If your eyes feel sore, gritty, or unfocused by the end of the day, it’s easy to chalk it up to fatigue—especially after long hours at a screen. But what if those symptoms aren’t just tired eyes? Many patients in New Castle come to our optometrists at Mohawk Eyecare thinking they’re simply overworked, only to learn they’re dealing with dry eye syndrome. Knowing the difference between eye fatigue and dry eye symptoms is the first step toward lasting relief.
What Causes Eye Fatigue?
Eye fatigue, often referred to as eye strain, is usually a temporary condition caused by intense focus or overuse of your eyes. Think of long reading sessions, working on spreadsheets, or scrolling on your phone late at night. This kind of strain can make your eyes feel sore or heavy—but it typically improves with rest, hydration, and a break from screens.
Common symptoms of eye fatigue include:
- Mild burning or soreness
- Watery eyes
- Difficulty keeping eyes open
- Temporary blurred vision
- Headaches
If your symptoms disappear after a good night's sleep or a screen-free weekend, chances are you're experiencing simple eye fatigue.
Dry Eye Symptoms: More Than Just Fatigue
Dry eye syndrome, on the other hand, is a chronic condition that affects the tear film responsible for keeping your eyes lubricated and protected. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears—or when your tears evaporate too quickly—it can lead to persistent discomfort and even vision changes.
Here are some telltale signs of dry eye:
- A scratchy, gritty, or burning sensation
- Redness or sensitivity to light
- A feeling like something is in your eye
- Blurred or fluctuating vision that doesn't resolve with blinking
- Eye watering (yes, dry eyes can paradoxically cause more tears)
- Discomfort that worsens throughout the day, regardless of screen use
If these symptoms are familiar and persistent, you may be dealing with dry eye syndrome — not just tired eyes.
Why Getting the Right Diagnosis Matters For Your Eye Health
Assuming dry eye is just tiredness can delay treatment and worsen symptoms. Untreated dry eye can lead to inflammation, damage to the eye’s surface, and a reduced quality of life. At Mohawk Eyecare,our eye doctor, Dr. Carver uses advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause of your discomfort—whether it’s evaporative dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction, or something else entirely.
We go beyond surface symptoms to look at your tear composition, gland function, and lifestyle factors. From there, we create a customized dry eye treatment plan that could include everything from therapeutic eye drops and nutritional support to advanced therapies like IPL or radiofrequency treatments.
When to See an Eye Doctor
If your eye discomfort is affecting your daily activities, not improving with rest, or accompanied by burning and fluctuating vision, don’t wait. Early intervention is key for protecting your vision and comfort long-term. At Mohawk Eyecare, we’re here to help you get the answers—and the relief—you deserve.
Get Lasting Relief with Dry Eye Treatment in New Castle, PA
If you're unsure whether you have tired eyes or dry eyes, let our expert team guide you. Dr. Carver and the specialists at Mohawk Eyecare offer compassionate, personalized care and cutting-edge treatments for dry eye symptoms in New Castle. Book your comprehensive evaluation today and start seeing clearly and comfortably again.