Dry eye symptoms can disrupt your comfort, focus, and quality of life—often without you realizing how much your daily habits are making things worse. Many patients in Southwestern PA live with chronic dry eye symptoms, which can cause blurry vision, eye irritation, and a constant feeling of dryness or discomfort. Understanding the most common dry eye triggers is essential in preventing dry eyes from worsening.
At Everett & Hurite, our experienced eye care specialists help patients across Southwestern PA identify dry eye causes and create customized treatment plans. From state-of-the-art dry eye diagnosis to lifestyle counseling and advanced therapies, we’re here to support your eye health at every stage.
In this guide, we’ll explore five everyday habits that may be worsening your dry eyes, and what you can do to protect your eyes and improve tear film stability.
1. Prolonged Screen Time and Digital Eye Strain
Staring at a computer screen, phone, or TV for extended periods is one of the most overlooked dry eye triggers. Digital device use reduces your blink rate, leading to tear evaporation and an unstable tear film. Patients often report increased dry eye symptoms, blurred vision, and a gritty, foreign body sensation after prolonged focus.
Solutions:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Position screens below eye level to reduce exposed ocular surface area.
- Use artificial tears as recommended by your eye doctor to keep your eyes lubricated during screen use.
2. Dehydration and Poor Diet Choices
Your overall health directly affects your tear production. Dehydration, poor nutrition, and diets lacking omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to aqueous tear deficiency or poor-quality tears. Underlying health issues, such as thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, or hormone replacement therapy, can also worsen dry eye symptoms if not properly managed.
Solutions:
- Drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- Incorporate foods rich in omega-3s, like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, which may support meibomian gland health and reduce ocular surface inflammation.
- Work with your doctor to manage chronic medical conditions and medications that could interfere with the tear glands.
3. Environmental Factors: Dry Air, Heating, and Air Conditioning
Exposure to dry indoor air, cigarette smoke, fans, and heating or air conditioning systems can increase tear evaporation, leaving the ocular surface vulnerable. These environmental factors are especially common in Southwestern PA during colder months when heating systems are running continuously.
Solutions:
- Use a humidifier at home or work to add moisture to the air.
- Wear protective glasses outdoors during windy days.
- Avoid cigarette smoke and other known dry eye triggers that inflame the lacrimal glands and disrupt tear retention.
4. Misuse of Contact Lenses and Eye Drops
Many contact lens wearers experience chronic dry eye symptoms but may misuse lenses or rely too heavily on over-the-counter eye drops that provide only temporary relief. Some eye drops, especially those with preservatives, can worsen ocular surface disease over time. Improper contact lens use can also disrupt the tear film, causing symptoms to worsen by the end of the day.
Solutions:
- Limit contact lens wear time, especially during flare-ups.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears, not just any store-brand lubricating eyedrops, for regular moisture.
- See an eye doctor to assess if scleral lenses or other options might better support tear film stability.
- Follow doctor’s instructions carefully regarding eye drop frequency, lens hygiene, and replacement schedules.
5. Ignoring Preventive Measures and Delaying Care
Ignoring early symptoms of dry eye or relying solely on over-the-counter treatments can lead to chronic dry eye. When dry eye symptoms progress, the tear ducts may drain tears too quickly, or oil glands may become clogged, reducing tear film stability and increasing inflammation.
Solutions:
- Incorporate warm compresses and gentle eyelid massage into your daily routine to support oil gland function.
- Schedule a comprehensive eye exam or tear osmolarity test to assess tear breakup time, aqueous-deficient dry eye, or meibomian gland dysfunction.
- Discuss nasal spray therapies, punctal plugs, or prescription medicines that help increase tear production and reduce tear evaporation.
Protect Your Eyes from Dryness with Everett & Hurite
Addressing the 5 everyday habits that may be worsening your dry eyes in Southwestern PA can make a meaningful difference in your comfort and eye health. At Everett & Hurite, we provide comprehensive dry eye evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and the latest therapies to help you manage your symptoms and protect your ocular surface.
Don’t let daily habits stand in the way of your eye comfort. Call 412-288-0858 or visit us online to schedule your personalized dry eye consultation today.
