Understanding Dry Eye Symptoms

The discomfort of burning, gritty, or constantly watery eyes can be frustrating. Many people assume these issues are caused by allergies or aging, but the reality is often more complex. Without the right care, symptoms can persist and even worsen, impacting daily comfort and vision clarity.

Dry eye occurs when your tears lack the proper balance of oil, water, and mucus. Dr. Celeste Acosta explains that when these components are out of balance, the eyes may feel sandy, red, and irritated. This imbalance leads to poor tear quality, which can create discomfort throughout the day.

Why Eyes Water but Still Feel Dry

One of the most puzzling symptoms is watery eyes that continue to feel dry. According to Dr. Celeste Acosta, this is often a reflex reaction to irritation on the surface of the eye.

“When your eyes are irritated, your body floods them with tears, but since those tears are low quality, they simply run down your face without soothing the discomfort.”

Environmental factors can make this worse. Activities like reading or working at a computer can reduce blinking, while fans, vents, or outdoor wind exposure can dry the eye’s surface. The result is a cycle of irritation, reflex tearing, and ongoing discomfort.

Why Burning and Redness Increase Later in the Day

For some, burning begins first thing in the morning, especially if they sleep with fans, CPAP machines, or incomplete eyelid closure. For others, symptoms intensify later in the day after prolonged visual tasks or exposure to environmental triggers. As Dr. Celeste Acosta notes, what you expose your eyes to throughout the day plays a key role in how symptoms evolve.

Redness and bloodshot eyes are common because the ocular surface becomes unhealthy and inflamed. Autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also add an inflammatory response, worsening the irritation and redness.

Not Just Allergies or Aging

It’s easy to mistake dry eye for allergies since both can cause irritation. However, allergies usually involve itchy eyes and puffy lids—symptoms not always present with dry eye. While age can contribute to reduced tear function, Dr. Celeste Acosta emphasizes that many other factors, including autoimmune disorders and hormone changes, can drive symptoms.

When to Seek Professional Care

Over-the-counter drops and self-care strategies may provide temporary relief, but persistent symptoms point to a deeper issue. A professional evaluation can determine whether the root cause is meibomian gland dysfunction, aqueous tear deficiency, or a combination of both. Identifying the exact cause is the first step toward effective treatment.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Exam in Helotes

Living with burning, watery, or gritty eyes can disrupt your day and leave you searching for answers. The truth is, dry eye has many possible causes and requires a personalized diagnosis to effectively treat.

At The Eye Clinic, our eye doctors provide expert dry eye evaluations and advanced treatments designed to bring lasting relief. Call us on 210-695-2222 or visit us in Helotes, Texas to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable eyes.

FAQs with Doctor Dr. Celeste Acosta

Why do my eyes feel gritty or sandy?

This happens when your tears don’t have the right balance of oil, water, and mucus, leading to an unstable tear film.

Why do my eyes water if they’re dry?

Your body produces excess low-quality tears as a reflex to irritation, which run down your cheeks instead of keeping your eyes comfortable.

Can autoimmune conditions affect dry eye?

Yes. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis often increase inflammation, making symptoms more severe.

Are my symptoms just allergies?

Not necessarily. Allergies usually cause itching and puffiness, while dry eye often leads to burning, redness, and a gritty sensation.