What Is Dry Eye and How to Recognize the Symptoms

Dry eye is more than just occasional irritation - it’s a common eye condition that can affect your comfort, vision, and overall quality of life. If you often find your eyes feeling gritty, watery, or tired, you may be experiencing symptoms of dry eye disease. At Coastal VisionCare, our goal is to help you understand this condition and get the relief you deserve.
 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Healthy tears are essential for eye comfort, nourishment, and clear vision. When the tear film becomes unstable, the surface of the eyes can become irritated and inflamed.

Several factors can increase your risk of dry eye, including:

• Digital screen use

• Aging

• Hormonal changes

• Certain medications such as antihistamines or antidepressants

• Environmental conditions like wind, dry weather, or smoke

• Contact lens wear

• Medical conditions such as autoimmune disorders

• Meibomian gland dysfunction
 

Common Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye doesn’t always feel the same for everyone, but many people experience:

• Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation

• Red, watery eyes

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Eye fatigue or discomfort after reading or screen time

• Feeling like something is stuck in your eye

• Light sensitivity

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably
 

Diagnosing Dry Eye

While mild dry eye symptoms might seem like just an inconvenience, the condition can worsen without proper care. Chronic dry eye can damage the eye surface, increase the risk of infection, and interfere with daily activities like driving or spending time on devices.

With an advanced dry eye evaluation in Palm Bay, our experienced eye doctor, Dr. Brian Harris, can pinpoint what’s causing your symptoms and recommend personalized treatment options. We offer solutions that go beyond temporary relief - focusing on long-term comfort and eye health.
 

Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation at Coastal VisionCare

Dry eye is a condition millions of people struggle with, but effective treatment is available. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking help from an eye care professional can make a significant difference in your eye comfort and vision.

If you're experiencing persistent dryness or irritation, contact Coastal VisionCare to schedule your dry eye evaluation and take the next step toward more comfortable vision. Visit our office in Palm Bay, Florida, or call (321) 724-2020 to book an appointment today.