November is Diabetes Awareness Month—and for many people living with diabetes, it’s also when dry, scratchy, irritated eyes seem to flare. Cooler weather, indoor heating, and more screen time can worsen a condition called dry eye disease. Dry eye disease is uncomfortable enough. When diabetes is in the picture, the risk of dry eye is higher and the symptoms can be more stubborn, but the good news is there’s a lot you can do to protect comfortable, clear vision.

Dry eye happens when your tears evaporate and expose the surface of your eye to the air, removing the protection and lubrication the tear film provides. In diabetes, elevated blood sugar alters the quality of tears and reduces natural tear production. Long-term high glucose also damages the tiny nerves that signal your eyes to blink, leading to faster tear evaporation. Most people also develop issues with the oil-producing meibomian glands along the eyelids, making tears less stable.

Common symptoms include burning, stinging, a gritty or sandy feeling, redness, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision that improves after blinking. Paradoxically, you might even notice watery eyes; your eye’s SOS response to irritation. Left untreated, dry eye can increase infection risk and make daily tasks like reading or driving uncomfortable.

Simple habits can make a real difference. Follow the “20/20/20 Plus” rule to reduce screen strain: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds and blink strongly 5 times. Supplement omega-3 fish or algae oils shooting for 1,000mg of EPA and DHA each. A bedside humidifier can counteract dry indoor heat. Stay hydrated and talk with your clinician about whether any of your medications might worsen dryness.

Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) are a safe first step; choose preservative-free options if you use them more than four times a day. Avoid redness-relieving drops, which can backfire with overuse. If symptoms persist, an eye care professional can check for inflammation, eyelid disease, or allergic components and tailor treatments such as prescription anti-inflammatory drops, punctal plugs to conserve tears, or in-office therapies for the eyelid glands.

Most importantly, keep blood sugar in your target range and schedule a comprehensive, dilated eye exam at least once a year, sooner if you notice new symptoms. Managing diabetes and dry eye together helps protect not just comfort, but long-term vision. If your eyes feel like November’s fallen leaves—dry and brittle—consider it a prompt to act now and see clearly through the months ahead.

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