it sounds like you have a case of dry eye syndrome.
i live in CO where the humidity is very low and i suffer from that.
my opthamologist recommended Refresh Tears. you can get it in the drug or grocery store.

they also make a more viscous type of eye drop "for moderate to severe dry eyes". that coats the eye better but can leave you with some mild blurry vision for about 10-15". you can use the drops as often as you need. sometimes i use them constantly and other times i'm fine.

there are other products on the market. i'd call your eye dr and discuss this with him. be careful not to rub too awfully much. you don't want to rub your cornea and get a scratch.

in fact, maybe you should see your eye dr to make sure that isn't the problem. that really does hurt.