As the air turns crisper and the leaves start to fall, you might notice more than just pumpkin spice in the air. For many, the change in weather brings an uncomfortable dryness to their eyes. If you’re someone who experiences dry, itchy, or gritty eyes, you’re not alone. Dry eye syndrome is a common issue, especially as the temperature drops, and environmental factors shift during the change of seasons. Understanding what causes dry eyes, how to recognize the symptoms, and what you can do about it is the first step toward soothing relief.

The Causes of Dry Eyes: What’s Really Behind the Irritation?

Dry eyes occur when your eyes can’t produce enough tears or the quality of your tears isn’t good enough to keep the surface of your eyes properly lubricated. The tear film is essential for keeping your eyes moist and comfortable. Without it, you can experience burning, itching, and a gritty sensation, as if something is stuck in your eye.

Here are the most common causes of dry eyes.

Environmental Factors

As autumn arrives, environmental changes play a big role in exacerbating dry eyes. Cooler temperatures and dry, windy air cause moisture to evaporate more quickly from your eyes. Indoors, heating systems kick on, further drying out the air and, consequently, your eyes. This creates the perfect storm for eye discomfort.

Screen Time

Many of us spend long hours in front of computers or other digital devices. Excessive screen time can reduce blink rates, which affects how tears spread over the eye’s surface. Fewer blinks mean less moisture, contributing to the development or worsening of dry eyes.

Aging and Hormonal Changes

Aging is another factor that can lead to dry eyes. As we age, our eyes naturally produce fewer tears. Hormonal changes, particularly for women during menopause or pregnancy, can also affect tear production, increasing the likelihood of dry eyes.

Medications and Health Conditions

Certain medications—such as antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants—can have side effects that reduce tear production. Additionally, health conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid issues are associated with a higher risk of dry eye syndrome.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are more than just an inconvenience; they can be a sign that your eyes need more attention and care. It’s important to know the symptoms so you can take action early.

Common Symptoms

Some of the most common signs of dry eyes include:

• A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes
• Redness and irritation
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision or eye fatigue, especially after prolonged reading or screen use
• The feeling of having something in your eye, like grit or sand
• Watery eyes - Ironically, dry eyes can cause excessive tearing. Your eyes try to compensate for dryness by producing an excess of watery tears, but these tears don’t stay on the eye’s surface long enough to correct the dryness.

When to Seek Help

If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to take them seriously. If untreated, dry eyes can lead to more severe issues, like damage to the surface of your eye or increased risk of infection. If home remedies like using artificial tears or limiting screen time aren’t enough, consult an eye care professional.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Getting Relief for Dry Eyes

Fortunately, diagnosing and treating dry eyes is relatively straightforward, but it requires attention. Don’t ignore your symptoms, hoping they’ll go away on their own. Early diagnosis can make a world of difference.

Diagnosis

When you visit your eye doctor, they’ll likely perform a few simple tests to determine if you have dry eyes. One common test involves placing a small strip of paper under your lower eyelid to measure tear production. Another may include using dyes to see how well your tears cover the eye’s surface and detect any damage to the cornea.

Treatment Options

Various treatments are available depending on the severity of your dry eyes. Here are a few options you might encounter:

• Artificial Tears: For mild cases, over-the-counter artificial tears can provide temporary relief by supplementing your eye’s natural moisture.
• Prescription Eye Drops: If artificial tears don’t do the trick, your eye doctor may prescribe medicated eye drops to help increase tear production or reduce inflammation.
• Punctal Plugs: In more severe cases, your doctor may recommend punctal plugs. These tiny, biocompatible plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to reduce the drainage of tears from your eyes, helping retain moisture longer.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Simple changes, like reducing screen time, using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, and wearing protective eyewear in windy or cold environments, can help alleviate dry eyes.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: There’s evidence that adding Omega-3 supplements to your diet can improve tear production and eye health. Consult your doctor before starting any supplements.

Don’t Skip Your Annual Eye Exam

It can be tempting to push off your annual eye exam, especially if your vision seems fine, but dry eyes are a good reason to keep up with those appointments. Your eye health can change over time, sometimes without obvious symptoms, and regular eye exams ensure that problems like dry eyes, glaucoma, or even vision changes are caught early.

During an exam, your eye doctor can assess the overall health of your eyes, look for any underlying conditions contributing to dry eyes, and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Don’t wait until your symptoms worsen before seeing a professional.

When left untreated, chronic dry eye can lead to more serious issues like corneal damage or increased susceptibility to infections. Annual exams help your doctor track any changes and prevent complications from escalating.

Dry eyes might be a common issue, but it doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking appropriate treatment will help you manage dry eyes effectively. As the seasons change and environmental factors come into play, take action to protect your eyes and stay on top of your eye health with regular check-ups.

Information received through CEC vision care channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

CEC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of VSP Vision.

Sources: American Optometric Association (AOA), American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), The Vision Council (TVC), National Eye Institute (NEI), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).