Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Causes and Symptoms

Do you ever rub your eyes after hours on a screen, only to feel like sandpaper is stuck under your lids? Millions deal with dry, irritated eyes daily, often brushing it off as “normal” fatigue.
 

But what if those gritty, burning sensations signal something deeper? Dry Eye Syndrome is a nuisance and a real medical condition that can disrupt daily life. Learn why it happens, what to watch for, and how to find relief.

 

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

This happens when your eyes fail to produce enough tears or when tears dry up too quickly. Tears contain water, oils, and mucus that keep your eyes smooth, clear, and protected.
 

When this balance tips, your eyes get dry, inflamed, or even watery as they overcompensate. Millions of Americans live with this condition, though many more may go undiagnosed.

 

Why Do Eyes Get Dry?

Several factors can throw off tear production or quality. Here is a look at common triggers:

• Aging — Tear production often drops after age 50, especially in women post-menopause, due to hormonal shifts.

• Screen time — Blinking less while using phones or computers starves the eyes of moisture.

• Environment — Windy, smoky, or dry climates speed up tear evaporation.

• Medications — Antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs may reduce tear flow.

• Health conditions — Autoimmune diseases like lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome directly impact tear glands.
   

Medical experts also point to eyelid issues, such as Meibomian gland dysfunction (blocked oil glands), as a leading cause. These tiny glands along the eyelids release oils that prevent tears from drying out. When they clog, tears vanish faster than they should.

 

Spotting the Signs

Dry eyes do not always feel the same for everyone. Some notice a gritty sensation, like dirt trapped under the lid. Others deal with redness, stinging, or sudden blurry vision that clears after blinking. Paradoxically, watery eyes can also signal dryness when irritation triggers excessive tear production as a reflex.
 

Symptoms often worsen in specific situations. Long drives, airplane cabins, or air-conditioned rooms might leave your eyes feeling raw. Contact lens wearers may struggle with discomfort. Makeup users might notice more irritation along the lash line.

 

When to Take It Seriously

Mild dryness after a late Netflix binge is one thing. Persistent symptoms that interfere with reading, driving, or wearing contacts warrant a closer look. Untreated, chronic dry eyes can scratch the cornea. This raises infection risks and can even affect vision.
 

If over-the-counter drops do not help, or you notice light sensitivity, severe redness, or pain, book an appointment with an eye doctor. They will examine your tear film, check gland function, and rule out underlying issues like allergies or autoimmune disorders.

 

Hope on the Horizon

Most people manage dry eyes effectively once they pinpoint the cause. Treatments range from simple lifestyle tweaks, like humidifiers or screen breaks, to prescription drops, gland therapies, or dietary changes. Omega-3 supplements, for example, may improve oil quality in tears.
 

Dry Eye Syndrome is not just part of getting older or a badge of honor for busy lives. It is a fixable problem with the proper care. Listen to your eyes. If daily discomfort feels routine, it might be time to seek answers. Relief is not just possible; it is probable with today’s treatments.
 

For more on dry eye syndrome, visit Martin Eye at our Kyle or San Marcos, Texas, office. Call (512) 256-5315 or (512) 210-0719 to request an appointment today.
 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24479-dry-eye

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye