Dry Eye

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye, or dry eye syndrome, is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining eye health and providing clear vision. They lubricate the eyes, wash away particles, and help prevent infection.

Dry eye can be caused by various factors, including:

• Aging

• Hormonal changes (especially in women)

• Certain medications (like antihistamines or antidepressants)

• Long-term screen use

• Environmental conditions (wind, dry air, smoke)

• Medical conditions (such as autoimmune diseases)

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

• A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes

• Stringy mucus in or around your eyes

• Increased eye irritation from smoke or wind

• Eye fatigue after short periods of reading

• Sensitivity to light

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

• Periods of excessive tearing

• Blurred vision, often worsening at the end of the day or after focusing for a prolonged period

Take The Dry Eye Quiz

Impact on Daily Activities

Dry eye can interfere with many aspects of day-to-day life. Even mild symptoms can make routine tasks uncomfortable or frustrating. Examples include:

Reading and Writing

Dry eye can make it difficult to focus on text for extended periods. Eyes may feel tired or dry after just a few minutes, affecting productivity and enjoyment.

Driving
Symptoms like blurry vision and light sensitivity can make driving—especially at night or during bright sunlight—more difficult and potentially unsafe.

Outdoor Activities
Wind, smoke, or pollen can aggravate dry eye symptoms, discouraging outdoor recreation like walking, biking, or gardening.

Wearing Contact Lenses
Contact lenses may feel uncomfortable or even painful when dry eye is present, limiting options for vision correction.

How Dry Eye Affects Computer Work

Spending prolonged hours at a computer or digital screen is a leading cause of dry eye symptoms. This is because people blink 50% less frequently while using screens, which reduces tear distribution and increases tear evaporation.
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Impacts on Work:

• Eye strain and fatigue that reduces focus

• Blurred vision that makes reading or data entry difficult

• Frequent need to look away or apply eye drops

• Decreased productivity and comfort

Special Considerations

• Office environments often have dry air from heating or air conditioning, which worsens symptoms.

• Poor screen ergonomics (screen too high or bright) can increase strain.

Conclusion

Dry eye is more than just a minor irritation—it can significantly impact comfort, productivity, and quality of life. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding how daily habits contribute to the problem is the first step in managing it effectively.

Our Dry Eye Solutions
We provide a range of treatments to alleviate dry eye symptoms and improve eye comfort, including:

• Zest

• TearCare

• Punctal Plugs

• Autologous Serum

• Amniotic Membrane Treatment

• HydroEyes

• Oasis Tears Plus

• Eye Eco Cleaners (Wash & Scrubs)

• Regereyes Medications (biologic eye drops)

• Prescription medication to stimulate tear production and reduce inflammation.

Contact Us Today

Don't let dry eye symptoms affect your quality of life. Call our office today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards relief.