Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects millions of people and can significantly impact daily comfort and vision. It occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to symptoms like burning, itching, and blurry vision. While often mild, dry eye can become chronic if left untreated. Fortunately, with proper diagnosis and care, it can be managed effectively. Whether you wear contact lenses, spend long hours on screens, or simply wake up with irritated eyes, understanding the causes and treatments for dry eye is the first step toward lasting relief.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Dry eyes can have many causes. Some of the most common include:
- Long hours of screen time without blinking
- Aging, especially after age 50
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications (like antihistamines or antidepressants)
- Eye dryness with contacts or improper contact lens care
- Dry environments, like air conditioning or wind
- Medical conditions like diabetes or autoimmune diseases
If you have trouble with contacts due to your dry eye symptoms, our Kettering eye care team at Dayton Optometric Center may recommend daily contacts for dry eyes designed to keep your eyes hydrated throughout the day.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye symptoms can range from mild to very uncomfortable. You may notice:
- A scratchy, gritty feeling in your eyes
- Burning or stinging
- Redness
- Blurred vision that improves when you blink
- Excess tearing (your eyes may overcompensate)
- Eye fatigue
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our eye doctors.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Dry Eyes
Diagnosing Dry Eye at Dayton Optometric Center
Dry eye disease is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Our Kettering optometrist will evaluate the quantity and quality of your tears using simple, painless tests. These may include checking tear production with blotting strips, using dyes to examine the surface of your eyes, or measuring how long it takes your tears to evaporate. Special imaging tools can also help assess the tear film and glands. Understanding the underlying cause—whether it’s reduced tear production, poor tear quality, or both—helps guide the most effective treatment plan. Early diagnosis is key to preventing long-term discomfort or damage to the eye surface.
Dry Eye Treatment
Treatment for dry eye disease depends on the root cause and the severity of symptoms. Many people benefit from over-the-counter artificial tears or prescription eye drops that reduce inflammation and improve tear quality. For more persistent dryness, your eye doctor might recommend punctal plugs to help retain moisture, or lifestyle adjustments such as reducing screen time. Contact lens wearers may be switched to *daily contacts for dry eyes* or other *contacts for dry eyes* designed for better moisture retention. Some cases may require managing underlying health conditions or adjusting medications that contribute to dryness.
Prevention: What You Can Do
Preventing dry eyes often involves a few simple changes in your daily routine. If you spend long hours on the computer or reading, take regular breaks to blink fully and rest your eyes. Use a humidifier to maintain moisture in dry indoor environments, especially at night. Wearing sunglasses outdoors protects your eyes from wind and sun, which can dry out the tear film. Stay hydrated and follow your eye doctor’s care instructions, particularly if you wear contact lenses.
Dry Eye FAQ
What causes dry eyes at night?
Night time dry eyes can happen because your eyes don’t produce enough tears during sleep. If your eyelids don’t fully close, your eyes may dry out. You might also experience waking up with dry eyes due to dry indoor air or underlying health issues. People with *dry eyes in the morning* often benefit from using overnight ointments, humidifiers, or moisture-sealing sleep masks.
Can dry eyes cause blindness?
Severe, untreated dry eye disease can lead to serious complications, like corneal damage or ulcers, which may affect vision. However, this is rare. With proper treatment and regular eye exams, long-term damage and vision loss can almost always be avoided.
Can dry eye syndrome cause blurred vision?
Yes. Dry eye syndrome often causes intermittent blurred vision, especially when staring at screens or reading. Blinking refreshes the tear film, which helps improve clarity. If you experience blurry vision often, even with treatment, it’s important to talk to your eye doctor.
Can dry eyes be cured and how long does dry eye last?
Dry eyes can be managed and, in some cases, improved or even resolved, especially when caused by temporary issues. Chronic dry eye may require ongoing care. How long it lasts depends on the cause and how well you follow treatment. Many people find lasting relief with the right combination of drops, lens changes, and lifestyle adjustments.