Why Are My Eyes Always Dry? Common Causes of Chronic Dry Eye

Dry, irritated eyes once in a while are common, but symptoms that keep returning may point to chronic dry eye. If your eyes frequently burn, feel gritty, water excessively, or become tired during the day, the problem may involve more than temporary irritation. At 808 Eye Care, we help Honolulu patients identify what is affecting their tear film so we can recommend dry eye treatment based on the underlying cause.

What Causes Chronic Dry Eye?

Healthy tears do more than make your eyes feel wet. They help nourish and protect the surface of the eye while maintaining comfortable, clear vision. Chronic dry eye develops when you do not produce enough tears, your tears evaporate too quickly, or the tear film lacks the proper balance of water, oil, and mucus.

One common cause is meibomian gland dysfunction. The meibomian glands along the eyelids produce oils that slow tear evaporation. When these glands become clogged or inflamed, tears can disappear from the eye's surface too quickly.

Everyday Factors That Can Make Dry Eye Worse

Your daily routine and environment can also contribute to persistent symptoms. Common dry eye triggers include:

•          Long periods of computer, tablet, or smartphone use

•          Air conditioning, fans, wind, and other environments that increase tear evaporation

•          Contact lens wear

•          Certain medications that can reduce tear production

•          Eyelid inflammation or blocked oil glands

•          Hormonal changes and natural changes associated with aging

•          Not blinking frequently enough while concentrating on close-up tasks

For patients, spending time outdoors followed by hours in air-conditioned homes, offices, and vehicles may also contribute to fluctuating eye comfort.

Why Are My Eyes Watering If They Are Dry?

Watery eyes can surprisingly be a symptom of dry eye. When the surface of your eyes becomes irritated because the tear film is unstable, your eyes may respond by producing a sudden flood of watery tears.

These reflex tears can temporarily make your eyes water, but they may not contain the proper balance of oils needed for lasting lubrication. This is why someone can experience excessive tearing while still having chronic dry eye.

When Dry Eye Symptoms Keep Coming Back

Artificial tears can provide temporary relief for mild symptoms, but repeatedly reaching for eye drops does not always address why your eyes are dry. Persistent burning, redness, blurry vision, light sensitivity, gritty sensations, or difficulty wearing contact lenses should be evaluated by an eye doctor.

A dry eye evaluation can help determine whether symptoms are related to poor tear production, excessive evaporation, eyelid inflammation, blocked oil glands, or another eye health issue.

Finding the Right Dry Eye Treatment

There is no single treatment that works for every dry eye patient. Depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms, treatment may include changes to your daily routine, artificial tears, prescription options, specialty contact lenses, punctal plugs, or treatments designed to improve blocked oil glands. Our goal is to help Honolulu patients understand what is causing their chronic dry eye and find an appropriate treatment plan for clearer, more comfortable vision.

If dry, burning, watery, or irritated eyes are becoming part of your everyday routine, schedule a dry eye evaluation with 808 Eye Care to learn more about treatment options. Contact our office in Honolulu, Hawaii, by calling (808) 949-9999 to book an appointment today.