What Causes Dry Eyes? The Everyday Factors Most People Miss

If your eyes feel gritty, tired, or irritated more often than they used to, you’re far from alone. A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis found that the global pooled prevalence of dry eye disease is 34.6% — meaning roughly one in three people worldwide are affected.

The tricky part? Most people assume dry eyes are just something they have to live with, or that there’s a single cause behind the discomfort. In reality, dry eyes are usually the result of several everyday factors working together, many of which are completely within your control.

Let’s break down the most common causes — the ones that are probably affecting you right now.

1. Screen Time: The Modern Dry Eye Epidemic

If you spend hours a day staring at a phone, laptop, or monitor, your eyes are paying the price. Research published in the ARVO journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science confirms that when you focus on a screen, your blink rate drops significantly — from a normal rate of around 15–20 blinks per minute down to as few as 5–7. That’s a big deal, because every blink spreads a fresh layer of moisture across the surface of your eyes. Fewer blinks means your tear film evaporates faster than it can be replenished.

It’s not just the reduced blinking, either. Many of those screen-time blinks are incomplete — your eyelids don’t fully close — so the tear film never gets properly redistributed. Add in the fact that most of us are staring slightly upward at screens (which exposes more of the eye’s surface to the air), and you’ve got a recipe for dry, tired, uncomfortable eyes by the end of every workday.

This is why so many people notice their eyes feel worst in the late afternoon or evening. It’s the cumulative effect of hours of under-blinking.

2. Contact Lenses: A Major but Often Overlooked Trigger

Research published in Maturitas describes contact lens-related dry eye as a growing public health problem, with approximately 50% of lens wearers affected — an estimated 17 million of the 35 million contact lens wearers in the United States alone. Lenses sit directly on the tear film, disrupting its structure and accelerating evaporation. Over time, they can also reduce corneal sensitivity, meaning your eyes produce fewer reflex tears.

If your contacts feel increasingly uncomfortable as the day goes on, or if you find yourself reaching for rewetting drops more often, your lenses are likely contributing to the problem. A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that high water content lens materials and longer wearing times were both strongly associated with dry eye symptoms.

3. Hormonal Changes: Why Dry Eyes Hit Harder During Menopause

Hormones play a surprisingly significant role in eye comfort. According to the TFOS DEWS II Sex, Gender & Hormones Report, sex hormones — particularly oestrogen and androgens — influence production of all components of the tear film, including the aqueous layer, lipid, and mucin. When hormone levels shift during perimenopause, menopause, pregnancy, or while taking hormonal contraceptives, tear production and quality can change dramatically.

Women going through menopause are particularly affected. The Journal of Mid-Life Health published research showing that postmenopausal women have a significantly higher prevalence of dry eye disease compared to premenopausal women, linked to the decline in androgen levels that reduces meibomian gland output — leading to tears that evaporate too quickly. Many women describe a sudden onset of dry, gritty eyes in their 40s or 50s that seems to come out of nowhere, but it’s directly tied to these hormonal shifts.

4. Medications That Dry Out Your Eyes

A surprising number of common medications list dry eyes as a side effect. As the Review of Optometry explains, many systemic medications can trigger dryness as a side effect. If you suspect a medication is contributing to your dry eyes, don’t stop taking it without consulting your doctor. But do mention the symptom at your next appointment — there may be alternatives or complementary approaches that can help.

5. Your Environment Is Working Against You

Your surroundings have a direct impact on how quickly your tears evaporate. A study in Cornea demonstrated that low-humidity conditions significantly increase tear evaporation rates in both healthy subjects and those with dry eye disease. Some of the biggest environmental triggers include:

• Air conditioning and central heating — both strip moisture from the air
• Low humidity — especially common in winter when indoor heating is running constantly
• Airplane cabins — research published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science found that cabin air humidity can drop to 10–20%, far below the 30–50% range that’s comfortable for your eyes, causing measurable decreases in tear stability
• Wind and fans — direct airflow across the face accelerates tear evaporation

6. Preservatives and Irritants in Products That Touch Your Eyes

Here’s something that surprises many people: the products you’re using around your eyes could actually be making your dry eye symptoms worse. It’s not just eye drops — anything that comes into contact with your lid margin can introduce irritants. That includes eye makeup, eye makeup removers, cleansers, and moisturizers, as well as eye drops that aren’t preservative-free.

The most well-studied culprit in eye drops is benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a preservative used in approximately 70% of ophthalmic formulations, according to research published in the journal Eye. A study in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science found that topical BAK causes dose-related corneal neurotoxicity, along with corneal inflammation and reduced tear production. Separately, research in Molecular Vision showed that BAK can inhibit mitochondrial function in corneal epithelial cells by over 90%.

