What Causes Dry Eyes? Common Triggers You Should Know

Dry eyes are one of the most common complaints people bring to their eye doctor. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, discomfort and irritation can follow. If you’re struggling with persistent dryness, burning, or a gritty feeling in your eyes, our eye doctors in Haslet, TX can help you get to the root of the problem and find effective solutions.

Screen Time and Digital Eye Strain

Prolonged use of computers, tablets, and smartphones can reduce how often you blink. This leads to faster tear evaporation and dryness throughout the day.

Aging and Hormonal Changes

As we age, tear production naturally decreases. Women, especially during pregnancy, menopause, or while taking hormonal medications, can be at higher risk of dry eye symptoms.

Environmental Factors

Wind, dry air, and smoke can irritate your eyes and make tears evaporate too quickly. Air conditioning and heaters used indoors can also contribute to dryness.

Contact Lens Wear

Contact lenses can interfere with tear distribution and contribute to dryness, especially without proper cleaning or long wear times.

Certain Medications

Prescription and over-the-counter medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs may reduce tear production as a side effect.

Allergies

Seasonal allergies can trigger inflammation and uncomfortable dryness. Rubbing your eyes may make symptoms worse.

Underlying Health Conditions

Conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid issues can affect tear glands and cause chronic dry eye.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

These tiny glands in your eyelids provide oils for your tears. When they become blocked, your tears evaporate quickly and dry eye symptoms worsen.

When Should You See an Eye Doctor?

If your eyes frequently feel irritated, watery, or sensitive to light, it’s important to schedule an eye exam. While occasional dryness may improve on its own, chronic symptoms can indicate an underlying condition that needs professional care. Untreated dry eye can become more severe over time, leading to painful inflammation, blurred vision, or even damage to the eye’s surface that can impact your long-term vision and comfort.

A comprehensive dry eye evaluation allows our optometrist to assess tear quality, tear gland function, and the health of your eyelids. With an accurate diagnosis, you’ll receive targeted treatment designed to address the specific cause of your discomfort rather than just masking symptoms.

We provide personalized dry eye treatment in Haslet that focuses on long-term relief. Our eye doctors take the time to understand your symptoms and lifestyle, then tailor a treatment plan that may include prescription eye drops, nutritional support, or strategies to improve daily comfort. Our goal is to restore healthy tear function so you can get back to enjoying life without irritation or discomfort holding you back.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Consultation Today

Dry eyes can affect your comfort, focus, and overall quality of life. By identifying what’s causing your symptoms, you can take steps toward lasting relief. Our team is here to find the right treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.

If dry eye symptoms are interfering with your daily life, contact Joy Family Eye Care to schedule a consultation and learn more about personalized treatment options. Visit our office in Haslet, Texas, or call (817) 439-5400 to book an appointment today.