If your eyes often feel scratchy, irritated or tired, you’re not alone. Dry eye is a common condition that can affect anyone – especially in today’s screen-heavy, fast-paced world. But what are the actual causes of dry eyes? In this post, we’ll break down the most common dry eye triggers – from environmental factors to lifestyle habits – and share simple tips to help keep your eyes comfortable and hydrated.
Understanding Dry Eye
What is Dry Eye?
Dry Eye is a surprisingly common condition that happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears – or when the ones they do produce aren’t doing their job properly. The result? Discomfort, blurry vision and, over time, potential damage to the surface of the eye.
At the core of the issue is a disruption in the tear film which is the eye’s natural protective shield. It’s made up of three layers – lipid (outermost oily layer to minimize evaporation), aqueous (middle watery layer to lubricant) and mucin (inner most layer to anchor tears to the eye surface) – which work together to keep the eye smooth, clear and comfortable. But when the balance is off, tears can evaporate too quickly or fail to coat the eye evenly. That’s when our eyes will try to over correct and symptoms like scratchiness and excessive tearing occur.
Dry eye affects ~47% of the US population and it’s on the rise. While anyone can develop it, it’s especially common among older adults and women. Despite its prevalence, it remains one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated conditions in eye care. The challenge lies not in rarity, but in the tendency for both patients and healthcare providers to dismiss symptoms as minor inconveniences rather than signs of a legitimate medical condition requiring attention.
Common Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Dry eye doesn’t always show up in the way you’d expect. It can, for example, feel like burning or stinging but it might also come across as a gritty or sandy sensation, like something’s stuck in your eye. Paradoxically, your eyes might even start watering more than usual as they struggle to keep things balanced. Other warning signs include blurred vision, sensitivity to light and persistent discomfort, particularly after time spent looking at computer or phone screens, or in dry settings.
The Top Causes of Dry Eyes
Environmental Triggers
Sometimes it’s not just your eyes but what’s around you. Dry, windy weather, air conditioning and central heating can all strip moisture from the air, leaving your eyes feeling parched. Low humidity environments, like plane cabins or office buildings can also make things worse. Add high pollen counts, smoke, dust, or other airborne irritants into the mix, and it’s a recipe for red, irritated, uncomfortable eyes. If you already experience dry eye symptoms, being aware of dry eye triggers in your surroundings can make a big difference.
Screen Time & Digital Eye Strain
Staring at screens for long stretches can take a real toll on your eyes, and one of the biggest issues is reduced blinking. You see, when you’re concentrating on a screen, you naturally blink less, which means your eyes aren’t getting the moisture they need. On top of that, things like poor posture, awkward screen angles and long hours without a break can all add up to eyes that are tired, dry and uncomfortable.
But there’s an easy way to help ease the strain and it’s called the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It’s a simple habit that can help refresh your eyes and reduce the symptoms of dry eye throughout the day.
Hormonal Changes & Aging
Wearing contact lenses or using certain cosmetic products can sometimes disrupt the natural tear film that keeps your eyes comfortable. Eye makeup and cleansers often contain preservatives or harsh surfactants and may contribute to irritation or dryness by interfering with tear quality or clogging glands. If you wear contacts or frequently use eye cosmetics, it’s worth paying attention to how your eyes feel and taking steps to minimize any discomfort.
For more detailed tips on managing dryness related to contact lenses and cosmetics, checkout the helpful resources from OPTASE LIFE.
Medical Conditions and Medications
Certain medical conditions, and autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, can significantly reduce tear production and cause dry eye. Many commonly prescribed medications including antihistamines, antidepressants and beta-blockers can also have side effects that contribute to dryness and irritation. If you’re experiencing persistent dry eye and take medication or have an underlying health condition, it’s worth discussing this with your healthcare provider to explore possible causes and solutions.
How to Prevent and Manage Dry Eye
Environmental Adjustments
But what can you do to ease the symptoms of dry eye? Well, making a few simple tweaks to your environment can really help. Using a humidifier, for example, adds moisture to the air, which is especially useful in air-conditioned spaces. Also, you should try to steer clear of sitting right in front of fans, heaters or air vents as they tend to dry your eyes out even more.