But preservatives are far from the only problem. Many everyday eye-area products contain fragrances, alcohol, waxes, emulsifiers, and other ingredients that can irritate the delicate lid margin and disrupt the tear film. Your lid margin is where your meibomian glands release the oils that keep your tears from evaporating — so anything harsh that sits on or near that area can interfere with oil flow and contribute to dryness over time.

If you’re using preserved drops multiple times a day, removing makeup with products loaded with fragrance or alcohol, or applying eye creams that contain known irritants, you may be caught in a cycle of temporary relief followed by worsening symptoms. Choosing gentle, preservative-free options across all your eye-area products — not just your drops — can make a real difference.

7. Allergies and Seasonal Irritation

Allergic conjunctivitis — the itchy, watery, red-eyed reaction triggered by pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens — is closely linked to dry eye discomfort. The inflammatory response caused by allergies disrupts the tear film and can damage the surface cells of the eye, leading to dryness even after the acute allergic reaction subsides.

To make matters worse, many people treat their allergy symptoms with oral antihistamines, which (as we covered above) can further reduce tear production. Research from the University of Colorado School of Medicine highlights this frustrating cycle: the allergy irritates your eyes, and the systemic treatment dries them out. Topical antihistamine eye drops are less likely to cause dryness, so speak with your eye care professional about targeted options if this applies to you.

What You Can Do About It

The good news is that once you understand what’s causing your dry eyes, there are practical steps you can take to manage them. Here are some of the most effective approaches:

Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a break and encourages more complete blinks. A 2025 study in npj Digital Medicine found that structured blink training can measurably reduce dry eye signs and symptoms.

Be conscious of your blinking. It sounds odd, but deliberately blinking fully and frequently during screen work can make a noticeable difference.

Manage your environment. Use a humidifier in dry rooms, direct air vents away from your face, and consider wearing wraparound glasses on windy days or flights.

Swap out products that could be sensitizing your eyes. It’s not just about eye drops — take a look at everything that touches your eye area. If your makeup remover, cleanser, or moisturizer contains fragrance, alcohol, or harsh preservatives, it could be contributing to your symptoms. Switching to gentle, preservative-free options across the board can make a real difference.

Support your meibomian glands with warmth. The tiny oil-producing glands in your eyelids can become blocked or sluggish, especially after long hours on screens. Warm compresses help soften and release those oils, improving the quality of your tear film.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common causes of dry eyes?

The most common causes include prolonged screen time, contact lens wear, hormonal changes (especially during menopause), certain medications like antihistamines and antidepressants, dry or air-conditioned environments, preservatives in eye drops, and seasonal allergies. Most people have more than one contributing factor.

Why are my eyes dry even though I use eye drops?

If your eye drops contain preservatives like benzalkonium chloride (BAK), they could be irritating your eyes with repeated use, creating a cycle of temporary relief followed by worsening symptoms. Switching to a preservative-free formulation and addressing the root causes — like screen habits and environment — often makes a bigger difference than drops alone.

Can screen time really cause dry eyes?

Yes. Research shows that when you focus on a screen, your blink rate can drop from 15–20 blinks per minute to as few as 5–7, and many of the blinks you do make are incomplete. This means your tear film evaporates faster than it’s replenished, leading to dryness, irritation, and fatigue — especially toward the end of the day.

Why do dry eyes get worse during menopause?

Hormones like oestrogen and androgens directly influence the glands responsible for producing tears and the oily layer that prevents tear evaporation. During perimenopause and menopause, declining hormone levels can reduce both the quantity and quality of your tears, making dry eyes significantly more common.

Are dry eyes from contacts permanent?

Not usually. Dry eyes related to contact lens wear are often manageable with the right approach — including taking breaks from lenses, using preservative-free hydration, and keeping the eye area clean. If discomfort persists, speak with your eye care professional about lens type and wearing schedule.

When should I see a doctor about dry eyes?

If your dry eye symptoms are persistent, getting worse, or affecting your daily life or vision, it’s worth seeing an eye care professional. They can assess whether there’s an underlying condition, check the health of your tear film and meibomian glands, and recommend a tailored approach.

The Bottom Line

Dry eyes are incredibly common, but they’re not inevitable. Once you understand the everyday factors behind the discomfort — from screens and contacts to hormones, medications, and your environment — you can start making changes that actually help.

The key is addressing the root causes rather than just masking the symptoms. Small, consistent habits like taking screen breaks, choosing preservative-free eye care, and supporting your meibomian glands with warmth can add up to a meaningful difference in how your eyes feel every day.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The information provided does not replace professional eye care consultation. Peep Club products are cosmetic and personal care products — they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are experiencing persistent eye discomfort or changes in vision, please consult a qualified eye care professional.