What is it?

Dry eye happens when your eyes don't produce enough tears, or produce tears that don't lubricate the surface of the eye well. It's one of the most common reasons people see an eye doctor, and for most people it's a manageable, day-to-day comfort issue rather than a serious threat to vision.

Common symptoms

  • Stinging, burning, or a gritty feeling
  • Redness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurred vision that often improves with blinking
  • A sensation of something in the eye
  • Watery eyes (the eye's response to irritation, somewhat counterintuitively)

Causes & risk factors

  • Aging
  • Extended screen time (blink rate drops noticeably when we focus on a screen)
  • Contact lens wear
  • Certain medications (some antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants)
  • Environmental factors — wind, dry climates, air conditioning
  • Certain underlying health conditions

When to see a doctor

Occasional dryness is common and often responds to simple changes. See a doctor if symptoms are persistent, affect your daily activities, or don't improve with over-the-counter measures.

See an eye doctor promptly if you have sudden vision loss, sudden eye pain, or a sudden increase in flashes or floaters — these can signal something that needs urgent attention.

What treatment generally involves

Management generally starts with artificial tears, taking regular screen breaks, and environmental changes like a humidifier. For more persistent cases, an eye doctor has additional in-clinic options to discuss. What works well varies by person, so it's worth a proper evaluation rather than guessing indefinitely.

Everyday habits that help

  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule during screen time (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
  • Blink deliberately and fully, especially while reading screens
  • Use a humidifier in dry or air-conditioned rooms
  • Stay hydrated
This page is for general educational purposes and does not replace a professional eye examination or personal medical advice. Please consult a qualified ophthalmologist for diagnosis or treatment tailored to you.