What’s Causing Your Dry and Itchy Eyes? Common Triggers and Solutions

If you’ve been dealing with dry, itchy eyes, you know how uncomfortable and disruptive it can be. Whether it’s a constant irritation or something that flares up throughout the day, these symptoms are often signs of an underlying issue.
 

Common Triggers of Dry and Itchy Eyes

Dry climates, wind, smoke, and exposure to air conditioning or heating can reduce the moisture in your eyes. These environmental factors can cause the tear film to evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness and itchiness.
 

When staring at screens, we tend to blink less often, which reduces tear distribution and increases evaporation. This can cause eye strain, dryness, and irritation - especially for those who work on computers for long hours.
 

Seasonal or indoor allergies often cause itchy, watery eyes. Pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold are common culprits. In some cases, the body’s immune response to these allergens results in chronic inflammation of the eye’s surface.
 

Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can also disrupt the natural tear film and irritate the eyes. Improper lens care or wearing them in dry conditions can make symptoms worse.
 

Your eyelids contain oil-producing glands called meibomian glands. These glands help keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. When they become blocked or stop functioning properly, it leads to evaporative dry eye.
 

The Importance of a a Professional Diagnosis

While over-the-counter drops and home remedies may offer temporary relief, they often don’t address the root cause of dry and itchy eyes. Our optometrist can perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether your symptoms are caused by allergies, meibomian gland dysfunction, environmental factors, or another underlying condition. Without pinpointing the exact cause, treatment may be ineffective or even worsen the problem. We use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the source of your discomfort and develop a personalized treatment plan that delivers real, lasting relief.
 

Effective Solutions We Offer

At VisionCare Optometry, we offer advanced treatments to address the root causes of dry and itchy eyes. ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is a gentle yet effective in-office procedure that thoroughly cleans the eyelid margins using a natural okra-based gel. It removes debris, bacteria, and biofilm that can clog the meibomian glands and lead to inflammation. ZEST is quick, non-invasive, and can provide immediate relief while supporting long-term eyelid health.
 

Another effective treatment is our OptiLight Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy. IPL is a light-based therapy that targets inflammation and restores proper gland function. It gently heats the skin around the eyes, melting thickened oil and unclogging meibomian glands. IPL also reduces the presence of inflammatory blood vessels and bacteria, making it especially helpful for patients with rosacea or chronic MGD. With a series of treatments, many patients experience significant improvement in symptoms and tear quality.
 

Ready to Restore Comfort to Your Eyes?

Dry and itchy eyes don’t have to be your “normal.” Whether your symptoms are caused by allergies, digital eye strain, or meibomian gland dysfunction, we can help you find a lasting solution. With advanced treatments like ZEST and IPL, we go beyond surface-level relief to address the root causes of your discomfort.
 

Schedule your dry eye evaluation with VisionCare Optometry and take the first step toward restoring comfort to your eyes. Contact our office in Elk Grove, California, by calling (916) 512-1600 to book an appointment today.