Why Do My Eyes Feel Dry, Gritty, or Irritated?

Dry, gritty, or irritated eyes can make everyday tasks uncomfortable. You may notice it while working on a computer, reading, or even first thing in the morning. What might feel like a minor annoyance is often linked to your tear film—the natural layer that keeps your eyes comfortable and protected.

As Dr. Nick Lillie explains, “Your cornea has over 600 times more nerves than your skin, so when the protective tear film breaks down, your eyes immediately feel it.” Burning, stinging, or watery eyes are often signs of dry eye. Let’s explore why these symptoms occur, what they mean, and how you can find lasting relief.

Understanding the Tear Film

Your tear film is more than just moisture—it’s your eye’s shield against dust, allergens, and environmental irritants. When it evaporates too quickly or becomes unstable, the cornea is left exposed. That’s why your eyes may feel sandy, gritty, or as though something is stuck in them, even when nothing is visible.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye doesn’t always mean your eyes aren’t producing tears—it usually means the tears aren’t staying in place long enough to do their job. Signs may include:

• Excessive watering – Unstable tears run down your cheeks instead of hydrating your eyes.
• Burning or stinging – Often worse later in the day after long screen use and reduced blinking.
• Blurry vision until blinking – Each blink smooths the tear film. Without it, vision blurs until a fresh coat of tears restores clarity.
• Red or bloodshot eyes – Irritation and reduced oxygen from an unstable tear film make eyes appear red.
• Tired or sore eyes – Hours of screen time strain the focusing muscles and reduce blinking, leaving eyes fatigued.

Other Causes and Triggers

Dryness and irritation don’t always have a single source. Common triggers include:

• Allergies – Often affect both eyes consistently throughout the day.
• Aging – Naturally reduces tear quality over time.
• Environmental factors – Ceiling fans, air conditioning, and poor sleep can worsen symptoms.
• Contact lenses – Lenses sit directly on the eye’s surface, reducing oxygen and trapping debris that irritates the eyes.
• Artificial tears – While helpful, many drops only replace water, not the oils that most dry eyes are missing.

When to Seek Professional Care

While home remedies or over-the-counter drops may provide temporary relief, they rarely fix the root cause of dry eye. Dr. Lillie notes, “When you see me or anyone at my office, we not only want to make you feel better right away—we want to get to the root cause.”

A professional eye exam can help determine whether your symptoms are caused by dry eye, allergies, or another condition, such as an infection. Getting the right treatment not only restores comfort but also protects your cornea and long-term vision.

Schedule Your Eye Exam in Allendale

Burning, irritation, or blurred vision can disrupt daily life, especially with the demands of work and screen time. Left untreated, these symptoms may worsen over time.

At Family Vision Optical, our team provides personalized care to restore comfort and protect your long-term vision. Call today to schedule your appointment, or visit us in Allendale, Michigan. We’re here to help you see and feel your best.