Why Are My Eyes So Dry? Common Causes and Lasting Relief

Dry, irritated eyes are a common problem that can affect people of all ages. Whether it’s a temporary discomfort or a chronic condition, dry eyes can interfere with your daily activities, from reading and driving to simply enjoying the outdoors. Understanding the underlying causes is the first step toward finding lasting relief.
 

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

Your eyelids contain oil-producing glands called meibomian glands that prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or dysfunctional, the quality of your tears is compromised. MGD is one of the leading causes of chronic dry eye and often requires targeted treatment to restore gland health.
 

Tear Film Imbalance

Your eyes rely on a delicate tear film made up of three layers: oil, water, and mucus. The oily layer helps slow evaporation, the watery layer provides moisture, and the mucus layer spreads tears evenly across the eye’s surface. If even one layer is disrupted, your tears may evaporate too quickly or fail to coat the eye properly. This imbalance can leave your eyes feeling scratchy, irritated, or constantly watery as your body tries to compensate by producing more tears.
 

Environmental Factors

The environment around you plays a big role in eye comfort. Living in Southern California means frequent exposure to dry, sunny weather, strong winds, and seasonal allergens that can all worsen eye dryness.

Indoor conditions can also contribute - air conditioning, heating systems, and smoke exposure can strip away moisture from the air and your eyes. Even spending time in airplanes or in front of a fan can make dry eye symptoms worse.
 

Digital Eye Strain

Screen use has become a daily necessity, but it takes a toll on your eyes. When you focus on digital devices like computers, tablets, or smartphones, your blink rate naturally decreases. Blinking less often means tears don’t spread as well across the eye’s surface, causing them to evaporate quickly. This is why many people experience burning, tired, or watery eyes after hours of screen time. Over time, frequent digital strain can contribute to chronic dry eye if not managed properly with regular breaks and protective strategies.
 

Medical Conditions and Medications

Certain health conditions can affect your body’s ability to produce healthy tears. Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Sjögren’s syndrome commonly cause dry eye symptoms. Metabolic or hormonal disorders such as diabetes and thyroid disease may also disrupt tear production.

In addition, many commonly prescribed medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and acne treatments, can reduce moisture in the eyes, making them feel dry and irritated.
 

Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle habits can also worsen dry eye symptoms. Smoking, for example, exposes your eyes to toxic chemicals that can irritate the surface, reduce tear production, and increase the risk of chronic dryness. Even secondhand smoke can have a negative effect. Excessive alcohol use, poor diet, and lack of hydration may also contribute to eye dryness by depriving the body of essential nutrients and moisture.
 

Treatment Options for Dry Eyes

Relief from dry eyes depends on addressing the root cause. At Orange County Eye Institute, we offer customized treatments that go beyond temporary fixes:

• Artificial Tears & Lubricating Drops: Helpful for mild dryness and occasional relief.

• Prescription Medications: To reduce inflammation and increase natural tear production.

• Punctal Plugs: Targets blocked oil glands and restore balance to your tear film.

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Simple changes like using a humidifier, wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors, and taking regular screen breaks can significantly improve symptoms.
 

Find Lasting Relief for Dry Eye at Orange County Eye Institute

By identifying the cause, you can take steps toward effective, long-term relief. At Orange County Eye Institute in Santa Ana, we are here to provide advanced diagnostics and tailored treatment plans to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Orange County Eye Institute to find the right dry eye treatment for your symptoms. Visit our office in Santa Ana, California, or call (949) 770-1322 to book an appointment today.