Experiencing occasional dry, itchy eyes is something most people encounter due to allergies, seasonal changes, or the aftermath of a pesky encounter with a contact lens. However, for a significant number of Americans dealing with persistent dry eyes, these discomforting symptoms become a constant, impacting daily life. Dry eye disease is a chronic condition arising from inadequate tear production to keep the eyes properly lubricated.

To precisely diagnose dry eye disease, consulting an ophthalmologist is crucial, as various factors can contribute to eye irritation. However, there are clear indicators of dry eyes that should prompt you to schedule a visit with an eye specialist.

1. Red eyes

Redness in the eyes can stem from swollen blood vessels on the whites of the eyes, the outer layer of the eyeball. In the absence of eye infections or allergies, persistent redness often points to extreme dryness. Insufficient lubrication leads to the rubbing of eyelids against the cornea, the eye's clear front part, causing irritation. Additionally, conditions like Meibomian gland dysfunction, where oil glands along the eyelids don’t produce enough lubricant, can contribute to redness and discomfort.

2. Light sensitivity

Disturbances in the eye's tear film can result in light sensitivity or photophobia. The tear film, usually a smooth layer, can become uneven due to dry eyes, causing discomfort when light enters the eye. The reflection of light off an irregular tear film can lead to heightened sensitivity to light.

3. Blurry vision

Blurred vision is a recurrent symptom of dry eyes. While vision might be clear in the morning after a night's sleep, dryness during the day can cause intermittent blurry vision. The tears covering the eye's front play a crucial role in vision. If dry eyes disrupt this tear film, the result can be cloudy or blurred vision.

A strong and smooth tear film allows clear vision, but any disruption in this layer can affect the quality of sight, creating a blurry effect.

4. Eye strain

Extended periods of focusing on screens, be it smartphones, computers, or other electronic devices, can contribute to eye dryness and strain. Prolonged screen time often leads to reduced blinking, exacerbating dryness. People tend to blink less when deeply engrossed in activities like reading or driving, causing eye strain.

To counteract eye dryness during activities like reading or driving, it's advisable to take breaks every 40 minutes, allowing the eyes to rest and regain moisture.

5. Excess tearing

Excessive tearing might, paradoxically, be caused by a lack of lubrication. When the eyes are dry, the cornea instructs the tear glands to produce more tears in an attempt to eliminate irritants. However, because the eyes can only store so much liquid, excess tears overflow, resulting in tearing.

Excessive tearing is frequently reported by patients with evaporative dry eye syndrome. When the oil layer in the eye is insufficient, the tear layer evaporates quickly, resulting in greater tearing.

Seeking assistance from professionals if you experience chronic symptoms of dry eyes is critical for an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment. Ignoring these indications may result in long-term discomfort and complications.

6. Discomfort while wearing contact lenses

Dry eye issues might exacerbate pain in those who are used to using contact lenses. Dryness can cause grittiness or the sensation of a foreign object in the eye, especially if you use contacts. If you have persistent discomfort while wearing contact lenses, you should consult a specialist at a retina eye center. They can determine whether the discomfort is due to dry eyes and offer suitable contact lens usage adjustments or alternate methods to improve comfort. Ignoring discomfort when wearing contact lenses may aggravate dry eye symptoms and cause further irritation.