Eye
Medicines for Dry eye disease
A common condition where the eyes do not stay properly lubricated, causing grittiness, irritation and watering — managed mainly with lubricating drops and eyelid care.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Dry eye disease?
Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, so the surface of the eye is not properly lubricated. Despite the name, it can cause watery eyes as well as a gritty, burning or sandy feeling, redness, tiredness and blurred vision that comes and goes.
- How it is treated: Treatment focuses on restoring lubrication and addressing contributing factors.
- Self-care: Using lubricating drops regularly, taking regular screen breaks and blinking fully, using warm compresses and eyelid cleaning, avoiding direct draughts and air-conditioning on the eyes, and staying hydrated all help.
- When to seek help: See a GP or optician for persistent eye irritation not helped by lubricating drops.
What it is
Dry eye disease occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, so the surface of the eye is not properly lubricated. Despite the name, it can cause watery eyes as well as a gritty, burning or sandy feeling, redness, tiredness and blurred vision that comes and goes. It is very common, especially with age, in women (particularly around the menopause), with screen use, contact lenses, certain medicines, and in dry or air-conditioned environments. It is usually a nuisance rather than dangerous, but persistent symptoms deserve assessment.
How it is treated
Treatment focuses on restoring lubrication and addressing contributing factors. Lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) used regularly are the mainstay, with thicker gels or ointments at night for more troublesome cases. Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene help when the oily part of the tears is affected (a common cause). Reducing screen strain (taking breaks and blinking fully), adjusting the environment, and reviewing contributing medicines all help. Persistent or severe dry eye may need specialist treatments. Simple measures resolve most cases.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Dry eye disease
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Using lubricating drops regularly, taking regular screen breaks and blinking fully, using warm compresses and eyelid cleaning, avoiding direct draughts and air-conditioning on the eyes, and staying hydrated all help.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP or optician for persistent eye irritation not helped by lubricating drops. Seek urgent care for eye pain, marked redness, light sensitivity or reduced vision, which suggest a different problem.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Dry eye disease: frequently asked questions
Why do dry eyes water?
It sounds odd, but dryness and irritation can trigger a reflex of excess watery tears that do not lubricate well, so watering is a common symptom of dry eye disease.
What is the main treatment for dry eyes?
Regular lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) are the mainstay, along with warm compresses and eyelid hygiene, screen breaks, and adjusting the environment.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS — Dry eye disease
- College of Optometrists guidance
Related conditions
Building a patient-information or formulary resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free clinical references and decision aids for teams.