If you’ve ever felt a gritty, burning sensation in your eyes or noticed they look red and irritated, you’re not alone. Dry eye symptoms are extremely common, affecting an estimated 16 million Americans, according to the National Eye Institute. And it’s not just a side effect of getting older. At SoCal Eye in Long Beach, we see patients of all ages struggling with chronic dry eye — and the causes might surprise you. The good news is that Dry Eye Treatment can be very effective.
Top Causes of Dry Eye (Besides Aging)
- Screen Time Overload
Spending long hours staring at computers, phones, and tablets reduces your blink rate by up to 66%, meaning fewer natural tears coat your eyes. This is called “digital eye strain,” and it’s one of the most common modern dry eye causes.
- Environmental Factors
Dry, windy climates, air conditioning, and even indoor heating can suck the moisture right out of your eyes. Living in Southern California means lots of sunshine — but also lots of dry air that can worsen dry eye symptoms.
- Medications
Certain medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure meds, and even birth control can decrease tear production. In fact, studies show that over 400 different medications are linked to dry eye symptoms. If you’re taking any of these and experiencing eye discomfort, it’s worth mentioning it to an eye doctor near me like the specialists at SoCal Eye.
- Hormonal Changes
Hormonal shifts, especially during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can throw off tear production. Women, in particular, are twice as likely to experience chronic dry eye due to hormonal imbalances.
- Underlying Health Conditions
Autoimmune diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can attack the glands that produce tears, leading to severe dry eye symptoms. People with diabetes are also at increased risk — up to 50% report some degree of dry eye.
How to Find Relief for Dry Eye
The good news? Dry eye doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. Early intervention with the right dry eye treatment can dramatically improve your comfort and vision.
At SoCal Eye in Long Beach, our team offers customized solutions, from prescription eye drops to advanced procedures like punctal plugs. Our goal is to treat the underlying cause, not just the symptoms.
When to See an Eye Doctor for Dry Eye
If you’re dealing with dry, scratchy, or tired eyes more often than not, it’s time to schedule an evaluation. The specialists at SoCal Eye are here to help diagnose your specific dry eye causes and design a treatment plan tailored to you.
Don’t just live with discomfort. Whether you’re battling dry eye symptoms from too much screen time, seasonal weather, or something deeper, expert help is nearby.
Contact SoCal Eye in Long Beach today to schedule your dry eye consultation — and start seeing (and feeling) clearer!
Ready to schedule an appointment?
Call us at (562) 531-2020 or or send us an Online Consultation Request. We look forward to seeing you!
