Dry eye is one of the most common eye conditions people face today - yet many don’t realize how much their everyday habits can make symptoms worse. Whether it’s burning, stinging, blurry vision, or constant discomfort, dry eye can interfere with your productivity and quality of life. At Green Eye Care, our trusted eye doctors in Harlem, NY, help patients identify what’s causing their symptoms and provide effective, personalized dry eye treatment in Harlem. Below are five common daily habits that could be contributing to your dry, irritated eyes.
 

1. Too Much Screen Time Without Breaks

Digital devices dramatically reduce blinking, which is essential for spreading tears evenly across your eyes. When you stare at a screen for hours, your tears evaporate more quickly, leading to dryness and irritation.

What to do: Follow the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to keep your eyes refreshed.
 

2. Not Drinking Enough Water

Dehydration affects your entire body, including your tear film. When you’re not properly hydrated, your body can’t produce enough quality tears, making dry eye symptoms worse.

What to do: Aim to drink water consistently throughout the day. Even mild dehydration can make a noticeable difference in eye comfort.
 

3. Sleeping in Contact Lenses

Wearing your contact lenses overnight can reduce oxygen flow to the cornea and worsen dryness. It also increases your risk of infections and inflammation.

What to do: Always remove your contacts before bed unless your eye doctor has prescribed lenses specifically designed for overnight wear.
 

4. Being Around Indoor Airflow

Indoor heating, air conditioning, fans, and even car vents blow air directly onto your eyes, speeding up tear evaporation. This is one of the most overlooked causes of dry eye flare-ups.

What to do: Avoid sitting directly under vents, use a humidifier at home or work, and point car vents away from your face while driving.
 

5. Rubbing Your Eyes

It may feel relieving for the moment, but rubbing your eyes can worsen inflammation, disrupt the tear film, and even damage delicate tissues on the surface of the eye. Over time, this habit can make dryness significantly worse.

What to do: Instead of rubbing, try a warm compress or artificial tears to soothe irritation safely.
 

When to See Your Eye Doctor

While occasional dryness can happen to anyone, persistent or worsening symptoms are a sign that it’s time to visit your eye doctor. Dry eye can be caused by a variety of underlying issues - including meibomian gland dysfunction, inflammation, allergies, hormone changes, and environmental factors - and only a professional evaluation can determine the true cause.

You should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor in Harlem, NY if you experience:

• Dryness that lasts more than a few days

• Burning, stinging, or gritty sensations

• Blurry or fluctuating vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Excessive tearing

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

• Redness or irritation that doesn’t improve

Prompt care not only relieves discomfort but also prevents the condition from progressing. We offer advanced testing and customized dry eye treatment in Harlem to help restore the health and comfort of your eyes.
 

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation in Harlem, NY

Dry eye symptoms often creep in slowly, but everyday habits can make the condition much more noticeable. Understanding what’s contributing to your discomfort is the first step toward relief. Whether your symptoms are mild or persistent, our eye care team is here to help you get the relief you need with comprehensive dry eye treatment in Harlem.

If your eyes feel dry, irritated, or tired throughout the day, contact Green Eye Care to schedule your consultation and find long-lasting relief. Call 347-757-5475 or visit our website at www.greeneyeharlem.com/book-online to book an appointment today.