How to Deal with Dry Eyes — Treatment Options and Ways to Prevent Symptoms

• More than half of U.S. adults experience dry eye symptoms, but only a small fraction have received a formal diagnosis or treatment
• Common symptoms include burning, stinging, gritty sensations, blurred vision, and eye fatigue, often worse at night or with prolonged screen use
• Environmental and lifestyle factors — including digital device use, indoor HVAC, contact lenses, and certain medications — are major drivers of dry eye disease
• Remedies range from simple lifestyle changes and home routines (blink breaks, warm compresses, humidifiers) to over-the-counter drops, prescription medications, and device therapies
• Ignoring persistent symptoms increases the risk of corneal damage, chronic inflammation, and permanent vision changes, making professional evaluation necessary