Approximately 16 million Americans are affected by dry eye disease, and due to many of the factors of modern day, this number is set to rise in upcoming years. That is why it is so important to find the right treatment to combat this painful, gritty condition. At Couture Optical in Brooklyn, we often hear patients say, “I’ve tried everything, but my eyes are still dry.”
That is when we dig a little deeper, because sometimes, dry eye is just the beginning of the story. One of the ways we help is by offering dry eye treatments that go beyond drugstore drops.
From Hormones to Humidity: Why Your Eyes Feel Like Sandpaper
Ever wonder why your eyes feel dry, itchy, or like they're full of grit—especially when nothing obvious seems to be wrong? Dry eye can sneak up on you for a lot of reasons that aren't always front and center. From shifts in your body’s chemistry to changes in your daily habits and environment, several lesser-known triggers could be making your eyes feel like sandpaper.
Here are a few surprising culprits you might not have considered:
1. Hormonal Changes
Especially common in women over 40, hormonal shifts, like those during menopause, can decrease tear production and affect the quality of your tears.
2. Screen Time Overload
When you are glued to a screen, your blink rate drops dramatically. That means your tears evaporate faster, leaving your eyes feeling gritty and irritated.
3. Air Quality at Home and Work
Central heating, air conditioning, and low humidity levels all zap moisture from your environment—and your eyes.
4. Medications You Wouldn’t Think Twice About
Common meds like antihistamines, antidepressants, and even acne treatments can all lead to dryness by disrupting tear production.
5. Inflammation of the Eyelids (Blepharitis)
This often-missed culprit blocks the glands that help keep your tears stable and your eyes comfortable.
Why Your Dry Eyes Aren't Clearing up
You have tried warm compresses, artificial tears, and even switched out your makeup. Still, your eyes sting, water, or burn throughout the day. That is usually a sign that there is an underlying issue that needs more than a surface-level fix.
Here is what might be going on:
- Your Meibomian glands (which produce the oily layer of your tears) could be clogged.
- Chronic inflammation might be damaging your tear film.
- You could be dealing with allergic conjunctivitis or undiagnosed blepharitis.
- Your tear quality—not just quantity—might be poor.
- You may have ocular rosacea, a skin condition that affects the eyes and can cause redness, burning, and swollen eyelids. and requires specific treatment.
How Professional Eye Care at Couture Optical Can Help
At Couture Optical, we go beyond the standard dry eye questionnaire. We use diagnostic tools to evaluate your tear film, gland function, and eye surface health. Dry eye treatments like IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), RF therapy, and lid hygiene can help reduce inflammation. They can also restore balance to your tear system.
We also offer customized dry eye management plans—because the symptoms of dry eye don’t look the same for everyone. We can help you get back to clear and comfortable vision. We can adjust your routine, suggest prescription drops, or provide in-office therapies.
Book Relief That Lasts: Long-Term Dry Eye Help in Brooklyn
Dry eye symptoms can wear you down, especially when they don’t respond to what used to work. It might be time for a deeper look if you are dealing with gritty, irritated eyes that won’t quit. At Couture Optical, we will help you understand what is going on—and what you can do about it. Book an eye care appointment and let’s start finding real relief for your eyes.