Sometimes, you may notice your eyes feel gritty, tired, or just uncomfortable. These symptoms point to dry eye, which can get in the way of your daily activities.
You may have dry eye if you experience persistent symptoms like a scratchy or sandy feeling, burning, or blurry vision. Understanding what to look for is the first step toward feeling better. We can help you navigate the path to more comfortable vision.
Notice These Common Signs of Dry Eye
Your eyes will let you know when they need more moisture.. It helps to be aware of any new or recurring sensations.
If you do have dry eye, you might notice one or more of these symptoms:
- A scratchy or sandy feeling, as if something is in your eye
- Stinging or burning sensations
- Watery eyes—which is the body’s response to irritation, are one of the most common symptoms of dry eye disease
- Blurry vision, especially when reading or using a screen
- Redness or general eye discomfort
These feelings can change based on your activities or environment. For example, they may be more pronounced after long periods of screen use if you spend a lot of time in a windy place. Keep a mental note of when your symptoms seem to appear.
What Causes Dry & Irritated Eyes
Many factors can contribute to eye dryness. Understanding them can help you identify what might affect your own eyes. It’s often a combination of a few different things.
Your Environment & Daily Habits
The world around you plays a part in your eye comfort. Dry air from heating or air conditioning can reduce moisture and irritate your eyes. Long periods of screen time also cause you to blink less, which naturally dries out your eyes.
Your location can have an impact as well. Windy or smoky environments can increase eye irritation and dryness. Consider if your discomfort lines up with time spent in these types of places.
Age & Your Overall Health
As we get older, our bodies naturally produce fewer tears. In fact, aging is a primary risk factor for dry eye because of changes in tear-producing glands. Certain health conditions and some medications can also affect your tear production.
It’s a normal part of life for many people. The key is addressing this discomfort so it doesn’t get in the way of your daily life. A proactive approach can help you maintain your eye comfort.
How Our Professional Eye Doctor Can Help
When you feel consistent discomfort, it’s a good idea to have your eyes checked. A conversation with your eye doctor can help you understand what’s happening.
A Close Look at Your Eye Health
During a comprehensive eye exam, we assess your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle. We use a variety of tools to look at your tear production and the surface of your eye. A thorough evaluation process helps us see the full picture of your eye comfort.
This process is straightforward and helps us find a path forward. Our goal is to connect with you and map out a plan that fits your specific needs. We put a strong emphasis on great customer service to make you feel at ease.
Dry Eye Care & Treatment Options
We have several ways to help manage dry eye symptoms. Your care plan may include a mix of at-home adjustments and in-office treatments. We work with you to find a suitable approach for your lifestyle.
At-Home Support for Your Eyes
Simple changes can often make a big difference in your daily comfort. We may suggest specific over-the-counter eye drops to add moisture. Warm compresses can also help improve your natural tear function by unblocking oil glands and providing soothing relief.
Pay attention to your screen time and remember to take frequent breaks. A humidifier at home or work can also add helpful moisture to the air. These small habits can support your overall eye health.
In-Office Treatments for Relief
For more persistent dry eye, we offer treatments designed to address the underlying cause. These options can help improve your eye’s natural ability to stay moist. We perform these treatments right here in our office for your convenience.
Some of the treatments we provide include:
- TearCare
- Low-Level Light Therapy
- Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Therapy
- Punctal Plugs
We can discuss these options with you to see if one is a good fit. Our team is here to answer your questions and explain how each treatment works. If you’re unsure about your dry eye symptoms, take our dry eye quiz to find out!
Find Your Path to Comfortable Vision
You don’t have to live with the constant bother of dry, irritated eyes. Learning more about possible solutions is the first step toward relief. Our team is dedicated to finding the cause of your discomfort and providing effective, personalized dry eye treatment options. Addressing your symptoms can help you get back to your favorite activities with more comfort and clarity. At Eyecare for East Texas, we want to help you enjoy life with healthy vision, so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us today.
