How to Identify Dry Eyes and What to Do

Health Apr 10, 2025 40 Add to Reading List

Do you wake up to stinging sensations in your eyes, face continuous discomfort, or find yourself blinking excessively to maintain your concentration? It's possible that dry eye syndrome could be the culprit, and you're certainly not the only one experiencing it.

Dry eyes often go unnoticed and undiagnosed for prolonged periods of time, and impacts millions of people every single year. Whether it stems from prolonged use of screens, seasonal allergies, wearing contact lenses, or simply aging, understanding what's wrong and figuring out a treatment plan can save you much pain in the future.

In this article, we will explain the symptoms of dry eyes, the main causes, and ways through which you can manage them effectively.

Defining Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is known to occur when the tear producing glands fail to produce sufficient tears or the available tears evaporate too soon. The evaporating tears leads to shortcuts not being able to sustain eye congestion, and the moisture levels in the eye dropping.

The structure of a tear film is composed of three essential layers: oil, water, and mucus. Feeling uneasy could be a byproduct of any of these layers being out of balance. A fraction of the population struggles with the lack of adequate tear production while the rest suffer from poor tear quality.

Common Signs You Might Have Dry Eyes

Wondering if your symptoms correspond to having dry eyes? Look out for these signs:

Burning or stinging pain
Reddish skin around eyes
Something irritating the eye causing sandy or gritty feeling
Eyes being sensitive to strong lights
Blurred sight which gets better after blinking
Tearing more than usual even though dry eyes might be the reason
Sandy or gritty feeling.

Having any of the above symptoms, or multiple at once sounds familiar? If the answer is yes, you are suffering from dry eyes.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

There are many everyday health concerns and habits that could trigger dry eyes. Here are some of the most known reasons:

Using electronics.
Spending a long time looking at a screen greatly reduces your blinking frequency. In some cases, it gets reduced by 60%. With less blinking, the tears on the eye’s surface will evaporate much quicker, causing it to become dry.
Want to know how to protect your eyes from screens? Here’s when you should wear blue light glasses for maximum relief.
Contact Lenses
For some people, contact lenses can block oxygen from passing through or soaking up natural eye tears, resulting in an uncomfortable eye sensation. The good news is that dry eye patients can now benefit from specialized contact lenses made just for them.
Aging and Hormones
As people age, the production of tears becomes less over time. This is especially true after turning 50 and for women who have undergone menopause.
Medications
Antihistamines, decongestants, some antidepressants, and certain blood pressure medications are known to lower the production of tears.
Environmental Factors
Windy and dry weather, indoor heating, and exposure to dust or smoke can lead to drying or overheating and result in increased evaporation of tears.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Chronic dry eyes can stem from autoimmune disorders, blepharitis, and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) among other things.

How is dry eye diagnosed?

An eye exam is the only way to get a full comprehensive picture. The Optometrist is able to:

Use special dyes to evaluate the tear film
Evaluate the rate at which the tears evaporate
Estimate the tears produced by the eyes
Identify inflammation or blocked glands

For patients living in Santa Clara County, targeted dry eye evaluations and custom treatment plans are available with specialists such as Dr. Joy Lam, an Optometrist in Palo Alto at Refine Optometry.

What Are Some Solutions That Can Help Soothe Dry Eyes?

If you have mild or serious symptoms, these techniques will calm your eyes and irritation from returning:

Artificial Tears (No Preservatives)
Fast acting boluses are conveniently available at stores. If you’re purchasing tears regularly, choose the ones without preservative.
???? Contact lens wearers, these help the eyes and lenses feel nice and comfy.
See the best contact lenses for dry eyes in 2025 →
Apart from working, remember to obey the 20-20-20 rule.
Looking away from the screen? Focus on something that’s 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes. This will encourage blinking and rest your eyes.
Use Warm Compresses
These type of compresses will improve the oily layer of your tears which unclogs your meibomian glands and reduces evaporation.
Staying Hydrated
In addition to being good for your body, drinking enough water helps us in the production of tears.
Using Blue Light Glasses
These are beneficial, especially for people who work in front of a screen all day because they support better eye comfort and aid in reducing strain.
Here's when to put on your blue light glasses for optimal use:
Modify your Surroundings
Invest in a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home, avoid the direct blast from fans or vents, and remember to put on wind and sun protective sunglasses when outdoors.
Explore Omega-3 Fish Oil
Omega 3 fatty acids like those contained in fish oil can enhance the quality of tears produced and help maintain comfort in the eyes over a prolonged duration.
Consult with an Eye Care Professional
When self help techniques and drugstore options have failed, it might be time to consult a dry eye specialist. A professional can walk you through stronger treatment options such as prescription eye drops, special contact lenses, or even some office-based procedures.

In Conclusion

Dry eyes can sneak up on you — starting as mild irritation and escalting to trouble seeing, concentrating, or experiencing life to its fullest. Identifying these symptoms as early as possible helps take remedial measures, reaching for eye comfort sooner rather than later.

From better focused lens customized for your needs to daily smart practices, relief is absolutely achievable. Whether you are looking for ways to reduce screen time or require better fitted contact lenses, help is at hand.

For those located in Santa Clara or Palo Alto, Refine Optometry can help you take care of your dry eye issues. You are not left to wonder since there are effective solutions available.