Dry eye is one of the most common concerns we see in the clinic—and if your eyes ever feel gritty, tired, or watery (yes, watery!), you may be dealing with it too.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes can’t maintain proper moisture. This can happen in two main ways:
- Decreased tear production – your eyes don’t make enough tears
- Tear evaporation – your tears dry up too quickly
Your tears are made up of three important layers: oil, water, and mucus. The oil layer plays a key role in keeping tears stable and preventing them from evaporating too fast. When there isn’t enough oil, dryness and irritation can follow.
Do You Have Dry Eyes?
Dry eye is especially common during colder months when humidity levels drop. Environmental factors, lifestyle habits, and even age can all play a role.
Your risk may be higher if you:
- Are over 50
- Wear contact lenses
- Have had laser eye surgery
- Are a woman
- Have low vitamin A in your diet
- Smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke
Common Causes of Dry Eye
1. Environmental Factors
Living in colder climates or higher elevations often means lower humidity. Dry indoor air can make symptoms worse, especially in winter.
2. Screen Time
When using digital devices, we blink up to 66% less. Less blinking means your tear film isn’t being refreshed as often—leading to dryness.
3. Contact Lenses
Contact lenses can absorb moisture and collect protein deposits throughout the day, which may reduce comfort and contribute to dryness over time.
4. Smoking
Tobacco smoke affects the oil layer of your tears, increasing evaporation. Even secondhand smoke can have an impact.
Simple Ways to Find Relief
Hot Compresses
A warm compress is a natural and effective way to open the oil glands in your eyelids. This helps improve tear stability and makes it easier for your eyes to clear away debris.
Humidifiers
Adding moisture to the air can make a big difference—especially during dry winters. A humidifier helps maintain a more eye-friendly environment at home.
Artificial Tears
Lubricating eye drops can provide quick relief. However, not all drops are created equal. Many contain preservatives that limit how often they can be used.
At River City Eye Care, we carry preservative-free artificial tears, which are safe to use as often as needed for ongoing comfort.
Take Screen Breaks
Make a conscious effort to blink more and follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Omega-3 Supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids—found in foods like fish or in supplement form—can help improve the function of your oil glands and reduce inflammation.
When to Seek Help
If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to have your eyes assessed. Dry eye is a manageable condition, and with the right combination of treatments, long-term relief is absolutely possible.
At River City Eye Care, we can help identify the root cause of your dry eye and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle and needs.
If your eyes are feeling dry, irritated, or fatigued—don’t ignore it. A simple change in your routine (or the right treatment plan) can make a big difference in your day-to-day comfort