Dry Eye Syndrome: Causes, Relief, and What You Can Do

When your eyes feel gritty, burn, or water too much, you might be dealing with dry eye syndrome, a common condition where your eyes don’t make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, it’s not just an annoyance—it can make reading, driving, or using a screen painful. This isn’t something you just have to live with. Millions deal with it daily, and the root causes are often simple to fix once you know what they are.

The problem usually comes down to two things: not enough tear production, the natural fluid that keeps your eyes moist and protected, or tears that evaporate too fast because they’re missing the right oil layer. Think of your tear film like a sandwich: water in the middle, oil on top to seal it in, and mucus on the bottom to spread it evenly. If any layer is off, your eyes dry out. Aging, screen time, wind, dry air, and even some medications like antihistamines or antidepressants can throw this balance off. It’s not just older people either—people in their 20s and 30s are reporting it more, thanks to long hours on phones and computers.

What helps? artificial tears, over-the-counter eye drops designed to mimic natural tears are the first line of defense. But not all drops are the same—some have preservatives that irritate more, others are thicker and last longer. Humidifiers, taking screen breaks using the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds), and avoiding direct air from fans or AC can make a big difference. For some, omega-3 supplements or eyelid hygiene routines help rebuild the oil layer. It’s not magic, but it’s doable.

You won’t find a one-size-fits-all fix here, and that’s why the posts below cover real, practical options—from how certain meds can make it worse, to what actually works in daily life. Some people swear by warm compresses. Others find relief with prescription drops. A few even discover their symptoms are tied to something else entirely, like autoimmune conditions or vitamin deficiencies. The goal isn’t to overwhelm you, but to give you clear, no-fluff choices you can test right away. What works for one person might not work for you, but you’ll know exactly what to ask your doctor or try next.

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