you can start finding relief.
When to Visit Your Eye Doctor
Steps for Relief at Home
You can take simple actions right now to find comfort. Try these at-home habits to help keep your eyes feeling fresh throughout the day:
- Apply a warm compress daily on your eyelids
- Run a humidifier indoors to add moisture
- Try the 20-20-20 rule to rest your eyes from the screen
These steps can be helpful for mild to moderate cases, but if your dry eye seems to worsen or doesn’t improve with home therapy, there are professional options that can help you get on the path to longer-lasting relief.
Schedule Your Eye Exam
If you’re struggling with discomfort that doesn’t seem to go away, it may be time to see a professional for help. We have 4 convenient locations, including Georgetown, Pflugerville, North Austin, and Liberty Hill, so taking care of your family’s eyes fits into your busy schedule.
Reach out today to schedule your visit!
