Dry eye living in teenagers

Overview

Dry eye is a condition where your eyes don't make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can make your eyes feel gritty, scratchy, tired, or irritated.

Yes, dry eye is common among teenagers. Studies show more and more teens are experiencing symptoms due to increased use of digital devices, contact lenses, and air conditioning.

It can affect any teenager, but it's more common in girls, those who wear contact lenses, spend a lot of time on computers or phones, live in dry climates, or have allergies or certain health conditions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• gritty or sandy feeling in eyes
• redness
• blurred vision that may come and go (especially when reading or using screens)
• tired or heavy eyes
• sensitivity to light

Symptoms in children

• In younger children, symptoms may include frequent eye rubbing, watery eyes (because the eye tries to make more tears), or avoiding reading or screens.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, dry eye often feels like a burning or stinging sensation, and may be linked to age-related changes or medications.

Causes

Main causes

• Prolonged screen use (you blink less when focusing on a screen)
• Wearing contact lenses (they can absorb tears or irritate the eye)
• Allergies (like hay fever) that make eyes itchy and dry
• Dry or windy environments, air conditioning, or indoor heating
• Some medicines (like antihistamines for allergies or certain acne treatments)
• Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) or other eye conditions

Risk factors

• Spending more than 4–6 hours a day on digital devices
• Wearing contact lenses, especially for long hours
• Living in a low-humidity climate or with constant air conditioning
• Having allergies, eczema, or a condition like rosacea
• Not blinking fully or often enough
• Certain medications, like some acne treatments or allergy pills

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden vision loss or very severe eye pain
• If your eye is red, painful, and sensitive to light (possible infection)

Book a routine appointment if:

• If dry eye symptoms last more than a few weeks and don't improve with rest or artificial tears
• If dry eye is affecting your schoolwork or daily life
• Before starting to wear contact lenses, or if contacts become uncomfortable

Diagnosis

An eye doctor will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and health. They will examine your eyes using a special microscope called a slit lamp to look at the surface of your eye and eyelids.

Tests that may be done

• Tear break-up time: a doctor puts a drop of dye in your eye and watches how long it takes for your tears to break apart.
• Schirmer test: a small strip of paper is placed under your eyelid to measure how much tear fluid your eye produces.
• Staining: a dye is used to see if the surface of your eye is damaged from dryness.

What to expect at your appointment

The tests are painless and usually take about 15–30 minutes. The doctor may ask you to blink normally or keep your eyes open. It's a chance to talk about what bothers you.

Treatment

Treatment for dry eye focuses on relieving symptoms and fixing the underlying cause. Most cases can be managed with simple self-care and over‑the‑counter products. Your eye doctor may suggest prescription treatments if needed.

Self-care at home

• Follow the 20‑20‑20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Blink fully and often, especially when using screens.
• Use a humidifier in your room, especially at night.
• Avoid smoke, wind, and direct air from fans or car vents.
• Clean your eyelids gently with a warm, damp cloth or special eyelid wipes if your doctor recommends.
• Wear sunglasses or wraparound glasses outdoors to block wind and dust.
• If you wear contact lenses, give your eyes a break by wearing glasses sometimes.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend over‑the‑counter artificial tears (eye drops) without preservatives for frequent use. They might also suggest warm compresses or eyelid massages to help oil glands work better. If these aren't enough, prescription eye drops that reduce inflammation or help your eyes make more natural tears may be considered. Sometimes, special contact lenses or procedures to close tear ducts are used in severe cases.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for teenagers. It may be considered only in very severe cases that don't respond to other treatments, and it's always discussed thoroughly with your doctor and family.

Living with this condition

Carry a bottle of artificial tears to school or when you go out. Let your teachers know if you need a screen break. Adjust your screen brightness to a comfortable level and position your monitor slightly below eye level to reduce strain.

Lifestyle tips

• Take regular breaks from screens – set a timer if needed.
• Use a desk fan or ceiling fan sparingly and don't point it at your face.
• Wear a brimmed hat and sunglasses outside to shield your eyes.
• Get enough sleep – tired eyes can feel drier.

Diet and exercise

Eating foods rich in omega‑3 fatty acids, like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, may help eye comfort. Staying well‑hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also important for tear production. Exercise is fine – just protect your eyes from wind and dust if you're outdoors.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with dry eye can be frustrating and can affect your concentration, mood, and even social activities. It's normal to feel annoyed or worried. Talk to a parent, school counselor, or friend about how you feel. If you ever feel overwhelmed or sad for a long time, reach out to a mental health professional or a helpline in your country – you are not alone.

Prevention

You can't always prevent dry eye, but you can lower your chances by taking care of your eyes: blink often, take screen breaks, wear sunglasses, and avoid rubbing your eyes. Keeping contact lenses clean and not wearing them for too long also helps.

Complications

If left untreated

• If dry eye is left untreated, the surface of your eye can become damaged, leading to scratchy, sore eyes that are more prone to infections.
• It can make wearing contact lenses very uncomfortable or impossible.
• Severe long‑term dryness can cause vision problems that don't go away with blinking.

Long-term outlook

With the right care and attention, most teenagers with dry eye feel much better and can keep doing everything they love – school, sports, gaming, and hanging out with friends. It may take a little time to find what works for you, but relief is very possible. Your eyes can heal, and your tear glands can learn to work better with a bit of help.

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