If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why do my eyes feel gritty or sandy?”—you’re not alone. At Bellport Perspective Eye Care in Bellport, NY, dry eye symptoms are among the most common complaints we hear from patients. From burning and itching to watery eyes and blurred vision, these symptoms can be confusing and uncomfortable. According to Dr. Brian Cho, the answer often lies in the very habits of our modern lifestyles.
A Digital Dilemma: How Screen Time Affects Your Eyes
Most of us spend hours each day on digital devices, whether it's a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Unfortunately, this habit takes a toll on your eyes. Dr. Cho explains that when you stare at screens, you blink far less than normal—sometimes up to 50–70% less. This reduced blinking can interfere with the natural production of oil and tears needed to keep your eyes lubricated.
“An average person blinks about 10,000 times a day,” Dr. Cho says. “But when you’re in front of a screen, that number drops dramatically, and it directly impacts tear production.”
The Paradox of Watery Eyes
You might think watery eyes mean you have too many tears, but the truth is the opposite. When your eyes are dry, your brain kicks into overdrive and floods them with reflex tears to compensate. The result? Eyes that won’t stop watering, especially if your meibomian glands aren’t producing enough oil to keep those tears from evaporating.
This oil deficiency, often due to meibomian gland dysfunction, is a key cause of persistent tearing, blurry vision, and irritation.
Why Your Eyes Burn, Sting, or Feel Like Sandpaper
Dryness often leads to inflammation, which creates that irritating sensation that something is stuck in your eye—even when there’s nothing there. This inflammation becomes more noticeable later in the day, particularly after long hours of computer use.
Other symptoms include:
- Blurred vision that clears up after blinking
- A burning or stinging feeling in the eyes
- General fatigue or eye strain
- Light sensitivity
Are Allergies to Blame?
Are Allergies to Blame?Dr. Cho notes that while allergies can cause similar symptoms, they tend to affect the eyes throughout the entire day and are more seasonal in nature. Dry eye, on the other hand, often worsens throughout the day and isn’t tied to environmental allergens alone.
Environmental and Behavioral Triggers
If you’ve recently noticed your dry eye symptoms getting worse, environmental factors may be contributing. Ceiling fans, air conditioning, and even low humidity indoors can cause increased evaporation of your tear film. And yes, lack of sleep can make it worse. Your eyes need proper rest to replenish their moisture.
“Your eyes are connected to the rest of your body,” Dr. Cho says. “If your body doesn’t feel well, your eyes won’t either.”
Could Contact Lenses Make Dry Eyes Worse?
Absolutely. Contact lenses need moisture to function properly. If your eyes are dry, your lenses will dry out too, leading to increased discomfort, redness, and irritation. Dr. Cho likens it to a sponge: “Contacts act like a sponge. When your eyes are dry, so are they.”
Why Artificial Tears May Not Be Enough
Artificial tears offer short-term relief, but they don’t address the root cause of dryness. Think of them like lotion for your eyes—they soothe temporarily but wear off quickly. For lasting results, deeper treatment is often necessary.
What’s Causing Dry Eyes Now?
If you’ve never had dry eyes before and are now experiencing symptoms, aging may be a factor. Other causes include:
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes
- Medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and hormone therapy
- Health conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
Dry eye disease is multifactorial, meaning it has many causes that can build over time. What starts as minor discomfort can grow into chronic irritation if left untreated.
Find Relief at Bellport Perspective Eye Care
If you’re dealing with dry, itchy, or irritated eyes, you don’t have to suffer in silence. At Bellport Perspective Eye Care, we offer advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to address the underlying causes of dry eye—not just the symptoms.
Book an eye exam today and let us help you get to the root of your discomfort so you can see clearly and feel comfortable every day.