Do your eyes constantly feel scratchy, irritated, or tired even when you’re well-rested? You may reach for eye drops frequently or rub your eyes throughout the day. If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with dry eye syndrome, a frequently chronic condition that should not be ignored. 

Ignoring dry eye symptoms can lead to more than just discomfort. It can impact your vision, eye health, and overall quality of life. In this blog, we discuss why your dry eye symptoms deserve attention and what you can do about them. 

What causes dry eye? 

Dry eye happens when your tears aren’t doing their job properly. Your eyes need a steady supply of quality tears to stay hydrated, comfortable, and protected. When something disrupts that balance, your eyes can feel dry, irritated, and fatigued. 

Some common culprits behind dry eye include: 

• Too much screen time (we all blink less when staring at screens) 
• Wind, air conditioning, or dry climates 
• Wearing contact lenses for long hours 
• Aging (tear production slows down over time) 
• Certain medications (like antihistamines, decongestants, or antidepressants) 
• Hormonal changes (especially during pregnancy or menopause) 

Why you shouldn’t ignore dry eye symptoms 

At first, dry eye might seem like just a minor annoyance. But over time, untreated dry eye can lead to more serious problems, including: 

1. Chronic discomfort 

If your eyes constantly burn, sting, or feel gritty, you may have difficulty performing everyday activities, such as reading, driving, or working on a computer. 

2. Blurred vision 

Without enough moisture, your vision can fluctuate, making it harder to focus. Some people even experience temporary blurry vision that improves when they blink. 

3. Increased risk of eye infections 

Tears help wash away dust, bacteria, and debris. When your eyes aren’t properly lubricated, they become more vulnerable to infections like conjunctivitis. 

4. Damage to the eye surface 

Severe or untreated dry eye can lead to inflammation, corneal scratches, and even ulcers, which can cause long-term vision issues. 

5. Difficulty wearing contact lenses 

If you wear contacts, dry eye can make them feel uncomfortable, especially if you don’t wear the right type of contact lenses.  

How to get relief from dry eye 

You don’t have to live with dry eye discomfort. There are plenty of ways to manage symptoms and keep your eyes feeling comfortable: 

• Use artificial tears – Over-the-counter eye drops can help in mild cases, but it’s best to use preservative-free options. 
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule – Give your eyes a break from screens every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. 
• Control your environment – Use a humidifier, avoid having air blow directly into your face, and wear sunglasses in windy weather. 
• Eat eye-friendly foods – Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts) can help improve tear quality. 
• Consider scleral lenses – These specialty contact lenses create a protective moisture layer over the eye, providing exceptional comfort for those with severe dry eye. If you’re interested, ask our eye doctor about these contact lenses during your next exam! 
• Try advanced dry eye treatment – At New England EyeWorks, we offer state-of-the-art dry eye treatment in Keene, NH, including TearCare®, IPL therapy, and BlephEx®, to target the root causes of dry eye and provide lasting relief. 

Don’t wait to get treatment 

Dry eye isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a real eye health issue that can affect your comfort, vision, and daily life. The sooner you address your symptoms, the better your eyes will feel. 

If you’re struggling with dry, irritated eyes, schedule an eye exam at New England EyeWorks today. Our team will assess your symptoms and recommend the best treatment plan for long-term relief. Call us or request your appointment online now!