Dry, gritty eyes can feel like a small annoyance, until they start affecting your workday, your sleep, and even your mood. If you’ve been relying on artificial tears, a comprehensive eye exam can be a surprisingly helpful turning point. That’s because dry eye isn’t always just “tired eyes” or too much screen time. For many people, treating the whole picture often brings the most relief.
When dry eye is more than an eye issue
Tears aren’t just water. A healthy tear film has layers of oil, water, and mucus that work together to keep vision clear and the eye surface comfortable. When that balance is off, you can end up with:
- Burning, stinging, or a scratchy sensation
- Watery eyes
- Blurry vision that comes and goes
- Light sensitivity
- Contact lens discomfort
- “Tired eyes” that don’t match how much you slept
If this sounds like you, it’s worth looking beyond quick fixes to find out the root cause of your discomfort.
Autoimmune conditions and chronic dry eye
One of the most important connections is between dry eye and autoimmune disease. In autoimmune conditions, the immune system can mistakenly target glands and tissues that help keep the eyes lubricated.
Dry eye may be associated with conditions such as1:
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Thyroid-related autoimmune disease
Sometimes people notice dry eye symptoms before they’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition. That doesn’t mean dry eye automatically signals a serious illness, but it does mean your eye symptoms can provide useful clues that deserve attention.
Hormones, aging, and life stages
Hormonal shifts can change tear production and the oil layer that keeps tears from evaporating too quickly. This is a common reason dry eye shows up (or worsens) during:
- Perimenopause and menopause
- Pregnancy or postpartum changes
- Thyroid hormone imbalance
If your eyes became dry “out of nowhere” during a big life transition, you’re not imagining it. It’s often a real, physiological change.
Medications can dry out the eyes
A lot of everyday prescriptions (and even some over-the-counter meds) can reduce tear production or increase dryness. Common categories include:
- Antihistamines and decongestants
- Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications
- Blood pressure medications (including some diuretics)
- Acne treatments (especially isotretinoin)
- Sleep aids
If dry eye started after a medication change, mention it at your visit. Often, we can adjust your dry eye plan without changing the medication you need.
Metabolic health, inflammation, and dry eye
Dry eye is also linked with inflammation in the body. Conditions such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome can affect nerves, circulation, and the quality of the tear film. Some people notice:
- More frequent irritation and fluctuating blur
- Slower healing after eye infections or allergies
- Increased sensitivity to contacts or dry environments
Supporting eye comfort may involve treating the eye surface directly and improving overall wellness habits that reduce inflammation.
Feel better day to day with a plan built for your eyes
A personalized dry eye assessment can help identify whether the issue is low tear volume, rapid evaporation, eyelid inflammation, or a combination. Depending on your needs, recommendations might include:
- Targeted lubricating drops (not all drops work the same)
- Warm compress routines that actually fit your schedule
- Lid hygiene for blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction
- Allergy management strategies
- Prescription treatments when inflammation is a key driver
- Practical changes for screens, lighting, and indoor air
If your eyes feel chronically irritated, light-sensitive, or inconsistent from one hour to the next, schedule an appointment at EyeQ Optical in Spokane Valley. We’ll talk through your symptoms, your health history, and your daily routines, then build a plan that helps your eyes feel comfortable again.
