If your eyes often feel gritty, irritated, or watery, you may be experiencing dry eye disease—one of the most common, yet often misunderstood, eye conditions. At Ray Dahl Optical & Optometrists in Sidney, we’re here to help you understand your symptoms and find lasting relief.
What Is Dry Eye
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to inflammation and discomfort on the surface of the eye.
It’s not just a nuisance; it can impact your vision, your comfort, and your quality of life.
Dry eye can be temporary or chronic, but the good news is that it’s manageable with professional care.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may be living with dry eye:
- Burning, stinging, or scratchy eyes
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Redness or a gritty sensation
- Watery eyes or tearing
- Eye fatigue, especially after computer or device use
- Light sensitivity
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
These symptoms often worsen with screen time, contact lens wear, or in dry or windy environments.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye can have many contributing factors, including:
- Ageing – Tear production naturally decreases with age.
- Digital eye strain – Staring at screens reduces blinking, drying out the eye surface.
- Contact lenses – Can reduce oxygen and moisture to the cornea.
- Environmental conditions – Wind, smoke, or low humidity.
- Certain medications – Such as antihistamines, antidepressants, or blood pressure medication.
- Underlying eye conditions – Like blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
At Ray Dahl Optical & Optometrists, our comprehensive eye exams assess your tear film, eyelid health, and meibomian glands to uncover the cause, not just the symptoms.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Many people try over-the-counter drops to relieve dryness, but true dry eye disease often needs a tailored approach. Only a professional evaluation can determine whether your dryness is caused by tear evaporation, inflammation, or a blocked oil gland.
Book a dry eye consultation with Ray Dahl Optical & Optometrists today.
Your comfort and clarity are our focus.