Dry Eyes: Causes, Symptoms & Relief

Why Do My Eyes Always Feel So Dry?

You wake up rubbing your eyes. By mid-afternoon, they’re itchy, blurry, or burning — and by evening, it feels like there’s sand under your eyelids. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Millions of people experience dryness in eyes that interferes with comfort, clarity, and focus.

Dry eyes are a result of an inadequate delivery of moisture, or tears, to your eyes. Sometimes dry eyes occur because the body does not have the means to produce the necessary amount of tears. Other times, your tears may lack the appropriate properties and chemical balances required to stay lubricated.

Your tears not only lubricate your eyelid and eyeball, they also protect your mucous membranes from dryness and dehydration. Tears also wash dust and other foreign bodies from your eyes, while simultaneously coating them in lysozyme (a strong antiviral and antibacterial).can lead to irritation, vision problems, and even long-term damage if left untreated.

Below, we’ll walk through what causes dry eyes, how to recognize the symptoms, and what you can do to find lasting relief — whether that’s at home, with over-the-counter products, or with help from your eye doctor.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

While dry eyes usually occur due to a lack of tear production, the source can also be physical or environmental. The following are some such common causes:

Age. As your age goes up, your tear production goes down. People older than 50 often experience dry eyes.
Health. Lupus, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid conditions and other disorders will decrease the eyes ability to form tears.
Gender. Dry eyes are most common in women; especially in postmenopausal women.
Medication. Blood pressure medications, birth control pills, decongestants and antihistamines can all cause dry eyes.
Tear Glands. Damaged tear glands due to an accident, infection, injury or radiation treatments can decrease tear production.
Diet. A diet lacking Vitamin A (broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, kale) and Omega-3 fatty acids (flax seed, salmon, brussel sprouts, walnuts, shrimp) may result in decreased tear production.

What Are the Symptoms of Dryness in Eyes?

Symptoms of dryness in eyes can range from mildly annoying to seriously disruptive. Recognizing the signs early helps you take action before symptoms worsen.

• Red, irritated eyes
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• A gritty feeling, like sand in your eye
• Watery eyes — surprisingly, a sign of dryness
• Tired eyes after reading or screen use

How Do Tears Work — and Why Do They Matter?

Your tears aren’t just salty water. They’re a complex mixture of three layers — oil, water, and mucous — each playing a critical role in eye health and comfort.

• Oil layer: Keeps the water from evaporating. Produced by meibomian glands.
• Water layer: Hydrates and protects. Made by lacrimal glands.
• Mucous layer: Helps spread tears evenly. Comes from conjunctival cells.

If any one of these layers breaks down, your tear film becomes unstable, leading to symptoms of dryness, irritation, or blurry vision.

Can Dry Eyes Make Contact Lenses Uncomfortable?

Absolutely. Dry eyes can make wearing contact lenses frustrating — or downright painful. Without a stable tear film, lenses feel scratchy, vision gets hazy, and your eyes may not get enough oxygen.

Some brands offer higher oxygen permeability or moisture-retaining technology. If you’re struggling, talk to your eye care provider about lenses like Acuvue Oasys, BioTrue 1 Day, or Air Optix.

What Are the Best Treatments for Dry Eyes?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your dry eyes. Mild symptoms may improve with lifestyle changes, while chronic dryness may need medical care.

– Artificial tears: Over-the-counter drops that add moisture.
– Prescription drops: Like cyclosporine or lifitegrast to reduce inflammation.
– Punctal plugs: Tiny devices that block tear drainage, keeping eyes moist longer.
– Omega-3 supplements: Help improve tear quality naturally.
– Warm compresses: Stimulate oil glands and relieve meibomian dysfunction.
– Humidifiers: Increase moisture in dry indoor air.

When Should You See an Eye Doctor for Dryness?

If your dry eye symptoms persist despite using drops or adjusting your environment, it’s time to see a professional. Chronic dryness could be linked to an underlying condition or require prescription treatment.

Eye doctors can perform tests to measure tear quantity and quality, assess gland function, and recommend the right course of action — from drops to in-office therapies.

Don’t ignore persistent eye dryness. Relief is possible, and early care helps protect your long-term eye health.