You’re going about your day when you suddenly notice it—that gritty, scratchy, or burning feeling in your eyes. If you’ve developed uncomfortable, dry eyes, you’re likely looking for answers. Let’s explore some common reasons why this happens.
Sudden dry eyes can happen for many reasons, from your environment to your daily habits. The onset of dry eye is often a response to external factors or changes in your health. An eye care professional at Vision Care Center can help you identify the specific cause and find a path to comfort through options like dry eye therapy.
Common Reasons for Sudden Dry Eyes
Dryness in your eyes often stems from your daily habits or the world around you. So, your environment can play a substantial role in your eye comfort.
Changes in Your Environment
Your surroundings can affect your eye comfort. Factors like wind, smoke, or a dry climate can make your tears evaporate more quickly. Even indoor heating or air conditioning can reduce humidity, leading to dryness, a common cause of dry eye syndrome.
Increased Screen Time
When you focus on a digital screen, you tend to blink less often. Blinking is how your eyes spread a fresh layer of tears. Less blinking means your eyes don’t get the moisture they need, which can cause them to feel dry and lead to digital eye strain.
New Medications or Health Conditions
Certain medications, such as antihistamines or decongestants, can reduce tear production as a side effect. The start of some health conditions can also show up with dry eye symptoms, which is why it’s essential to understand what your eyes can say about your health.
Signs of Dry Eye to Watch For
Dry eye is more than just a feeling of dryness. It can show up in unexpected ways. You might experience several symptoms.
- A scratchy or gritty feeling
- Stinging or burning sensations
- Redness or irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision that comes and goes
- Overly watery eyes, which is your body’s response to the irritation
The Link Between Nutrients and Eye Health
What you eat, or don’t eat, can affect your eye health. Specific vitamins and nutrients are essential for healthy tear production.
The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s help maintain the oily layer of your tear film. This layer prevents your tears from evaporating too quickly. A lack of these fats can contribute to eye dryness, and while it may be a good option for many, some research suggests that fish oil supplements may not be a standalone solution for everyone.
Vitamins and Your Tear Film
There are several key vitamins for healthy eyes. Ensuring you’re getting adequate vitamins and minerals supports the surface of your eye and is needed for producing quality tears.
Simple Remedies and Lifestyle Adjustments
You can often find relief from sudden dry eyes with a few simple changes to your routine. These adjustments can help your eyes feel more comfortable throughout the day.
Give Your Eyes a Break
If you work on a computer, try the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple exercise can reduce digital eye strain.
Adjust Your Surroundings
Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home or office. When outside, sunglasses with wraparound frames can protect your eyes from wind and sun.
Try Artificial Tears
Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief. They supplement your natural tears, but it’s essential to know which type of dry eye you have to choose the right drops. Look for preservative-free options if you plan to use them frequently.
When to See an Eye Doctor
While often caused by environmental factors, dry eye can sometimes point to an underlying issue. A professional exam is the most direct way to understand your discomfort. The comprehensive eye exam provides a detailed look at your eye health. Your doctor can check your tear film, glands, and the overall surface of your eyes. This view helps identify the specific reason for your dryness.
Tailored Treatment Plans with Vision Care Center
Your eye care team can recommend personalized treatments based on a comprehensive eye exam. The recommendation might include prescription eye drops, in-office procedures, or specific lifestyle changes. The goal is to create a plan that works for you.
Sudden dry eye can be a frustrating interruption to your life, but you don’t have to just live with the discomfort. Understanding the potential causes is the first step toward feeling better.
The team at Vision Care Center is dedicated to helping families find relief and maintain their eye health. If you’re experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, schedule a visit with your eye doctor today. Your long-term comfort and vision are the primary focus.
