If your eyes feel scratchy, gritty, or constantly irritated, you’re not alone—and it’s not something you have to live with. Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common complaints I hear from patients here at Specsavers Spruce Grove. I’m Dr. Amy Bakelaar, and in this post, I’ll guide you through the causes of dry eyes, the symptoms to watch for, and effective treatments.

What Are Dry Eyes?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears—or when the tears you do produce aren’t high enough quality to keep your eyes properly lubricated. Tears aren’t just water; they’re made up of oil, water, and mucus. If any part of that mix is off, your eyes can feel dry, irritated, and fatigued.

Some patients are surprised to learn that watery eyes can be a symptom of dry eyes. It’s your body’s way of overcompensating, but those excess tears often don’t provide real relief.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but these are the most common causes I see in the clinic:

  • Screen time: We blink 30–50% less when looking at screens, resulting in faster tear evaporation.
  • Aging: Tear production naturally decreases with age, especially in women over 50.
  • Environment: Dry air, wind, heating systems, and air conditioning can all contribute to dry eyes.
  • Contact lenses: Long-term use can interfere with tear distribution.
  • Medications: Antihistamines, antidepressants, and some blood pressure meds can reduce tear production.
  • Health conditions: Autoimmune disorders, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, are common contributors.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms regularly, dry eye syndrome may be the cause:

  • A stinging, burning, or gritty feeling in the eyes
  • Redness or irritation
  • Blurry vision that comes and goes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses
  • Feeling like something’s in your eye
  • Eye fatigue, especially later in the day

These symptoms can affect everything from your productivity to your sleep and quality of life.

How We Diagnose Dry Eyes at Specsavers Spruce Grove

When you come in for a dry eye evaluation, we’ll look at more than just your vision. I’ll assess your tear film stability, check for signs of meibomian gland dysfunction (the glands responsible for producing the oil layer in your tears), and evaluate how well your eyelids are functioning.

We’ll also discuss your lifestyle, screen time, work environment, medications, and general health, so we can tailor a treatment plan that works for you.

Want to learn more? Visit the Canadian Ophthalmological Society’s guide to dry eyes for an excellent medical overview.

How to Treat Dry Eyes

There’s no cure-all, but most cases of dry eye can be managed with a combination of in-clinic treatment and daily routines. Your personalized plan may include:

  • Artificial tears (avoid “get the red out” drops—those often make things worse)
  • Prescription drops for chronic inflammation
  • Warm compresses and lid hygiene routines
  • Omega-3 supplements to improve oil production
  • Punctal plugs or other procedures in more severe cases

The goal is to get your tears working for you again.

When to Book an Appointment

If you regularly experience dry eyes, don’t wait. Chronic dryness can lead to more than just discomfort—it can damage the surface of your eye if left untreated. The sooner we identify the root cause, the sooner we can begin alleviating your symptoms.

Click here to book an eye exam with Dr. Amy Bakelaar at Specsavers Spruce Grove and take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable vision.

Additional Resources

  • Canadian Ophthalmological Society – Dry Eye Info
  • Alberta Vision Care Assistance Program – for help with coverage options