Outdoors, you’ll find that wraparound sunglasses aren’t just for style but can help shield your eyes from wind, dust and other irritants that can make things worse. These small changes might seem minor, but together they can have a real impact on your everyday eye comfort.
Take Breaks and Blink More Often
Long hours in front of a screen can really take a toll on your eyes and one of the biggest issues is how little we blink when we’re focused. Blinking keeps your eyes hydrated, so when that blink rate drops, dryness kicks in fast.
Build in regular breaks and make blinking a conscious habit. Use screen timers, set phone alerts, try a blinking app or whatever works to keep it top of mind. It’s a small shift, but with consistent effort, it can make a big difference in how your eyes feel every single day.
Build a Daily Eye Care Routine
Managing dry eyes is about building a simple, consistent routine that keeps your eyes comfortable every day. The HCH regimen – that’s Heat, Cleanse, Hydrate – is a trusted approach that supports your eyes’ natural function and helps tackle the root causes of dry eyes.
Heat Start by applying gentle heat to your closed eyelids to help soften the oils in your meibomian glands (these are the glands that line your eyelids and keep your tears from evaporating too quickly). Do this using a microwaveable eye mask or a facecloth soaked in water around 40°C (104°F), warm, but not hot. Apply for about 5 – 10 minutes. This step can help improve the quality of your tear film and ease discomfort caused by blockages or inflammation.
Cleanse Next, clean the eyelid margins to remove any debris, bacteria, or leftover oils that might contribute to irritation or inflammation. Use a specially formulated eyelid wipe or a gentle cleanser recommended for eye care. Gently massage along the lash line with clean fingers or a cotton pad, using small circular motions. This step helps keep the glands clear and reduces the risk of further irritation.
Hydrate Finish by replenishing moisture with preservative-free eye drops or sprays designed for dry eyes. These help stabilize your tear film and give your eyes the hydration boost they need. Sticking with this simple three-step routine once or twice a day can have a real, lasting impact. Consistency is key because just like brushing your teeth, caring for your eyes works best when it becomes a daily habit.
Use the Right Products
Not all eye care products are created equal, especially when it comes to dry eye. Choosing the right options can make a big difference in both relieving your symptoms and supporting long-term eye health.
Start with preservative-free eye drops. These are gentler on the eyes, particularly if you’re using them multiple times a day. Preservatives can build up over time and potentially irritate or damage the delicate surface of the eye.
OPTASE HYLO FORTE dry eye drops are specially designed to provide extra moisture and protection for long lasting dry eye symptom relief.. Pair that with the OPTASE® Moist Heat Mask to help unblock meibomian glands and improve oil flow, and you’re already addressing the problem at its source.
Add OPTASE® TTO Wipes as they provide on-the-go cleansing to care for the skin around the lids and lashes and promote eyelid hygiene. The gentle concentration of tea tree oil and camomile combined with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera offers a soothing combination of ingredients.
The right products do more than provide quick relief – they support the foundations of lasting eye comfort.
When to See a Doctor About Dry Eyes
If dry eye symptoms stick around longer than a few days or start to disrupt your daily routine, it’s essential to reach out to an Eye Care Professional (ECP). Persistent discomfort, blurry vision, or a constant gritty feeling are signals your eyes need expert attention.
ECPs including optometrists and ophthalmologists are specially trained to get to the root of your dry eye issues. They don’t just treat symptoms; they assess your tear film quality, examine your eyelids and ocular surface, and identify any underlying causes such as inflammation or infection. This comprehensive approach allows them to tailor treatment plans specifically to your needs, which can include prescription eye drops, lifestyle advice, in-clinic therapies, or referrals for advanced care.
Conclusion
Dry eyes can be triggered by a variety of everyday factors from prolonged screen time and dry indoor air to environmental irritants and aging. Recognizing these common dry eye triggers is the first step toward protecting your eye health and maintaining clear, comfortable vision.
But don’t wait for discomfort to take over. Being proactive by making simple lifestyle adjustments, seeking professional advice when symptoms persist and using clinically trusted products can make all the difference.
Looking for gentle, effective relief? Explore the full Optase Dry Eye Range, specially formulated to soothe, protect and restore your eyes, so you can see and feel your best every day.