What’s Causing My Dry Eye?

Dry eyes are often the result of problems with your tears, which can be affected by your environment, medications, or underlying health conditions.

Environmental Factors

• Low humidity and temperature extremes: Indoor heating or air conditioning can dry out your eyes, much like it dries out your skin and lips.
• Wind and airflow: Windy conditions and using fans indoors can cause tears to evaporate faster
• Allergens and smoke: These irritants can trigger faster tear evaporation, worsening dry eye symptoms.

Medications That Can Cause Dry Eye

• Sedatives, sleep aids, cold remedies, or anxiety medications
• Allergy medications
• Blood pressure medications
• Certain eye drops, including glaucoma drops or products with preservatives (like Visine or Similasan)

Your optometrist can help you review your medications to identify potential contributors to dry eyes.

Health Conditions That Contribute to Dry Eye

• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorders
• Rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren’s syndrome
• Parkinson’s disease
• Rosacea
• Previous eye surgery

Lifestyle Factors
Tasks that require prolonged visual focus, like reading, computer work, or watching TV, can reduce how often you blink. Less blinking leads to eye strain and dryness.

Tips for Relieving Dry Eye

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
• Use preservative-free lubricant eye drops such as Refresh, Systane, Soothe, or Blink. Avoid redness-relief or allergy eye drops like Visine, Similasan, or Naphcon A.
• If you sleep with a fan or other moving air, consider using a gel drop or eye ointment to keep your eyes moist overnight.

When to See an Optometrist

If dry eye symptoms persist, an optometrist can perform a comprehensive eye exam, review your medical history, and identify all factors contributing to dry eye. They can provide personalized treatment options.

Remember: Dry eye is a chronic condition. It can’t be “cured” overnight. With the right combination of lifestyle adjustments and medical care, you can manage symptoms and maintain healthy, comfortable eyes.

If you're experiencing persistent discomfort, McDonald Eye is here to help. Our team will assess your eye health and recommend personalized solutions to keep your vision clear and comfortable.

Schedule your eye exam today!