Understanding Dry Eye Symptoms and Dry Eye Syndrome

Woman Rubbing Her Eye/ Dry Eye

What’s Causing My Dry Eyes?

If you’ve ever felt a stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes, you’re not alone. Dry eyes are one of the most common complaints among patients, especially during seasonal transitions and long workdays.

You might notice discomfort when wearing contact lenses, driving at night, or spending extended time on screens. These symptoms can range from mildly irritating to significantly disruptive, affecting your focus, mood, and overall quality of life.

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

According to the Mayo Clinic, dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears you do produce aren’t balanced enough to keep your eyes properly lubricated. Tears aren’t just water; they’re a delicate mix of mucus and water that protect and nourish the surface of your eyes. When this balance is disrupted, your eyes can become dry, inflamed, and more vulnerable to environmental stressors. While dry eye syndrome is chronic, it can affect anyone. But it’s most common in adults over 40 and tends to develop gradually over time.

Other Causes of Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eyes aren’t always caused solely by tear production issues. According to the American Optometric Association, several lifestyle and environmental factors can contribute to dry eye symptoms even if you don’t have a formal diagnosis of dry eye syndrome. These include:

• Medications: Certain prescriptions like antihistamines, antidepressants, and birth control pills can reduce tear production as a side effect.

• Contact Lens Use: Wearing old, dirty, or poorly fitted contact lenses can irritate the eye surface and disrupt tear flow.

• Indoor Air Quality: Dry air from heaters, ceiling fans, or air conditioning can evaporate tears more quickly, especially in colder months.

• Allergies: Seasonal or environmental allergies can inflame the eyes and contribute to dryness.

• Screen Time: Staring at digital devices for long periods can reduce your blink rate, which means fewer chances for tears to spread across the eye surface.

Why Diagnosis Matters

Because dry eye symptoms can stem from multiple sources, it’s important not to self-diagnose or rely solely on over-the-counter solutions. What works for one person may not be appropriate for another.

That’s why a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Baldwin, O.D. is the best first step. During your visit, she’ll assess your eye health and overall vision to help determine the next appropriate steps. Whether it’s seasonal dryness, screen fatigue, or something more complex, an accurate diagnosis ensures that any recommendations are tailored to your unique needs.

What You Can Do Now

While treatment options should always be discussed with your optometrist, there are simple habits you can adopt to support eye comfort:

• Be mindful of your screen time and take regular breaks.

• Stay hydrated throughout the day.

• Keep your contact lenses clean and follow your wear schedule.

• Pay attention to seasonal changes and how your eyes respond.

If you’ve been experiencing symptoms, don’t wait to schedule your eye exam and let Dr. Baldwin help you see clearer again.

See you soon

The Surfside Family Eye Care Team