If your eyes feel itchy or scratchy, it may be spring allergies, or it could be that your eyes don’t produce enough natural tears to stay comfortable.

This condition is known as dry eye, and it tends to worsen when you’re around smoke or wind.

Blow drying your hair and driving with the air conditioner or window defroster on can also intensify symptoms.

Dry eye can make your contact lenses uncomfortable. Our eyes naturally have a film of tears that lubricate the surface every time we blink.

Dry eye can be a side effect of certain medications, or you may simply be prone to this condition. It affects women more often than men.

Simple ways to control the sensation of dry eyes is avoid excessive exposure to smoke and wind.

Over-the- counter artificial tear solutions may be enough to maintain enough moisture for daily comfort.

In more severe cases, an ophthalmologist or optometrist can insert tiny plugs into the tear ducts to prevent some of the drainage. This procedure is known as punctal occlusion.

Increasing tear production can be achieved through prescription medication, and new studies show that omega-3 fatty acids provide a natural way to help increase the body’s natural production of tears through nutrition.