Have you ever felt like your eyes are dry, only to notice they’re also watering? This frustrating contradiction is one of the telltale dry eye symptoms that affects millions of Americans. New Yorkers face particular challenges with dry eye disease due to atmospheric pollutants, the drying effects of air conditioning and heating systems, and seasonal allergies.
Recognizing the signs of dry eye early can help you get relief faster. Keep reading to learn about the common symptoms and when to seek help from your eye doctor.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears you make are of poor quality. Your tear film has three layers: an outermost lipid layer (oil), an aqueous layer that makes up 90% of your tears (water), and a mucin layer that coats the corneal surface.
When any of these layers isn’t functioning properly, the entire tear film becomes unstable. This imbalance leads to a range of uncomfortable symptoms that can affect your daily life.
Common Dry Eye Symptoms to Watch For
The most obvious dry eye symptoms include a stinging or burning sensation in your eyes, as if something is irritating them. Many people describe a scratchy, gritty feeling, as if there’s sand in the eye. These sensations can range from mildly annoying to significantly painful, depending on the severity of your condition.
Vision changes are another key indicator. You might notice blurred vision, particularly when reading or using digital screens for extended periods.
Visual fatigue sets in more quickly than usual, making it hard to focus on tasks that require sustained attention. Some people also report that their vision fluctuates throughout the day.
Here’s something that surprises many patients: watery eyes can actually be a sign of dry eye. When your eyes are irritated by dryness, they respond by producing excess tears to compensate.
You might also see strings of mucus in or around your eyes, experience redness (especially when you’re in the wind or near cigarette smoke), or find that wearing contact lenses has become painful or uncomfortable.
When to See an Eye Doctor
If your dry eye symptoms persist for more than a few days, it’s time to schedule an evaluation. You should see an eye doctor if your symptoms are affecting your daily activities, such as reading, driving, or working on a computer.
Over-the-counter lubricating drops can provide temporary relief, but if they don’t help after consistent use, professional treatment may be necessary. Pay attention to symptoms accompanied by significant redness, pain, or vision changes.
These could indicate more serious underlying problems that require medical evaluation. Chronic dry eye can sometimes signal eyelid disease or autoimmune conditions that require proper diagnosis and management.
At Rosenthal Eye Surgery, your eye care team can make a definitive dry eye diagnosis and prescribe treatment options tailored to your specific needs, from artificial tears and nutritional supplements to advanced therapies like BlephEx and prescription medications.
Get Relief from Dry Eye Today
Recognizing the signs of dry eye is the first step toward finding relief. If you’re experiencing persistent eye discomfort, burning, watery eyes, or vision problems, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Schedule an appointment at Rosenthal Eye Surgery in Long Island, NY, today to explore your dry eye treatment options and get back to seeing comfortably.
