long lasting eye

Overview

Long-lasting eye discomfort is a term some people use to describe ongoing soreness, dryness, grittiness, or tiredness in the eyes that does not go away quickly. The most common cause is chronic dry eye syndrome, where the eyes do not make enough tears or tears evaporate too fast, leaving the eye surface poorly lubricated.

Yes. Dry eye is one of the most common eye problems worldwide. Many people live with it for years, and its symptoms can come and go.

Chronic dry eye can affect people of any age, but it is more common in adults over 50, in women, contact lens wearers, and people who spend long hours looking at screens.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sore, gritty, or burning eyes
• A feeling that something is in your eye
• Redness or irritation
• Blurred vision that comes and goes, especially when reading or using a screen
• Sensitivity to light or wind
• Watery eyes as a reflex to dryness

Symptoms in children

• Rubbing the eyes often
• Complaining that the eyes feel 'scratchy' or 'sandy'
• Red or irritated eyes
• Trouble concentrating on near work without blinking a lot

Symptoms in older adults

• Eyes feeling dry or heavy even in the morning
• A scratchy feeling that worsens through the day
• Difficulty reading for long periods or seeing clearly at night
• Eyelids that stick slightly after sleeping

Causes

Main causes

• A tear film imbalance: your eyes may not make enough tears, or the tears may evaporate too quickly due to blocked or unhealthy oil glands.
• Aging: tear production often decreases as we get older.
• Environmental factors such as dry air, wind, smoke, air conditioning, or heating.
• Long screen time: people blink less while staring at screens, which dries the eyes.
• Certain medicines: some treatments for allergies, blood pressure, or depression can reduce tear production. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if this applies to you.

Risk factors

• Being over 50 years old
• Being female, especially after hormonal changes
• Wearing contact lenses
• Working in a dry, windy, or air-conditioned environment
• Spending many hours each day on computers, tablets, or phones
• Having certain health conditions like thyroid disease, arthritis, or Sjogren's syndrome

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden pain, sudden vision changes, or a red eye that does not improve, see a doctor urgently or call your local eye emergency service.
• If your eye has been injured or exposed to chemicals, get urgent medical help.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your eyes feel uncomfortable most days for more than a week, book a regular appointment with your GP or optometrist.
• If you wear contact lenses and your eyes feel dry or gritty, stop wearing them and see your optometrist as soon as possible.

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional, such as an optometrist or an eye doctor, will ask about your symptoms, examine the surface of your eyes under a special microscope, and may look at your tears to see how well they are coating your eye.

Tests that may be done

• Slit lamp test: a bright light and microscope to examine the front of your eyes and tear film.
• Schirmer test: a tiny strip of paper is placed under your lower eyelid to measure how many tears you produce.
• Tear breakup time test: a special dye is placed in your eye to see how quickly tears break apart after blinking.

What to expect at your appointment

These tests are quick, painless, and done in the clinic. You do not need to prepare, but if you wear contact lenses, your optometrist may ask you to leave them out for a while before the appointment.

Treatment

Treatment for chronic dry eye aims to keep the surface of your eyes moist, reduce discomfort, and protect your eyes from damage. A combination of simple daily habits and professional support usually works best.

Self-care at home

• Take regular screen breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Gently place a warm, damp cloth over your closed eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes to help unblock oil glands.
• Stay well hydrated by drinking enough water during the day.
• Avoid smoky, windy, or very dry places, and use a humidifier at home if the air feels dry.
• Protect your eyes with wraparound sunglasses outside, especially in wind or glare.

Medical treatments

There are various supportive treatments for chronic dry eye, including lubricating eye drops or gels, medicines that help your eyes produce more tears, and in-clinic procedures that unblock eyelid glands. Your optometrist, doctor, or pharmacist can advise which approach is safe and suitable for you. Always ask before using any product, and do not use over-the-counter drops long-term without professional advice.

When is surgery considered?

Rarely, if other treatments do not help, a specialist may discuss a minor procedure to block the tear drainage ducts (punctal plugs), so tears stay on the eye longer. Surgery is only considered when symptoms are severe and other options have not worked.

Living with this condition

Living with long-lasting eye discomfort often means building small routines into your day: blinking exercises, using lubricating drops or gels as recommended, protecting your eyes from drafts, and taking breaks from screens. It can take a few weeks to find a routine that feels right for you.

Lifestyle tips

• Adjust screen brightness and position so you are comfortable and can blink fully.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to shield your eyes from wind, dust, and bright light.
• Take regular breaks during reading, driving, or computer work to rest your eyes.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats such as oily fish, nuts, and seeds supports eye health. Regular physical activity improves circulation and overall wellbeing, which is also good for your body and vision.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Constant eye discomfort is frustrating and can make it hard to focus at work or enjoy hobbies. Feeling tired or stressed about it is normal. Be kind to yourself, let family or friends know how you feel, and talk to your healthcare team if it affects your mood.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent chronic dry eye, but you can reduce your risk and ease flare-ups by protecting your eyes from dry environments, taking regular screen breaks, staying hydrated, and having regular eye checks.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for chronic dry eye.

Screening programmes

Having a regular eye test every 1 to 2 years is a good idea for everyone, especially if you are over 60 or have a family history of eye conditions. Your optometrist can often spot early signs of dry eye before symptoms become severe.

Complications

If left untreated

• Untreated chronic dry eye can make the surface of the eye more vulnerable to small scratches or infections.
• Severe, long-lasting dryness can damage the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye, and in rare cases affect vision.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is good. With simple self-care, regular eye checks, and the right supportive treatment, most people find their symptoms improve and can keep their eyes comfortable for daily life. Long-lasting eye discomfort is often manageable, and you are not alone in dealing with it.

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