Blinks and Tears: What You Need to Know About Dry Eye and How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Dry eye syndrome is a complex and common condition affecting millions worldwide. It occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to irritation, discomfort, and even vision problems. Understanding the connection between blinking, tear production, and eye health can help you take steps to relieve and prevent dry eye symptoms.
Why Is Blinking Important?
Tears are essential for maintaining healthy eyes. The cornea, the clear front part of the eye, relies on tears for oxygen, moisture, nutrients, and protection against infections. Blinking plays a crucial role in spreading tears evenly across the eyes’ surface and activating the tear-producing glands, keeping the eyes hydrated and comfortable. However, reduced blink rates—often due to prolonged screen use—can disrupt our natural tear-production mechanisms and contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Understanding the Tear Layers
The tear film consists of three essential layers, each playing a vital role in maintaining eye health:
Lipid (Oil) Layer – The outermost layer, produced by the meibomian glands, prevents tears from evaporating too quickly.
Aqueous (Water) Layer – The middle layer, produced by the lacrimal glands, provides hydration and delivers nutrients to the eye surface.
Mucin Layer – The innermost layer helps tears spread evenly across the eye, ensuring smooth coverage and adhesion.
Disruptions in any of these layers can lead to dry eye symptoms and discomfort.
Common Causes of Dry Eye
Dry eye symptoms can be triggered or exacerbated, by several factors, including:
Screen Time & Digital Eye Strain – Staring at screens reduces blink frequency, leading to increased tear evaporation.
Aging – Tear production naturally declines with age, especially in individuals over 50.
Hormonal Changes – Women experiencing pregnancy, menopause, or birth control use may have a higher risk of dry eye.
Environmental Factors – Wind, dry air, air conditioning, and smoke can accelerate tear evaporation.
Medications – Antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can contribute to dryness.
Contact Lens Wear – Long-term contact lens use may interfere with tear film stability.
Medical Conditions – Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis can reduce tear production.
Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye
You may have dry eye if you experience:
Stinging or burning sensations
Redness and irritation
Blurry vision
A feeling of something stuck in your eye
Watery eyes (a reflex response to dryness)
Sensitivity to light
How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy and Prevent Dry Eye
If you suffer from dry eyes, here are some practical ways to protect and improve your eye health:
1. Blink More Often & Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Take frequent breaks from screens by looking 20 feet away every 20 minutes for at least 20 seconds.
Consciously blink more often when using digital devices to keep your eyes moist.
2. Stay Hydrated & Maintain a Balanced Diet
Drink plenty of water to keep your body and tear glands hydrated.
Include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet (found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts) to support tear production. You can also add an omega-rich supplement such as De3 from PRN and Hydroeye from Science Based Health
3. Use Artificial Tears & Lubricating Eye Drops
Over-the-counter preservative-free eye drops can provide relief from dryness and irritation. Systane, Refresh, Optase, Ivizia, and Retaine are all brands that offer options.
Avoid ClearEyes, Visine, Rhoto, Naphcon, and other drops that reduce redness. These aren’t lubricating and can cause rebound inflammation. If you must use a redness-reducing drop Lumify is best.
4. Adjust Your Environment
Use a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air.
Avoid direct exposure to fans, heaters, and air conditioning.
Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect against wind and sun exposure.
5. Apply Warm Compresses & Eyelid Hygiene
A warm compress helps unblock oil glands in the eyelids, improving tear film quality. Use a warm compress on the eyelids for 10-15 minutes at least once daily. Depending on your needs and preferences, there are many compress varieties, ranging from ones that can be warmed in a microwave to ones that can plug in via USB or have a button-release heating mechanism. There are even single-use ones that can be handy for travel. The best warm compress is one that you can use consistently.
Clean your eyelids daily with a gentle eyelid cleanser, Zocular, Systane, and Optase wipes are great options. You can choose to use a foaming cleanse or spray such as Optase lid cleansing spray.
6. Avoid Smoking & Reduce Alcohol Intake
Smoking worsens dry eye symptoms by irritating the eyes and reducing tear production.
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, affecting tear quality.
7. Consider Specialized Dry Eye Treatments
If your symptoms persist, consult an eye doctor for advanced treatments such as:
Prescription eye drops (e.g., Restasis, Xiidra)
Punctal plugs to prevent tear drainage
Lid treatments like IPL and Radiofrequency improve meibomian gland function and reduce inflammation.
When to See an Eye Doctor
I. At OptiHealth Optometry, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye with the latest technologies.
📍 Located in Santa Monica, we are dedicated to providing personalized dry eye care solutions. Schedule your appointment today!
By making simple changes to your daily routine and seeking professional care when needed, you can keep your eyes healthy and comfortable. If you’re experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, don’t wait—reach out to OptiHealth Optometry for expert care!
