Dry eye is a common condition that can leave your eyes feeling irritated, gritty, or fatigued. While underlying health issues like meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) often play a role, many people don’t realize just how much their everyday environment can affect their eye comfort. From dry indoor air to digital screen use, environmental triggers can significantly impact tear stability and eye health.
 

Environmental Factors That Can Cause or Worsen Dry Eye

•          Dry or Windy Climates: Areas with low humidity or frequent wind can cause tears to evaporate faster than normal, leaving eyes dry and uncomfortable.

•          Indoor Air Quality: Air conditioning, heating, and ceiling fans can all reduce moisture in the air and accelerate tear evaporation.

•          Digital Devices: Extended use of computers, tablets, and phones reduces blink rate, which decreases natural tear distribution and leads to dryness.

•          Allergens and Irritants: Pollen, smoke, and dust can irritate the eyes, increasing inflammation and worsening dry eye symptoms.

•          Contact Lens Wear: Lenses can sometimes interfere with the tear film, especially in dry environments.
 

What You Can Do to Protect Your Eyes

•          Use a Humidifier Indoors: Restoring moisture to the air helps prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.

•          Take Screen Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

•          Protect Your Eyes Outdoors: Wear wraparound sunglasses to shield your eyes from wind and UV exposure.

•          Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water supports healthy tear production.

•          Use Preservative-Free Artificial Tears: These drops can provide relief without irritating your eyes with additives.
 

When to See Your Optometrist

If your dry eye symptoms persist despite these changes, it’s time to visit your optometrist. In many cases, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a key underlying factor. MGD prevents healthy oil production in the tear film, causing rapid tear evaporation and chronic dryness.
 

At Inland Family Optometry, we offer advanced treatments designed to target the root cause of dry eye:
 

•          Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy reduces inflammation and stimulates healthy gland function.

•          MiBoFlo® Thermal Therapy provides gentle, therapeutic heat to unclog blocked glands.

•          NuLIDS® is an at-home eyelid hygiene device that helps maintain long-term eye comfort and gland health.
 

Relieve Dry Eye with Expert Care

While environmental triggers play a big role in dry eye, lasting relief often requires a deeper look at your eye health. By addressing both lifestyle adjustments and underlying conditions like MGD, you can restore comfort and protect your vision.
 

Contact Inland Family Optometry to schedule a comprehensive exam and learn more about personalized dry eye treatments. Visit our office in Chino or Rancho Cucamonga, California. Call (909) 345-9809 or (909) 345-6100 to book an appointment today.