Dry Eyes 101

Keywords: Dry eyes, burning eyes, gritty eyes, eye drops

Have you ever felt a persistent burning, stinging, or gritty sensation in your eyes? You’re not alone. These are hallmark symptoms of Dry Eye Disease, a surprisingly common condition that affects nearly half of American adults. In fact, 48% of adult Americans report experiencing dry eyes - and women are twice as likely to be affected than men (Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology).

"Dry Eye" may sound simple, but the underlying condition - keratoconjunctivitis sicca -is anything but. It’s defined as a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface that occurs when your tear film is either insufficient or unstable, causing discomfort and vision problems.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye Include:

• Burning eyes
• Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
• Redness and irritation
• Excessive tearing (yes, dry eye can also cause watery eyes!)
• Itchy eyes
• Blurred vision
• Feeling like there’s something in your eye

If any of this sounds familiar, you might be among the millions silently suffering from dry eyes without a proper diagnosis.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Understanding the triggers and risk factors can help you take proactive steps toward managing your symptoms.

• 1. Screen Time: When you're focusing on a digital screen - whether it's your phone, computer, or even a Kindle - your blink rate drops dramatically. You blink 6–8x less during these activities, which means your eyes aren’t replenishing their tear film as often, leading to gritty, dry eyes.
• 2. Wearing Contact Lenses: Contact lens wearers are at high risk for dry eyes, as the lens acts as a barrier that can disrupt tear flow and reduce oxygen delivery to the eye surface.
• 3. Age & Hormonal Changes: Dry eyes are more common as we age, especially for women during and after menopause, due to hormonal shifts that affect tear production.
• 4. Post-Eye Surgery: Procedures like LASIK or cataract surgery can impact the corneal nerves, interfering with your eyes' ability to signal for tear production.
• 5. Cosmetics & Makeup: Makeup, especially powders, glitters, and waterproof formulas, can clog glands or irritate the ocular surface - particularly when applied along the waterline.
• 6. Environmental Stressors: Air conditioning, central heating, and dry or windy environments can cause moisture to evaporate more quickly from your eyes.

How to Manage and Soothe Dry Eyes

Fortunately, you can do a lot to manage dry eyes from the comfort of your home. Here's how:

1. Apply Therapeutic Heat

One of the best ways to improve tear quality and unblock meibomian glands (which help produce the oily layer of tears) is to apply consistent, gentle heat to the eyelids.

We recommend our Peep Club Heated Eye Wand-a game-changer in the world of at-home dry eye treatment. This dermatologist-approved, eye-safe device uses warm compress therapy with gentle massage to boost natural tear production and improve eye comfort. However there are a range of warm compresses on the market and we encourage you to find the one that works best with your lifestyle!

2. Use Artificial Tears or Sprays

Not all eye drops are created equal. Some can actually make things worse with preservatives. That’s why many people prefer sprays, which are easy to apply even with makeup on, and deliver instant moisture to the ocular surface.

Our top pick? The Instant Relief Eye Spray. Clinically proven and ophthalmologist-approved, it hydrates eyes in seconds, relieving burning and gritty sensations on the go.

3. Boost Your Diet

A diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can improve tear stability. Add:

• Salmon, mackerel, and chia seeds for healthy fats
• Leafy greens, blueberries, and carrots for eye-friendly nutrients

4. Avoid Triggering Products

Opt for fragrance-free skincare and avoid makeup products near the lash line. Always remove makeup thoroughly using a gentle eye cleanser (e.g. the Peep Club Soothing Coconut Balm or Balm Wipes) formulated for sensitive eyes.

5. Take Breaks from Screens

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. And don’t forget to blink intentionally during breaks!

The Takeaway

If you’re experiencing dry, burning, or gritty eyes, it’s not something you should ignore. From digital fatigue to environmental factors and even your eye care products, several daily habits could be contributing. With the right knowledge and tools - like the Heated Eye Wand and Instant Relief Eye Spray -you can manage and even reverse many of these symptoms.

Say goodbye to eye drops that only offer temporary relief. Start treating the root causes of your dry eye symptoms today.