What Lifestyle Habits Can Make Dry Eye Worse?

Dry eye is a common and often frustrating condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. The result is discomfort, irritation, and sometimes blurry vision. While some causes of dry eye are medical, many daily habits can also contribute to or worsen dry eye symptoms.

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye syndrome affects the eye’s ability to stay properly lubricated. Healthy tears are made up of three layers (oil, water, and mucus) that work together to maintain eye moisture and protect the surface. When any of these layers are out of balance, you may begin to notice symptoms such as a gritty sensation, stinging, burning, eye fatigue, and light sensitivity.

Everyday Habits That Can Worsen Dry Eye

Certain lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can aggravate dry eyes, even if you're following a basic eye care routine. Here are some habits to watch for:

Prolonged Screen Time: Spending hours on digital devices can reduce your blink rate, which leads to faster evaporation of tears. When you don’t blink frequently, your eyes can’t redistribute moisture effectively.
Exposure to Fans, Heaters, or Air Conditioning: Direct airflow from ceiling fans, car vents, heaters, or AC units can dry out your eyes. These environments reduce humidity and increase tear evaporation.
Smoking or Exposure to Smoke: Tobacco smoke, including secondhand smoke, is a major irritant that can inflame the eyes and worsen dry eye symptoms.
Not Wearing Sunglasses Outdoors: Wind, sun, and dry air outside can contribute to tear evaporation. Protective eyewear helps shield your eyes from these environmental triggers.
Poor Hydration and Diet: Dehydration can reduce tear production. A diet lacking in omega-3 fatty acids, which support tear quality, may also worsen dry eye symptoms.
Inadequate Sleep: Lack of sleep impairs the eye’s natural repair processes and can lead to increased dryness and discomfort.
Overuse of Contact Lenses: Wearing contacts for extended periods can disrupt the tear film and prevent proper oxygen flow to the cornea, contributing to dryness and irritation.

When to See an Eye Doctor

If lifestyle changes don’t bring relief, or if your symptoms are persistent or worsening, it’s important to see your eye care professional. At Family Vision Care of Richmond, we can determine the underlying cause of your dry eye and offer targeted treatments such as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, which treats meibomian gland dysfunction, one of the most common contributors to chronic dry eye.

IPL helps restore the oil layer of your tears, reducing evaporation and improving overall eye comfort. We’ll also assess your environment, daily habits, and medical history to recommend a personalized plan that addresses your unique needs.

Take the First Step Toward Long-Lasting Relief

Dry eye can impact your daily comfort and long-term eye health. While lifestyle habits can play a big role in worsening symptoms, recognizing and adjusting those habits can provide meaningful relief. And when home remedies aren't enough, expert care and advanced treatments can make all the difference.

Schedule your dry eye consultation with Family Vision Care of Richmond to explore personalized solutions that work for you. Visit our office in Glen Allen or Ashland, Virginia, or call (804) 217-9883 to book an appointment today.