We blink over 15,000 times a day. If every blink feels like sandpaper—or worse, you’re not even sure why your eyes constantly feel “off”—you might be dealing with Dry Eye Disease.
It’s more common than people think, especially in cooler weather. But many don’t recognize the signs until symptoms get severe.
Here are 5 signals your eyes might be asking for help.
1. Your Eyes Water… Constantly
Surprise: watery eyes can actually be a sign of dryness. When your eyes are irritated or inflamed, they overcompensate by flooding the surface with reflex tears that are a different composition and don’t hydrate well.
If you’re constantly reaching for tissues, that’s a red flag.
2. You’ve Started Avoiding Screens or Reading
Eye fatigue, blurred vision, and a “heavy” feeling can creep in after computer use or reading. That’s because blinking less during screen time disrupts your tear film.
If you’re struggling to get through your workday or book club, it’s time to check your tear quality.
3. Your Eyes Burn, Sting, or Feel Gritty
That sensation like you have something in your eye—even when you don’t? It often points to meibomian gland dysfunction, a leading cause of dry eye where the oil glands in your eyelids become blocked.
4. You Use Drops All Day, But Nothing Gets Better
Artificial tears can help, but if you’re constantly reaching for them, you’re probably not treating the root cause. Many patients try multiple brands before realizing they need more than drops.
5. Your Vision Gets Blurry and Clears When You Blink
If blinking temporarily sharpens your vision, your tear film may be unstable. That instability causes your visual clarity to fluctuate, especially in dry indoor air or windy conditions.
What You Can Do About It
At Sokol Advanced EyeCare, we offer advanced dry eye evaluations that go beyond surface-level symptoms. We check your meibomian glands, tear quality, and inflammation levels—then tailor a plan that works.
From LLLT and IPL therapy to home tools like hypochlorous spray, omega-3s, and heat masks, we give you a real strategy—not just a bottle of drops.
📍 Sokol Advanced EyeCare – Madison, WI
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your eye health or symptoms.
