Lifestyle Triggers That Make Dry Eye Worse

Dry eye symptoms are often influenced by more than just age or eye health - they’re frequently affected by daily habits and environmental exposure. Common lifestyle factors can disrupt the tear film and lead to ongoing irritation. Over time, these triggers may contribute to chronic dry eye symptoms that don’t improve on their own.

Prolonged Screen Time and Digital Eye Strain

Extended time on computers, phones, and tablets significantly reduces how often you blink. Fewer blinks mean less tear distribution across the surface of the eye, allowing tears to evaporate more quickly.

Over time, this can worsen inflammation and contribute to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a leading cause of dry eye where the oil-producing glands in the eyelids become blocked or dysfunctional.

What helps:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)

• Make a conscious effort to blink fully

• Adjust screen height to reduce eye strain

If screen-related dryness persists despite these changes, it’s time to have your tear film and eyelid health evaluated.

Dry Indoor Air and Environmental Exposure

Air conditioning, heating systems, fans, and low-humidity environments all accelerate tear evaporation. Outdoor factors like wind, smoke, and pollution can also irritate the eyes and worsen dryness. Patients who work in offices with constant airflow or live in dry climates often experience worsening symptoms.

What helps:

• Use a humidifier at home or work

• Avoid direct airflow toward your face

• Wear protective eyewear outdoors when needed

When environmental dryness triggers ongoing irritation, it may signal an underlying issue such as MGD that requires medical treatment.

Contact Lens Wear

While contact lenses are safe for many patients, they can worsen dry eye by disrupting the natural tear film and increasing evaporation. This is especially true for people with undiagnosed meibomian gland dysfunction.

Symptoms like fluctuating vision, discomfort late in the day, or contact lens intolerance may indicate that your dry eye needs more than over-the-counter solutions.

What helps:

• Limit wear time

• Use lenses designed for dry eye

• Schedule a dry eye evaluation if discomfort continues

Your eye doctor can determine whether contact lens adjustments are necessary.

Diet, Hydration, and Systemic Health

Dehydration and diets low in omega-3 fatty acids can negatively affect tear quality. Certain medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, may also reduce tear production. Dry eye that doesn’t improve with lifestyle changes often has a medical component that requires targeted care.

When to See Your Eye Doctor for Dry Eye

If you rely on artificial tears multiple times a day, experience fluctuating vision, or notice redness, burning, or eyelid irritation that doesn’t improve, it’s time to see your eye doctor.

Many patients are surprised to learn that meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the root cause of their dry eye. Identifying this early allows for more effective treatment and long-term relief.

Advanced Dry Eye Treatment with IPL

For patients with MGD-related dry eye, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy offers a powerful, in-office solution. IPL works by reducing inflammation, improving oil gland function, and restoring balance to the tear film. Unlike artificial tears that only mask symptoms, IPL addresses the underlying cause of evaporative dry eye.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

Dry eye is rarely caused by just one factor. Everyday habits can significantly worsen symptoms, especially when underlying conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction are present. The good news is that dry eye is highly treatable when properly diagnosed. With today’s advanced technology, lasting relief is possible.

If lifestyle changes haven’t relieved your dry eye symptoms, schedule a dry eye evaluation at Eyewear Society to learn more about advanced treatment options. Visit our office in Covington, Louisiana, or call (985) 893-2722 to book an appointment today.