If your eyes burn, itch, water, or feel gritty, you are not alone. Dry eye is common in the Columbus area, where seasonal allergens, wind, winter heating, and long hours on screens can all add up. Below, our Columbus eye care team provides a full guide on all you need to know about dry eye syndrome and its symptoms.
What dry eye feels like
Dry eye happens when your tears do not lubricate your eyes well enough, or they evaporate too quickly. Some people notice symptoms once in a while, others feel them daily.
- Burning, stinging, or itching
- A gritty, sandy sensation (like something is in your eye)
- Redness and light sensitivity
- Blurred vision that comes and goes, often improving after blinking
- Watery eyes (yes, too many tears can be a sign of dryness)
- Contact lenses that suddenly feel uncomfortable
If these symptoms keep returning, it is worth talking with a dry eye doctor to find out what is driving the problem.
Common dry eye causes (and why they are so common around Polaris)
1) Screen time and reduced blinking
When you focus on a computer, phone, or tablet, you blink less. Fewer blinks means your tears do not spread evenly, and the tear layer on your eye can break up faster. That can lead to burning, fluctuating blur, and eye fatigue.
2) Allergies and seasonal irritation
In Central Ohio, seasonal allergies can be intense. Allergies can inflame the surface of the eye and eyelids, making dry eye symptoms worse. Rubbing your eyes can also irritate the tear film and eyelid glands.
3) Indoor heating, low humidity, and winter air
Cold months often mean indoor heating, which dries out the air. Drier air can increase tear evaporation, so even people who feel fine in summer may struggle in winter.
4) Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
Your tears need a healthy oil layer to slow evaporation. The oil comes from tiny eyelid glands called meibomian glands. When those glands get blocked or inflamed, tears evaporate faster. MGD is one of the most common dry eye causes we see.
5) Medications, health conditions, and life changes
Antihistamines, certain antidepressants, some blood pressure medications, and other common prescriptions can contribute to dryness. Hormonal changes, autoimmune conditions, and eyelid inflammation can also play a role. A proper evaluation helps sort out what matters most for you.
At-home dry eye relief (what to try first)
Mild symptoms may improve with consistent daily habits. These steps also support in-office dry eye treatment plans.
Use the 20-20-20 rule
Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It helps reset focus and reminds you to blink.
Warm compresses and gentle lid care
A warm compress can loosen the oils in your eyelid glands. Follow with gentle lid cleaning if recommended, especially if you have crusting or eyelid irritation.
Choose the right artificial tears
Not all drops are the same. Preservative-free drops are often better for frequent use. If dryness is persistent, your dry eye doctor can recommend the best option for your specific tear film needs.
Adjust your environment
- Run a humidifier in winter.
- Avoid fans or vents blowing directly at your face.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce wind exposure.
Hydration and nutrition
Staying hydrated supports tear production. Omega-3s may also help some patients, depending on the type of dry eye present.
When at-home tips are not enough
If your symptoms keep coming back, over-the-counter drops are not lasting, or your vision is getting more inconsistent, it is time for a targeted approach. A dry eye evaluation can identify whether the issue is low tear production, rapid evaporation, eyelid gland dysfunction, inflammation, allergies, or a combination.
In-office dry eye treatment options
The right dry eye treatment depends on the cause. At Optic Nerve Polaris, your care plan is built around what we find during your evaluation, and how your symptoms affect your day-to-day life.
Prescription eye drops and anti-inflammatory care
If inflammation is contributing to symptoms, prescription therapy may reduce irritation and help your tears work better.
Punctal plugs
If your eyes are not holding onto tears long enough, punctal plugs can slow tear drainage, helping your eyes stay lubricated longer.
Targeted eyelid gland therapies
If meibomian gland dysfunction is involved, in-office therapies can help open blocked glands and support a healthier tear film. This can be a key step for long-term relief.
Allergy support
If allergies are worsening your dry eye, we can recommend strategies and treatment options that calm irritation without making dryness worse.
Local tip for Polaris and North Columbus
Dry eye symptoms can shift with the seasons here. Winter heating and indoor air can trigger more evaporation, while spring and fall allergies can inflame the eye surface and eyelids. If your eyes feel fine part of the year and miserable the rest, that pattern is helpful information for your dry eye doctor.
Three nearby places of interest (give your eyes a break after your visit)
- Polaris Fashion Place, a popular shopping and dining hub in the area.
- Topgolf Polaris, a nearby spot for casual entertainment with friends or family.
- IKEA Columbus, just a short drive away for home shopping and inspiration.
Ready for real relief?
You do not have to push through burning, gritty eyes or rely on drops all day. If you are looking for a dry eye doctor who can pinpoint the problem and recommend the right dry eye treatment, we are here to help.