Have you ever noticed your eyes start to feel irritated after staring at a screen for a while, even when you’re not tired? That uncomfortable sensation—like your eyes just won’t settle—can be a sign of dry eye.
At A-Ha Vision at our Oakville clinic, we approach this discomfort differently - our eye care team examines your entire visual system to gain a holistic picture of your overall eye health. If your eyes aren’t staying comfortable, there’s likely more going on beneath the surface—and that’s where we come in.
Why Do Dry Eyes Cause Discomfort?
Your tears aren’t just made of water—they’re a balanced mix of oil, water, and mucus that keep the surface of your eyes smooth and protected. When this mix is off, tears can evaporate too quickly or fail to spread properly across the eye, leading to inflammation and friction with every blink.
At A-Ha Vision, we see this often in patients who spend long hours on screens, struggle with post-concussion visual dysfunction, or experience hormonal changes. The discomfort isn’t just a nuisance—it can interfere with how you read, focus, and even how your brain processes the visual world around you.
Common Signs of Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye can sneak up on you, but there are some telltale signs to watch for, including:
- Stinging, burning, or gritty sensations in the eyes
- Redness or a feeling of tired eyes
- Watery eyes (yes—dry eyes can water excessively as a reflex)
- Blurry vision that clears when you blink
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Many of our patients describe feeling “off” visually, not realizing that it could be caused by dry eye. This is especially common in individuals recovering from a head injury, where light sensitivity and trouble focusing are already present.
Top 5 Tips to Relieve Dry Eye Discomfort
You don’t need to suffer through it—there are practical steps you can take:
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
If you use screens throughout the day, pause every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps reset your blink rate and reduce tear evaporation.
2. Hydrate from the Inside Out
Drinking water regularly supports tear production. Caffeinated drinks and dry environments can make the symptoms of dry eye worse, so balance them with plenty of fluids.
3. Use a Humidifier
Adding moisture to the air—especially in winter or air-conditioned spaces—can help prevent tears from drying up too fast.
4. Apply Warm Compresses
A gentle, warm cloth over closed eyes can help unclog oil glands in your eyelids, allowing for better tear consistency.
5. Avoid Direct Airflow to the Eyes
Position fans, car heaters, and vents so they don’t blow directly on your face. Even the smallest draft of dry air can cause your eyes to dry out.
How A-Ha Vision in Oakville Can Help with Dry Eye Care
At A-Ha Vision, we go beyond the surface. Dry eye isn’t just a tear issue—it can be part of a bigger picture involving how your eyes function and how your brain processes visual input. That’s why we offer functional vision assessments, which examine how your eyes work together and how well your visual system supports your daily tasks.
If dry eye is part of your story, we can recommend targeted treatment options such as:
- Personalized vision therapy to reduce strain and improve visual stamina
- Recommendations for screen ergonomics and visual hygiene
Our quiet, thoughtfully designed spaces enable us to work comfortably with patients who are sensitive to light, sound, and movement. You’ll never feel rushed, and we’re always ready to tweak your care plan if your symptoms change.
Get Dry Eye Relief with a Personalized Approach in Oakville
Finding relief from dry eyes isn’t just about prescription eye drops. At A-Ha Vision in Oakville, we take the time to understand what’s driving your symptoms and guide you through real solutions that work for your life. Whether it’s adjusting your screen habits, adding moisture to your environment, or exploring customized therapies, we’re here to help you feel more comfortable and confident with your vision.
Book your eye care appointment; we’re ready when you are. Let’s work together to help your eyes feel their best.
