Other Causes of Dry Eye Symptoms: Allergies, Blepharitis, and More

Blepharitis is a specific type of eyelid inflammation that frequently causes or worsens dry eye, but it is a distinct condition requiring its own treatment. While dry eye refers to insufficient or poor-quality tears, blepharitis involves inflammation and blockage of the oil glands in your eyelids. Treating blepharitis with daily warm compresses and eyelid cleaning often improves dry eye symptoms because it restores the oily layer of your tear film, preventing rapid evaporation.

Yes, inadequate hydration can definitely reduce both the volume and quality of your tears. Your body needs sufficient water to produce all of its fluids, including tears. When you are dehydrated, your tear production may decrease, and the tears you do produce may be of lower quality. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day, typically eight glasses or more depending on your activity level and climate, supports healthy tear production and overall eye comfort.

Dry eye symptoms commonly worsen during cold, windy winter months and hot, dry summer periods. Both low humidity and wind increase the rate at which tears evaporate from your eye's surface. Winter heating systems and summer air conditioning further reduce indoor humidity levels. Using a humidifier in your home or office, especially in your bedroom at night, and wearing wraparound sunglasses or protective eyewear outdoors can help maintain moisture on your eyes regardless of the season.

Eyelash extensions and the adhesives used to apply them can potentially block the oil glands along your eyelid margins or trigger allergic reactions. Both of these effects can lead to dry eye symptoms, redness, and irritation. Some patients also experience bacterial buildup around the extensions if they are not cleaned properly. If you develop persistent dry eye, swelling, or discomfort after getting lash extensions, having them professionally removed and allowing your natural lashes to recover may be necessary.

Your diet can significantly influence the quality of your tears. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, may improve tear stability and reduce ocular inflammation. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet with adequate vitamins A, C, and E also supports overall eye health. Some patients benefit from omega-3 supplements, but you should discuss appropriate dosing with our team or your primary care physician.

Absolutely. Extended screen time dramatically reduces your blink rate, sometimes by half or more, which causes tears to evaporate much faster than normal. If you already have dry eye from another cause such as medication use, hormonal changes, or an autoimmune condition, prolonged screen exposure will make your symptoms noticeably worse. Following the 20-20-20 rule, positioning your screen slightly below eye level to reduce the exposed ocular surface, and using artificial tears regularly during screen time can all help minimize discomfort.

Yes, a poorly fitted face mask can direct your exhaled breath upward across the surface of your eyes. This airflow increases tear evaporation and can cause what many eye care professionals now call mask-associated dry eye. Ensuring that your mask fits snugly across the bridge of your nose, using a mask with a bendable nose wire, or applying medical tape along the top edge of the mask can redirect your breath downward and reduce this effect significantly.

Prescription dry eye medications such as Restasis (cyclosporine) and Xiidra (lifitegrast) work differently than over-the-counter artificial tears. These medications reduce inflammation on your eye's surface and help your body produce more of its own natural, high-quality tears over time. Results typically take several weeks to become noticeable, and consistent use is necessary for maximum benefit. We often recommend prescription drops for patients with moderate to severe dry eye who have not achieved adequate relief from artificial tears and lifestyle modifications alone.

Punctal plugs are tiny biocompatible devices inserted into the small drainage openings (puncta) in your upper or lower eyelids. They slow the drainage of tears from your eye's surface, keeping more natural moisture where it is needed. Our ophthalmologists may recommend punctal plugs if you have moderate to severe dry eye that has not responded sufficiently to artificial tears, prescription drops, or lifestyle changes. The procedure is quick, comfortable, and performed right in our office. Most patients notice improved comfort within days.

You should schedule a comprehensive eye examination if your dry eye symptoms persist for more than a week despite using over-the-counter treatments, if symptoms interfere with your daily activities such as reading or driving, or if you experience significant pain or sudden vision changes. Early professional evaluation prevents complications such as corneal damage and allows our team to identify and treat underlying causes effectively. We can create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms and their root causes.