Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears—or when the tears you do make aren’t the right quality to properly lubricate and protect the surface of the eye. Healthy tears are made up of multiple layers, and when any layer is out of balance, dryness and irritation can occur.
Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time. While anyone can experience dry eye, it is more common as we age and in people over 40. Environmental factors, medications, and daily habits can all play a role in making symptoms more noticeable.
Common Symptoms
Dry eye symptoms can vary from mild to persistent and may affect one or both eyes. Common signs include:
Burning or stinging eyes
- A scratchy or gritty sensation, like something is in your eye
- Blurry vision that comes and goes
Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably
Discomfort or glare when driving at night
If these symptoms sound familiar, dry eye may be affecting your daily activities more than you realize.
Common Causes of Dry Eyes
Dryness is often caused by a combination of factors rather than a single issue. Understanding the cause is key to finding the right treatment.
Lifestyle and Environmental Causes
Everyday habits and surroundings can contribute to dry eye symptoms, including:
Prolonged screen time on computers, phones, or tablets
Air conditioning and ceiling fans that dry the air
- Dry indoor environments at home or work
In Hawaii, frequent exposure to air-conditioned spaces can make dry eye symptoms more noticeable.
Medications and Health Factors
Certain medications and health conditions may reduce tear production or affect tear quality, such as:
Antihistamines
Antidepressants
Birth control pills
Seasonal or environmental allergies
Contact Lens–Related Dryness
Contact lenses can also contribute to dry eye, especially if they are:
Improperly fitted
Old or not cleaned properly
Worn for extended periods
An updated contact lens fitting can often make a significant difference in comfort.
When to See an Eye Doctor
If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or interfering with your daily life, it’s time to schedule an eye exam. During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor can evaluate your tear quality, eye surface health, and vision to determine what’s causing your dry eye symptoms.
An accurate diagnosis is important—dry eye is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Dry Eye Treatment in Honolulu
At Simply Eyes Hawaii, we take a personalized approach to treatment. Our eye doctors will recommend treatment options tailored to your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and eye health needs. From simple changes to more advanced therapies, the goal is to improve comfort and protect your long-term vision.
If dry eye discomfort is affecting your quality of life, help is available. Schedule an eye exam at Simply Eyes Hawaii to explore personalized dry eye treatment options and start feeling relief.