If your eyes burn, feel sandy, or go blurry after hours on a computer, you’re not alone. Many of our patients in Silver City assume these symptoms are just part of being tired—but in reality, they may be signs of dry eye syndrome, a common and treatable condition.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears—or when those tears don’t stay on the surface of your eye long enough. This imbalance can be caused by reduced blinking, poor tear quality, screen time, or even the dry New Mexico climate.
“When you sit at the computer for hours, your eyes blink about half the rate they should,” explains Dr. Van Dran. “Your brain is trying to stay in the zone, but your eyes are suffering.”
Why Do My Eyes Feel Gritty or Sandy?
That scratchy, irritated sensation often comes from infrequent blinking. Less blinking = less tear distribution. This uneven coverage leaves your cornea dry and exposed—causing discomfort that feels like there’s something in your eye (even when there isn’t).
But Why Are My Eyes Watering?
It seems counterintuitive—but excess tearing is actually a reflex response to dryness. Your eyes overproduce watery tears in an attempt to compensate, but without enough oil in your tear film, those tears evaporate quickly and don't hydrate properly.
“It’s like your eyes are trying to put out a fire with the wrong kind of water,” says Dr. Van Dran. “You get tear flooding, but it doesn’t solve the problem.”
Common Dry Eye Symptoms
Common Dry Eye Symptoms- Gritty, sandy, or scratchy eyes
- Burning or stinging, especially later in the day
- Blurry vision that clears when you blink
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Excess tearing
- A sensation like something is in your eye
Why Vision Gets Blurry Until You Blink
At Dr. Rhonda K. Van Dran O.D., P.C., we take dry eye seriously—and we personalize your care based on your environment, screen time, and eye health.
What we offer:
- Comprehensive Eye Exams: To identify the cause and severity of your dry eye
- Effective Product Recommendations: From the best artificial tears to specialty drops
- Lifestyle Guidance: Including blinking tips, screen positioning, and hydration
- Referrals for Advanced Treatment: If needed, we connect you with trusted specialists
Dry eye is something we tweak all the time,” says Dr. Van Dran. “It’s rarely one-size-fits-all. We start with what works and adjust from there.”
Ready to Feel Better?
If you’ve been toughing it out with sore, red, tired eyes, we’re here to help. Dry eye doesn’t have to be your daily normal—and it doesn’t go away by itself.
Call us today at (575) 388-2020 or book your appointment online now.
Let’s help your eyes feel comfortable—morning, noon, and night.