Other Causes of Dry Eye: Allergies, Blepharitis, and More

Many people describe dry eye as a sandy or scratchy sensation, as if something is stuck in the eye. This happens when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the surface of the eye without enough moisture. Over-the-counter artificial tears and making a conscious effort to blink more often can help ease this feeling between appointments.

Redness and itching are signs that the surface of the eye is inflamed and irritated. Rubbing your eyes may feel like a natural response, but it can actually make the inflammation worse. A cool, clean compress held gently over closed eyelids can help calm the irritation without causing additional damage.

Dry eyes can cause vision to blur temporarily, especially after extended time in front of a screen. Some people also experience photophobia, which means bright lights feel uncomfortable or even painful. Taking regular breaks from digital devices and wearing sunglasses when outdoors can help reduce both of these symptoms.

It may seem contradictory, but dry eyes can actually cause your eyes to water more than usual. The eye produces a reflex flood of tears when it senses irritation, but these tears tend to be low in quality and do not effectively coat or protect the eye surface. If constant tearing is bothering you, it is worth having an eye care provider look into the underlying cause.

Blepharitis and dry eye are related but separate conditions that often occur together. Blepharitis is specifically an inflammation of the eyelid margins that can cause the oil glands to become blocked or dysfunctional, which then contributes to dry eye. Treating blepharitis through consistent eyelid hygiene often improves dry eye symptoms, but the two conditions may need to be addressed individually for the best results.

Diet can influence the quality and stability of your tear film. Omega-3 fatty acids, found naturally in foods like salmon, sardines, walnuts, and flaxseeds, are often associated with reduced eye inflammation and improved tear quality. Staying well hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day also supports healthy tear production, since dehydration can reduce both tear volume and quality.

Many people notice that their symptoms shift with the seasons, and this is very common. Cold, dry winter air and windy conditions can speed up tear evaporation, while spring and summer bring higher pollen levels that can trigger allergic responses on the eye surface. Using a humidifier indoors during drier months and wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors can provide practical protection year-round.

Prescription dry eye drops such as cyclosporine and lifitegrast work by targeting inflammation on the surface of the eye rather than simply adding moisture. By reducing this underlying inflammation, they help your own tear glands function more effectively over time. These drops are typically recommended for moderate to severe cases where artificial tears alone have not provided enough relief, and they may take several weeks to show their full effect.

Punctal plugs are very small devices that a provider places into the tiny openings in your eyelids that normally drain tears away from the eye. By slowing this drainage, punctal plugs help keep more of your natural tears on the eye surface for longer. They are generally considered when artificial tears and other conservative measures have not been enough to keep symptoms under control.

If your symptoms have lasted more than a week, are interfering with daily activities like reading or driving, or include significant pain or noticeable changes in vision, it is time to schedule an exam rather than continuing to manage on your own. Dry eye that goes untreated can sometimes lead to damage on the surface of the eye, so early professional evaluation is always the safer path. A provider can also rule out other conditions that may be mimicking dry eye symptoms.