Why Your Dry Eye Symptoms May Be Getting Worse - And When to See a Doctor

If your eyes often feel dry, gritty, or irritated, you may be experiencing more than just a minor annoyance. These symptoms are common signs of dry eye, a condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Left untreated, dry eye can gradually worsen and interfere with your daily comfort and vision. Understanding the reasons behind your worsening symptoms and when to seek professional care can help you find lasting relief.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. A healthy tear film is made up of three layers (oil, water, and mucus) that work together to keep the eyes lubricated, nourished, and protected. When any of these layers are disrupted, particularly the oily layer that prevents evaporation, symptoms of dry eye begin to appear. 

One of the most common causes of this imbalance is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a condition in which the tiny glands along the eyelids fail to produce enough oil, allowing tears to dry out too quickly. As a result, patients may experience burning or stinging sensations, redness and irritation, blurred vision that improves with blinking, a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes, or sensitivity to light. While these symptoms may seem minor at first, they can gradually worsen if left untreated, leading to greater discomfort and potential complications.

Why Dry Eye Symptoms May Be Getting Worse

Several factors can cause dry eye to progress:

• Increased Screen Time - Extended digital device use reduces blink rates, preventing tears from spreading evenly and leading to faster evaporation and dryness.

• Environmental Triggers - Dry or windy climates, air conditioning, heating, and indoor fans can strip moisture from your eyes, making symptoms worse.

• Aging and Hormonal Changes - Tear production naturally declines with age; hormonal changes, especially during menopause, can further contribute to dry eye.

• Underlying Health Conditions - Autoimmune diseases, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and eyelid problems can all increase the risk and severity of dry eye.

• Medications - Certain prescriptions for allergies, high blood pressure, depression, or pain relief may decrease tear production and worsen symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

If your symptoms are persistent, interfere with daily activities, or don’t improve with over-the-counter artificial tears, it’s time to schedule an eye exam. A doctor can:

• Perform diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of your dryness.

• Recommend targeted treatments such as prescription eye drops, in-office therapies, or lifestyle changes.

• Help prevent potential complications, including damage to the cornea or increased risk of eye infections.

Get Expert Care for Lasting Comfort

Dry eye is a medical condition that can worsen without proper care. Identifying the root cause and taking proactive steps to manage symptoms can help protect your long-term eye health.

At First Choice Eye Care, we provide personalized dry eye evaluations and advanced treatment options to bring you lasting relief. Visit our office in Matthews, North Carolina, or call (704) 893-0090 to book an appointment today.