Dry Eye Isn’t Just Dryness: What Exacerbates Symptoms & What Helps
Dry, irritated eyes are one of the most common reasons people schedule an eye exam, yet many patients are surprised to learn that dry eye disease isn’t always about a lack of tears. In fact, dry eye can cause watery eyes, fluctuating vision, burning, redness, and eye fatigue.
Understanding what exacerbates dry eye symptoms, and what actually helps, is the first step toward lasting relief.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye occurs when the eyes can’t maintain a healthy tear film. This may be caused by:
- Poor tear quality
- Rapid tear evaporation
- Insufficient tear production
- A combination of the above
Healthy tears rely on a balance of oil, water, and mucus. When one layer is disrupted, the surface of the eye becomes irritated and unstable.
What Makes Dry Eye Symptoms Worse?
Digital Screen Use
Prolonged screen time significantly reduces blink rate, allowing tears to evaporate faster. This often leads to burning, eye strain, blurred vision, and headaches.
Dry or Windy Environments
Indoor heating, air conditioning, low humidity, and Arizona’s desert climate can all worsen symptoms by accelerating tear evaporation.
Contact Lenses
Contacts can interfere with the tear film, especially when worn for long hours or paired with heavy screen use.
Medications
Antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and acne treatments may contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Hormonal & Medical Factors
Hormonal changes, autoimmune conditions, and chronic inflammation can increase dry eye severity.
Dry Eye vs. Digital Eye Strain
Dry eye and digital eye strain are different conditions, but they often overlap. Eye strain may cause headaches and focusing difficulty, while dry eye contributes to burning, redness, and fluctuating vision. Many patients experience both at the same time.
Dry Eye Treatments: From Mild to Advanced
Mild Symptoms
- Preservative-free artificial tears
- Environmental adjustments
- Warm compresses and lid hygiene
Moderate Symptoms
- Prescription eye drops
- Nutritional support (as recommended by an eye doctor)
- Specialized eyewear
Chronic or Advanced Dry Eye
- In-office procedures such as punctal plugs or amniotic membranes
- Customized treatment plans to help minimize dry eye symptoms
Because dry eye has many causes, effective treatment depends on identifying the underlying issue.
How Horizon Can Help
Horizon Eye Specialists & LASIK Center offers comprehensive dry eye evaluations designed to identify the root cause of symptoms, not just mask them. Our team creates personalized treatment plans to help patients find long-term relief and clearer, more comfortable vision.
If your eyes burn, water, or feel tired by the end of the day, schedule a comprehensive eye exam to find out what’s really causing your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get relief from dry eyes?
+For mild symptoms, using preservative-free artificial tears several times a day can bring quick comfort. If over-the-counter drops don’t help, your eye doctor can recommend treatments like punctal plugs or AmnioGraft to restore long-term moisture and healing.
When should I see a doctor about dry eyes?
+If your eyes constantly feel gritty, red, or watery, or if your vision blurs after reading or screen time, it’s time to schedule an exam. Chronic dry eye can lead to inflammation or corneal damage, so catching it early helps prevent more serious issues.
What is AmnioGraft and how does it help with dry eyes?
+AmnioGraft uses a cryopreserved amniotic membrane that promotes natural healing on the eye’s surface. It reduces inflammation, repairs damaged tissue, and supports lasting relief for patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease or when the surface of the eye shows signs of damage. AmnioGraft is not a baseline dry eye treatment; it is typically recommended only when standard therapies (like artificial tears, prescription drops, or punctal plugs) are not enough, or when the cornea needs additional healing support. It can also be used for patients with corneal inflammation, persistent epithelial defects, or other surface diseases that require regenerative tissue healing.