If your eyes constantly feel dry, irritated, tired, watery, or uncomfortable, you are not alone. July is officially recognized as Dry Eye Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about a condition that affects millions of people every day.
Many people assume occasional eye discomfort is normal, especially after long hours on screens, driving, reading, traveling, or spending time outdoors. But ongoing symptoms may actually be signs of dry eye.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough quality tears to properly lubricate and protect the surface of the eye. Tears play an essential role in maintaining everyday comfort, supporting clear vision, and helping keep the eyes healthy. When the tear film becomes unstable, the eyes may become dry, irritated, and inflamed, leading to symptoms that can interfere with daily activities and overall eye comfort.
Source: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person, but common signs include:
- Burning or stinging eyes
- Gritty or sandy feeling
- Redness
- Blurry vision that comes and goes
- Eye fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Excessive tearing or watery eyes
- Discomfort while wearing contact lenses
Believe it or not, watery eyes can actually be a sign of dryness. When the eyes become irritated, they may overproduce tears in response.
What Causes Dry Eye?
There are many factors that can contribute to dry eye symptoms, including:
- Increased screen time
- Aging
- Air conditioning or fans
- Travel and dry climates
- Contact lens wear
- Certain medications
- Hormonal changes
- Environmental irritants like smoke or wind
Modern lifestyles play a major role. Many people spend hours every day staring at phones, tablets, and computers, which can reduce blinking and contribute to dryness.
Simple Ways to Support Eye Comfort
The good news is that small daily habits can make a difference when it comes to supporting eye comfort.
- Blink More Often: When using screens, people naturally blink less. Try to take regular breaks and consciously blink more throughout the day.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps support overall wellness, including tear production.
- Use Artificial Tears: Lubricating eye drops may help provide temporary relief from dryness and irritation. Preservative-free options are often preferred for frequent use.
- Support Your Eyes from Within: Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly used to help support overall eye comfort and tear quality.
- Protect Your Eyes: Sunglasses can help shield eyes from wind, sun exposure, and environmental irritants when outdoors.
Dry Eye Awareness Matters
Dry eye is incredibly common, yet many people continue to ignore symptoms or assume discomfort is just part of daily life. Raising awareness helps encourage people to pay attention to their eye health and speak with their eye care professional if symptoms persist.
This July, take a moment to check in with your eyes. Small changes in your routine may help support greater daily comfort and healthier-feeling eyes.
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