Eyes
Medicines for Dry eye
A common condition where the eyes do not stay properly lubricated, causing gritty, sore or watery eyes — usually a manageable long-term nuisance helped by lubricating drops and simple measures.
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?
Dry eye, or dry eye syndrome, happens when the eyes either do not make enough tears or the tears they make evaporate too quickly, so the surface of the eye is not kept properly moist and smooth. This can make the eyes feel gritty, sore, tired or as though something is in them, and — confusingly — can also make them water, as the eye tries to compensate.
- How it is treated: The mainstay of managing dry eye is lubrication: tear-substitute drops used through the day, with thicker gels or ointments at night when the eyes are not blinking.
- Self-care: Take regular breaks from screens and remember to blink fully, position screens slightly below eye level, and reduce direct draughts from fans, heaters and air conditioning.
- When to seek help: Most dry eye can be managed with lubricating drops and simple measures, and an optometrist (optician) is a good first port of call.
What it is
Dry eye, or dry eye syndrome, happens when the eyes either do not make enough tears or the tears they make evaporate too quickly, so the surface of the eye is not kept properly moist and smooth. This can make the eyes feel gritty, sore, tired or as though something is in them, and — confusingly — can also make them water, as the eye tries to compensate. It is very common and tends to become more likely with age. It is often worse with long periods of screen use, in air-conditioned or heated environments, in wind, and for people who wear contact lenses. Certain medicines and some health conditions can contribute too. Dry eye is usually a long-term but manageable condition rather than a sign of anything serious.
How it is treated
The mainstay of managing dry eye is lubrication: tear-substitute drops used through the day, with thicker gels or ointments at night when the eyes are not blinking. These ease symptoms and protect the eye surface, and are generally used regularly rather than only when symptoms flare. Alongside drops, simple measures address why the eyes are drying out — taking regular breaks from screens, blinking fully, and improving the surrounding environment. Where the problem comes partly from the oily glands along the eyelid edges, warm compresses and gentle eyelid cleaning (eyelid hygiene) can help the tears stay stable for longer. The aim is steady, day-to-day comfort, adjusting the type and frequency of lubricant to what suits each person. More troublesome or persistent cases can be assessed in more detail by an optometrist or eye clinic.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Dry eye
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.
Symptom checker
Symptoms that can point to Dry eye
Dry eye can be one cause of these symptoms. Each guide explains the other possible causes and the red-flag warning signs that mean you should get urgent help:
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Take regular breaks from screens and remember to blink fully, position screens slightly below eye level, and reduce direct draughts from fans, heaters and air conditioning. Warm compresses and gentle eyelid cleaning can help if the eyelid glands are involved. Staying well hydrated, not smoking, and reviewing contact-lens wear with your optician can all reduce symptoms.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
Most dry eye can be managed with lubricating drops and simple measures, and an optometrist (optician) is a good first port of call. Seek prompt eye assessment if you have significant eye pain, marked redness, any change in your vision, sensitivity to light, or a persistent feeling of something in the eye that will not settle, as these can point to other causes that need checking. Sudden vision loss or eye injury needs urgent care.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Dry eye: frequently asked questions
What medicines are used for dry eye?
The main treatment is ocular lubricants — artificial-tear drops used through the day to ease grittiness and protect the eye surface, with thicker gels or ointments at night. They are usually used regularly rather than only when symptoms flare. Alongside drops, simple measures such as screen breaks, blinking fully and eyelid hygiene help tackle why the eyes are drying out.
Why do my eyes water if they are dry?
It sounds contradictory, but watery eyes are a common feature of dry eye. When the surface of the eye becomes dry and irritated, the eye can produce a flood of reflex tears in response. These watery tears do not coat the eye well, so the underlying dryness — and the watering — can continue until the surface is better lubricated.
Will dry eye go away on its own?
Dry eye is often a long-term condition that comes and goes rather than something that disappears completely, but for most people it is well controlled with lubricating drops and simple measures. Treating the things that make it worse — such as long screen sessions and dry, draughty environments — and using lubricants regularly usually keeps it comfortable.
Can I keep wearing contact lenses with dry eye?
Many people with dry eye still wear contact lenses, but the lenses can make symptoms worse and dryness can affect how comfortably they sit. It is worth discussing this with your optician, who can advise on lens type, wearing time and lens-friendly lubricating drops, or whether a break from lenses would help.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Dry eye disease.
- NICE CKS: Dry eyes.
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