Dry Eyes

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 tears evaporate too quickly, leading to symptoms such as burning, itching, and blurry vision. While often mild, dry eye can become chronic if left untreated. With proper diagnosis and care, treatment can control symptoms. If you wear contact lenses, spend long hours on screens, or wake up with irritation, understanding the causes and treatments of dry eye can help you find relief.

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 dry eye makes contact lenses uncomfortable, our Kettering eye care team at Dayton Optometric Center may recommend daily lenses designed to maintain moisture.

Dry eye symptoms can range from mild to severe. 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 experience any of these symptoms, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our eye doctors.

Diagnosing Dry Eye at Dayton Optometric Center

Our eye doctors diagnose dry eye disease during a comprehensive 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 cause, such as reduced tear production or poor tear quality, helps guide treatment. Early diagnosis helps prevent long-term discomfort and 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 or lifestyle adjustments such as reducing screen time. Contact lens wearers may switch to lenses 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 involves changes to 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.