Dry eyes explained

What dry eye is

Every time you blink, a thin layer of tears spreads across the front of the eye, keeping it smooth, moist, and comfortable and helping you see clearly. Dry eye happens when this tear film is not doing its job, either because you are not making enough tears or because the tears evaporate too quickly. The result is eyes that feel dry, gritty, sore, or as if something is in them, and they may look red, feel tired, or become sensitive to light. Confusingly, dry eyes can also water more, as the irritation triggers a flood of watery tears that do not stay put. Symptoms are often worse later in the day, in dry or windy conditions, or after long periods of concentrating. Dry eye is common and, while irritating, is usually not serious.

Why it happens

Dry eye becomes more likely as we get older, because tear production naturally falls, and it is more common in women, particularly around and after the menopause. A major everyday cause is reduced blinking during activities that need concentration, such as looking at screens, reading, or driving, which lets the tear film dry out. Air conditioning, heating, wind, dust, and smoky or dry environments all speed up tear evaporation. Wearing contact lenses, some medicines, and certain health conditions can contribute too. A common underlying factor is trouble with the tiny glands in the eyelids that add an oily layer to tears; when these are blocked, tears evaporate faster. Often several of these factors combine, which is why dry eye tends to come and go and to be worse in particular situations.

Self-care that helps

Simple measures ease dry eye for most people. When using screens, take regular breaks and remember to blink fully and often, as we blink less when concentrating; positioning the screen slightly below eye level can help too. Keep rooms comfortably humid, avoid sitting in the direct blast of heaters, fans, or air conditioning, and use sunglasses in wind or bright light. Keeping the eyelids clean and applying a warm compress can help if blocked eyelid glands are part of the problem, by loosening the oils that keep tears from evaporating. Staying well hydrated, not smoking, and getting enough sleep all support eye comfort. If you wear contact lenses, giving your eyes lens-free breaks can help. These habits, kept up regularly, often reduce symptoms without any need for treatment.

Pharmacy options

A community pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter eye drops, gels, or ointments, often called artificial tears or lubricating drops, which top up the eye's moisture and relieve dryness and grittiness. Different products suit different people, so it may take a little trial to find one that works well; thicker gels and ointments last longer and can be useful overnight, while thinner drops are easier to use during the day. If you use drops very often, preservative-free versions may be gentler on the eyes. A pharmacist can also advise on eyelid-cleaning products and warm compresses for blocked glands, check whether contact lenses or any medicines might be contributing, and tell you when it would be sensible to see an optometrist or GP rather than continuing to self-treat.

When to get your eyes checked

Most dry eye can be managed at home, but some situations need a professional opinion. See an optometrist (optician) or GP if symptoms do not improve with self-care and pharmacy drops, if they are affecting your daily life or your vision, or if your eyes are very red, painful, or sensitive to light. An optometrist can examine the eye, look for underlying causes such as eyelid gland problems, and suggest further treatment. Seek prompt or urgent care for sudden changes in vision, severe eye pain, a red eye with a lot of discharge, a foreign object or chemical in the eye, or any eye injury, as these are not typical dry eye and can be serious. If you are ever unsure, contact NHS 111, and treat sudden vision loss or a serious eye injury as an emergency.