Understanding, Preventing & Treating One of Today’s Most Common Vision Issues
Every July, we take time to highlight the importance of vision health—and there’s no better moment to raise awareness for dry eye disease, a condition that affects millions but is still often overlooked, misdiagnosed, or untreated.
At Valley Vision Optometry, we’re proud to stand alongside clinics and care providers across Canada and beyond to promote Dry Eye Awareness Month. If your eyes have felt gritty, dry, irritated, or tired lately, this is your reminder: your eye comfort matters—and relief is within reach.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry Eye Disease (also called Dry Eye Syndrome) occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears produced aren’t of the right quality to keep the surface of the eye healthy, lubricated, and protected.
Tears do more than just respond to emotion—they’re essential for:
- Keeping your vision clear
- Washing away debris, allergens, and irritants
- Preventing infection
- Delivering nutrients to the eye’s surface
- Protecting the cornea from inflammation and damage
When tear production is reduced or when the tear film becomes unstable (breaking up too quickly or lacking in oil or mucus), symptoms of dry eye begin to surface. Left untreated, dry eye can lead to inflammation, scarring, and, in advanced cases, damage to the cornea that threatens long-term vision.
Why Dry Eye Awareness Matters More Than Ever
Dry eye disease is one of the most common eye conditions worldwide—and the numbers are rising. Thanks to a combination of modern lifestyle factors and environmental stressors, more people than ever are dealing with dry, uncomfortable eyes.
Here’s why this awareness campaign is so important:
- Many people don’t realize their symptoms are medical in nature
- Others mistake the signs for allergies, fatigue, or aging
- Most wait too long to seek help, allowing the condition to worsen
By educating and encouraging early action, we can help prevent long-term damage and improve daily quality of life. Dry eye may be common, but it’s not something you have to “just live with.”
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye shows up differently in everyone. Some people have constant irritation, while others notice symptoms that fluctuate or worsen with certain activities (like screen use or driving at night).
You may have dry eye if you experience
- A burning, stinging, or scratchy feeling
- Redness, especially after using digital devices
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Light sensitivity
- A gritty sensation, like there’s sand in your eyes
- Excessive tearing (yes—dry eye can sometimes cause more tears as a reflex!)
- Trouble wearing contact lenses comfortably
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
- Eye fatigue, especially by the end of the day
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time for a professional evaluation. Early diagnosis means faster relief and better protection for your vision.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye disease doesn’t have a single cause—in fact, it’s often multifactorial, meaning several things contribute at once. The most common causes include
- Digital eye strain: Reduced blinking while staring at screens can destabilize the tear film
- Age: Tear production naturally decreases with age
- Hormonal changes: Especially during menopause, pregnancy, or thyroid shifts
- Contact lens use can interfere with tear distribution and cause discomfort
- Environment: Dry climates, wind, air conditioning, and heating all increase evaporation
- Health conditions: Autoimmune diseases (like Sjögren’s), diabetes, rosacea, and thyroid issues
- Medications: Antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, and beta-blockers are common culprits
- Eyelid conditions: Incomplete blinking or inflammation of the eyelid margin (blepharitis) can worsen symptoms
Dry eye often develops gradually, which makes it easy to ignore—until symptoms interfere with your daily life.
Can Dry Eye Be Prevented?
While not every case can be prevented, simple habits can go a long way in protecting your eyes and reducing discomfort:
- Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Blink more often, especially during screen time or reading
- Stay hydrated—water helps maintain healthy tear production
- Use a humidifier to reduce indoor dryness
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to shield from wind and UV rays
- Avoid smoke, air pollutants, and fans directly blowing on your face
- Limit screen time and take regular breaks
- Schedule regular eye exams—early detection is key
How Valley Vision Optometry Can Help
Dry eye isn’t one-size-fits-all—and your treatment shouldn’t be either. At Valley Vision Optometry, our team takes a personalized approach to diagnosing and treating dry eye disease.
Led by Dr. Shaun Golemba and Dr. Morgan Jackson, we provide
- Comprehensive Dry Eye assessments using advanced diagnostic tools
- Customized treatment plans that go far beyond over-the-counter drops
- Ongoing support, education, and lifestyle coaching to help manage symptoms and improve comfort long-term
Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, temporary or chronic, our goal is to help you see and feel better every day.
You Don’t Have to Live with Dry, Irritated Eyes
If you’ve been ignoring dry, burning, or tired eyes—now is the time to take action. Dry eye disease is real, common, and treatable. With the right care, you can protect your vision, restore comfort, and reclaim your quality of life.
📞 Call us today at 250‑724‑0933 or click here to book your dry eye assessment.
Let’s work together this Eye Health Month to prioritize your vision, protect your eyes, and find the relief you deserve.