Dry Eye

Overview

Dry eye happens when your eyes do not make enough tears, or when the tears are not the right quality. Tears are more than water. They contain oil and mucus that coat the eye and keep it smooth and protected. When this tear film breaks down, your eyes can feel sore, gritty, burning, or tired. Dry eye is a common eye problem, and most people can get relief with self-care and treatment. If symptoms continue, talk with a pharmacist, optometrist, or GP.

Yes, dry eye is very common. It is one of the most frequent reasons people ask for eye care advice.

Dry eye can affect anyone, including children. It is more common in older adults, in women, in people who use screens for long periods, in contact lens wearers, and in people with certain health conditions or who take some medicines.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A burning, stinging, or scratchy feeling in the eyes
• A gritty or sandy feeling, as if something is in the eye
• Redness or a heavy, tired feeling in the eyes
• Blurred vision that clears when you blink
• Sensitivity to light
• Stringy mucus around the eyes
• Watery eyes, because dryness can make the eyes produce tears reflexively
• Discomfort when reading, using a screen, or wearing contact lenses

Symptoms in children

• Children may rub their eyes often or blink a lot.
• They may avoid reading or complain that their eyes feel tired.
• They may not be able to explain the feeling, so watch for squinting, redness, or rubbing.
• Dry eye is less common in children, but it can happen.

Symptoms in older adults

• Dry eye becomes more common with age.
• Older adults may notice more tearing, a gritty feeling, or vision that changes with blinking.
• Eyelid changes and some medicines can affect tears.
• Symptoms may feel mild even when the eye surface needs care.

Causes

Main causes

• The tear film is unstable and breaks up too quickly.
• The oil glands in the eyelids do not work well, so tears dry out too fast.
• The eyes do not make enough tears.
• The eyelids do not close fully or do not blink often enough.
• Allergies, infections, or irritants affect the eye surface.
• Long screen time, dry air, wind, smoke, or air conditioning make tears evaporate faster.

Risk factors

• Being over 50
• Being female, especially after menopause
• Some health conditions, such as autoimmune conditions, diabetes, or thyroid problems
• Some medicines, including some allergy, blood pressure, depression, or hormone medicines
• Contact lens use
• Long periods of screen use
• Dry, windy, smoky, or air-conditioned places
• Previous eye surgery or eye injury
• Not blinking fully or often enough

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have eye pain that is getting worse.
• You have a red eye with sticky discharge.
• You wear contact lenses and have a painful red eye.
• You notice sudden vision changes, new flashes, or many new floaters.
• You have severe sensitivity to light.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Your eyes feel dry most days.
• Symptoms keep coming back or are affecting reading, work, or sleep.
• You use lubricating drops often.
• Contact lenses feel uncomfortable or you cannot wear them.
• Dry eye is affecting your daily life.

Diagnosis

A GP, optometrist, or eye specialist will ask about your symptoms, medicines, health conditions, screen use, and contact lens use. They will examine your eyes, eyelids, and tear film. This helps them understand why your eyes are dry and what may help.

Tests that may be done

• A slit-lamp exam, where a special light and microscope are used to look closely at your eyes.
• A tear breakup time test, which checks how quickly your tears dry up.
• A Schirmer test, where small paper strips are placed gently under the eyelid to measure tears.
• Dye drops that help show dry spots or damage on the eye surface.
• A check of the eyelids and oil glands.

What to expect at your appointment

The exam is usually quick and painless. Some drops may feel cool or sting briefly. Your vision may be blurry for a short time after certain drops, so bring sunglasses and ask whether you can drive.

Treatment

Treatment aims to soothe the eye surface, add moisture, and help your tears work better. Most people start with self-care and lubricating eye drops. Always check with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment, especially if you have ongoing symptoms or wear contact lenses.

Self-care at home

• Use lubricating eye drops or ointments as advised by your pharmacist or clinician.
• Try warm compresses on closed eyelids for a few minutes to help the oil glands.
• Keep eyelids clean with gentle lid care.
• Take regular breaks from screens and blink fully.
• Use a humidifier and avoid direct wind, smoke, and dry air.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from wind and sun.
• Drink water through the day and avoid too much caffeine or alcohol if they seem to make symptoms worse.

Medical treatments

Your clinician may suggest lubricating eye drops or ointments, lid care, or prescription eye drops that reduce inflammation. They may also recommend tiny plugs placed in the tear ducts to keep tears on the eye longer, or other procedures to help the eyelids work better. They will choose a plan based on your eye exam and symptoms.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for dry eye. If your eyelids are too loose or a tear duct problem cannot be managed in other ways, an eye specialist may discuss a small procedure. Most people do not need surgery.

Living with this condition

Dry eye can be a long-term condition, so it helps to build small habits into your day. Keep lubricating drops where you need them, take screen breaks, and use warm compresses when your eyes feel sore. Track what makes symptoms better or worse and share this with your clinician.

Lifestyle tips

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Use a humidifier and keep rooms from becoming too dry.
• Avoid smoke, direct wind, and fans blowing on your face.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors.
• Clean your eyelids gently as advised.
• Get regular eye checks, especially if you wear contact lenses.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with healthy fats, fruit, and vegetables supports general eye health. Drink water through the day. Regular exercise helps your overall health and circulation. No single food or exercise cures dry eye, but healthy habits can help you feel better.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dry eye can be frustrating. It may affect sleep, work, reading, and mood. If it is getting you down, tell your healthcare team. If you ever feel overwhelmed or have thoughts of harming yourself, contact your local emergency number or a crisis support service right away.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent dry eye, but you can lower your risk and reduce flare-ups. Protect your eyes from wind and smoke, take screen breaks, keep eyelids clean, and manage health conditions with your clinician.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine to prevent dry eye.

Screening programmes

No routine screening test is recommended for dry eye. Regular eye checks are helpful if you use contact lenses or have a health condition that raises your risk.

Complications

If left untreated

• Damage to the clear front surface of the eye
• More chance of eye infections
• Scarring or long-term vision changes in severe cases
• Contact lenses becoming uncomfortable or unsafe to wear
• Lower quality of life because of pain, tired eyes, or reading problems

Long-term outlook

Most people get relief with a combination of self-care and treatment. Dry eye can be a long-term condition, but it is usually manageable. Work with your eye care team to find a plan that suits you.

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