Dry, gritty, tired or irritated eyes are one of the most common complaints we hear at the practice. Dry eye can be uncomfortable and frustrating, and for some people it significantly affects their daily life. The good news is that it is usually very manageable once you understand what is causing it. Here is our guide to dry eye, its causes, and what can be done to help.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye happens when your eyes either do not produce enough tears, or the tears they produce are of poor quality and evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for keeping the surface of your eye smooth, comfortable and healthy, so when the tear film is not working properly, the result is irritation and discomfort.
Common symptoms of dry eye
Dry eye does not always feel “dry”. The symptoms can include:
- A gritty or sandy sensation, as if something is in your eye
- Burning or stinging
- Redness
- Tired or heavy-feeling eyes, especially towards the end of the day
- Blurred vision that improves when you blink
- Watery eyes — surprisingly, excessive watering can be a sign of dry eye, as the eye overcompensates
- Discomfort when looking at screens or reading for long periods
What causes dry eye?
There are many factors that can contribute to dry eye, and often it is a combination of several. Common causes include:
- Screen use. When we concentrate on screens we blink far less often, which allows tears to evaporate. This is one of the biggest modern causes of dry eye.
- Age. Tear production naturally reduces as we get older, so dry eye becomes more common with age.
- Environment. Air conditioning, central heating, wind and dry atmospheres all increase tear evaporation.
- Contact lens wear. Some lens wearers experience dryness, particularly later in the day.
- Hormonal changes, particularly around the menopause.
- Certain medications, including some antihistamines, antidepressants and blood pressure tablets.
- Underlying conditions, such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) or other health conditions.
How is dry eye treated?
The right treatment depends on the cause, which is why it is worth having your eyes assessed rather than simply guessing. Common approaches include:
- Lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) to supplement your natural tears and soothe the surface of the eye
- Warm compresses and lid hygiene, particularly effective where blepharitis or blocked glands are involved
- Simple lifestyle adjustments, such as taking regular breaks from screens, following the 20-20-20 rule, staying hydrated, and adjusting your environment
- Specialist treatments for more persistent cases
A proper assessment allows us to identify the underlying cause and recommend the most effective combination of treatments for you, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
The 20-20-20 rule
If your dry eye is linked to screen use, this simple habit can make a real difference. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This encourages you to blink properly and gives your eyes a chance to recover. It costs nothing and is remarkably effective.
When should I see an optometrist about dry eye?
If your symptoms are persistent, uncomfortable, or affecting your daily life, it is worth booking an appointment. Occasionally, symptoms that feel like dry eye can be a sign of something else, so it is always sensible to have your eyes properly examined. We can confirm the cause, rule out anything more serious, and put together a treatment plan to get you comfortable again.
Get relief from dry eye in Blackburn
At Eyecare Blackburn we help patients across Blackburn manage dry eye and get back to comfortable, clear vision. If you are struggling with dry, gritty or irritated eyes, we are here to help.
To book an assessment, call us on 01254 433830 or book online. Relief is often simpler than you think.
