Do your eyes ever feel like they have sand in them after a long day at work or hours in front of a screen? That scratchy, uncomfortable sensation can be more than just annoying—it may be a sign of dry eye syndrome.
At Coastal Family Eyecare, we provide expert dry eye treatment in Orange Beach to help relieve discomfort and restore all-day eye comfort. During a comprehensive eye exam, our eye doctor can identify what’s causing your gritty, scratchy eyes and recommend the best treatment plan for your needs.
Keep reading to learn more about why your eyes feel gritty, common triggers, and how to get lasting relief.
Common causes of gritty eyes
Gritty eyes can result from several factors, including:
- Dry eye syndrome: When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, dryness and irritation follow.
- Digital eye strain: Long hours at computers or on smartphones can reduce blinking, leaving eyes dry and scratchy.
- Contact lens wear: Poorly fitted or overused contact lenses may cause discomfort.
- Environmental factors: Wind, smoke, and dry indoor air can worsen dry eye symptoms.
- Aging: Aging negatively impacts tear production, leading to dryness.
- Medications: Some antihistamines, antidepressants, and other medications can reduce tear production.
- Medical conditions: Autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and other health issues can contribute to gritty eyes.
How dry eye syndrome leads to scratchy eyes
Dry eyes happen when the tear film can’t properly lubricate the surface of your eyes. This condition can be caused by:
- Inflammation of the eyelid glands
- Reduced tear production due to age or medical conditions
- Excessive tear evaporation
Without proper lubrication, every blink can feel rough, like sandpaper on the eye, making everyday tasks uncomfortable.
Treatments to relieve dry, gritty eyes
At Coastal Family Eyecare, we offer a range of treatments to target the root causes of dry eyes, including:
- OptiLight IPL therapy: Helps improve oil gland function and reduce inflammation.
- Medicated eye drops: Soothe irritation and restore moisture.
- Punctal plugs: Help retain natural tears on the eye surface.
- Meibomian gland expression: Clears blockages to improve oil flow.
- Amniotic membranes: Promote healing and protect the eye surface.
During a comprehensive eye exam, our experienced eye doctor can evaluate your tear film, eyelid health, and lens fit to create a treatment plan that works for you.
Managing gritty eyes from screen time
Extended screen time can worsen dry, scratchy eyes. To reduce strain, you can try the following tips:
- Take regular screen breaks by following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Reduce eye strain by adjusting your screen’s brightness and minimizing glare.
- Keep your eyes comfortable by using lubricating eye drops or any dry eye treatments recommended by your eye doctor.
When to see an eye doctor
If gritty eyes persist, it could be a sign of dry eye syndrome, inflammation, or lens-related issues. Regular exams help maintain optimal eye health and comfort, especially if you wear contact lenses or spend long hours on screens.
Schedule your appointment with Coastal Family Eyecare today to identify the cause of your gritty eyes and start the right treatment plan.