07/21/2026
JULY IS DRY EYE AWARENESS MONTH:
Dry eye, a global problem affecting more than 30 million people in the United States alone, occurs when the eye does not produce tears properly or when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly. For some people, it feels like a speck of sand in the eye, or stinging or burning that does not go away. For others, dry eye can become a painful chronic and progressive condition that leads to blurred vision or even vision loss if it goes untreated due to inflammation that can cause ulcers or scars on the cornea, the clear surface of the eye. Moderate-to-severe dry eye is associated with significant pain, role limitations, low vitality, poor general health, and often depression.
Risk factors of dry eye include:
• Being more than 50 years old
• Hormonal changes or medicines that affect hormones
• Refractive surgery (for example, Lasik)
• Inflammation of the eyelids
• Environmental conditions, such as allergies, exposure to smoke, or a dry climate
• Contact lenses
• Poor make-up hygiene
• Certain medications (including some used to treat eye conditions such as glaucoma)
• Medical conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea, Sjögren syndrome, and certain other autoimmune diseases
• Decreased blink rate: Can be caused by frequent computer or device use or occurs in certain diseases, such as Parkinson’s
• Eyelid conditions that cause eyelids to not close completely
Be sure to talk with your eye doctor to determine if there is an underlying cause to your dry eye. Your eye doctor will talk with you about your medical history, environmental risks, and medications. Your eye doctor will also examine your eye and assess the quality and quantity of the tears you produce.
What are the symptoms?
People with dry eye may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
• Fluctuating blurry vision
• Burning or stinging
• Particles in the eye
• Gritty, sandy feeling
• Itchiness
• Redness and inflammation
• Stringy mucus
• Extreme sensitivity, especially to cigarette smoke
• Increased sensitivity to light
Having any of these symptoms may mean that you have dry eye, but they may also be caused by other conditions. A thorough evaluation by your eye doctor is needed to determine the exact cause of these symptoms.
What can you do to prevent dry eye symptoms?
Humidifier: The use of a humidifier helps keep natural moisture in the air and can help with dry eye symptoms. A humidifier is helpful for dry rooms, such as those with air heaters or air conditioning, or in dry climates.
Avoid low humidity conditions (if possible): Hair dryers, harsh winds and cigarette smoke should be avoided whenever possible. In addition, limit air conditioning, forced air heating, windy conditions, and in airplanes or cars when the heater or defroster is on.
Take frequent screen breaks: When using a computer or other electronic device, it is important to remember to blink often and give the eyes frequent rests from staring at the screen (every 20 minutes).
Drink water: Make sure you keep your body and your eyes hydrated by drinking water.
Talk to your eye care professional: If your dry eye is related to an eye condition, such as contact lens wear or the chronic use of glaucoma eye drops, talk to your eye care professional about your options. You can also discuss with your eye care professional if taking vitamins or supplements can help with your symptoms of dry eye.
How can I relieve the discomfort and irritation?
It is important to talk with an eye care professional about your options to help relieve the discomfort and irritation from dry eye.
Over-the-counter eyedrops and ointments: Any pharmacy carries over-the-counter tear film replacements called “artificial tears.” These eyedrops may replace the natural tear film of the eye and provide improved moisture. Artificial tears come in various brands that have different ingredients, including preservatives and preservative-free versions. Ointments can be used before bedtime to make sure your eyes stay lubricated during the night. Frequent use of these preparations, particularly those with preservatives, for long periods of time, may cause toxic irritation or even allergic reactions. Over-the-counter artificial tears solutions are not a treatment for dry eye, although they can lessen the symptoms. It is important to talk with an eye care professional before using these or any other eye drops. It is important to take your eyedrops properly.
Eyelid Care: If the cause of your dry eye is eyelid irritation, your eye doctor may recommend warm compresses on the eye, massaging your eyelids, or eyelid cleanser. Prescription medications: If you have a more serious case of dry eye, your eye doctor may suggest eye drop, nasal spray, or oral medications that will help with your tear film.
