Why Dry Eye Is More Common Than You Think—Especially After 40

If your eyes often feel irritated, gritty, or tired, especially at the end of the day, you might be dealing with dry eye. It’s one of the most common eye conditions in adults, yet many people assume it’s just part of getting older or spending too much time on screens. Dry eye disease can significantly affect your comfort, focus, and overall eye health, and it becomes much more common after age 40.

At Total Eye Care Centers, we see patients every day who struggle with the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye, and we know how much relief the right treatment can bring. Let’s take a closer look at what causes dry eye and why age plays such a big role.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Healthy tears are essential for keeping your eyes lubricated, washing away debris, and protecting against infection. When this balance is disrupted, your eyes can feel dry, itchy, or even watery (a confusing but common symptom as your eyes try to compensate).

Symptoms of dry eye can include:

• Burning or stinging sensations
• Redness or irritation
• Blurry vision that improves with blinking
• Light sensitivity
• A feeling like something is “in your eye”

These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may fluctuate throughout the day, especially during tasks like reading, driving, or working on a computer.

Why Dry Eye Becomes More Common After 40

While anyone can develop dry eye, the condition is particularly common in adults over 40. Several age-related factors contribute to this increase:

1. Natural Tear Production Declines

As we age, our tear glands tend to produce fewer tears. This natural decrease in tear volume can make it harder to keep the eyes properly lubricated. The tear film—a delicate mix of oil, water, and mucus—becomes less stable, leading to faster evaporation and dryness.

2. Hormonal Changes

Hormones play a surprisingly large role in tear production. For women, hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can reduce the quality and quantity of tears. This is why dry eye is more common in women over 40 than in men of the same age group.

3. Chronic Health Conditions

Certain medical conditions that become more common with age—such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome—can increase the risk of dry eye. Some medications used to treat these conditions, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can also reduce tear production.

4. Increased Screen Time

Even though screens aren’t age-specific, adults over 40 often use computers, phones, and tablets extensively for work and leisure. When we focus on screens, we blink less frequently, allowing tears to evaporate faster and the eyes to dry out.

5. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Over time, exposure to wind, air conditioning, heating systems, and pollutants can all affect the tear film. Contact lens wearers and those who have undergone eye surgeries (like LASIK) may also experience changes that increase dryness.

How Dry Eye Affects Your Vision and Quality of Life

Beyond discomfort, untreated dry eye can affect your ability to see clearly and perform everyday tasks. Blurred or fluctuating vision can make reading or driving more difficult, and chronic irritation can increase your risk of eye infections. Some patients even experience changes to the surface of the cornea over time, which can further impact vision.

Many people with dry eye describe it as more than a physical condition—it’s a daily frustration that interferes with focus, productivity, and enjoyment of activities they love.

How Dry Eye Is Treated

The good news is that dry eye can be effectively managed with the right care plan. At Total Eye Care Centers, we customize treatment based on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. Options may include:

• Artificial tears or lubricating drops to supplement natural moisture
• Prescription eye drops that help increase tear production or reduce inflammation
• Lid hygiene and warm compresses to improve oil gland function
• Punctal plugs, tiny devices that help retain natural tears longer
• Lifestyle adjustments, such as using a humidifier, reducing screen time, or wearing sunglasses outdoors

Because dry eye can stem from multiple factors, professional evaluation is key to long-term relief.

When to See an Eye Doctor

If your eyes feel consistently dry, irritated, or tired, don’t ignore the signs. Dry eye is more than an inconvenience—it’s a medical condition that deserves attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can protect your vision and restore comfort.

At Total Eye Care Centers, our team offers comprehensive dry eye evaluations and advanced treatment options designed to address your unique needs. Whether your symptoms are mild or persistent, we’ll help you find real, lasting relief.

Restore Comfort to Your Eyes

Don’t let dry, irritated eyes impact your daily life. If you’re over 40 and noticing increased eye dryness or discomfort, it’s time to act. Schedule a dry eye evaluation with Total Eye Care Centers today and start seeing—and feeling—your best again!

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