If you constantly deal with scratchy, irritated, or watery eyes, you aren't alone. At Wide Eye Optometry, our experienced optometrists Mary Demirjian, OD, and Robert Brill, OD, help patients find real, lasting relief from dry eyes.
From our offices in Encino, Santa Clarita, and Palmdale, California, we use advanced diagnostics to uncover the subtle, everyday habits that disrupt your tear film.
Dry eye isn’t simply a lack of tear production; in fact, most cases stem from rapid tear evaporation — often triggered by hidden environmental and lifestyle factors. Identifying these daily catalysts is the first step toward reclaiming your comfort.
To effectively manage your dry eye symptoms, it's essential to understand what is causing them. Here are five surprising everyday triggers that might be drying out your eyes:
Applying makeup close to your lash line can physically block the meibomian glands, which secrete the protective oils that keep your tears from evaporating. A recent study found that 71.6% of women who regularly wear eye cosmetics experience dry eye symptoms.
While CPAP machines are vital for managing sleep apnea, minor mask leaks can direct a constant stream of air across your eyes at night. This continuous airflow rapidly evaporates your tear film while you sleep.
When your computer monitor is set too high, you must open your eyes wider to see it. This increased exposure accelerates tear evaporation. Additionally, staring at screens reduces your blink rate by up to 66%, dropping from 15 blinks per minute to just five.
Fine particulate matter and gaseous pollutants in the air can cause localized oxidative stress on the surface of your eyes, leading to inflammation and tear instability.
Certain systemic medications, such as oral isotretinoin used for severe acne, can cause the meibomian glands to shrink and reduce oil production, leading to severe evaporative dry eye.
Addressing dry eye requires a combination of simple behavioral adjustments and targeted clinical treatments. First, try lowering your computer screen so your gaze is directed 15-20 degrees downward. This simple ergonomic shift reduces the exposed surface area of your eyes and encourages complete, natural blinks.
Additionally, avoid over-the-counter "redness relief" drops; many contain preservatives like benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which can actually damage your corneal cells over time.
If lifestyle changes aren't enough, we offer advanced solutions. We can evaluate your tear film during a comprehensive eye exam to determine if you’ll benefit from specialized therapies.
These include prescription eye drops like perfluorohexyloctane, which forms a protective barrier to stop tear evaporation, or in-office intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to clear blocked glands and reduce inflammation.
Don't let persistent eye irritation disrupt your daily life. If you're ready to find personalized solutions for your symptoms, Wide Eye Optometry is here to help. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment at our Encino, Santa Clarita, or Palmdale, California, location.