Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease is a condition in which the surface of the eye is not kept adequately lubricated. This can happen because the eyes do not produce enough tears, or because the tears are of poor quality and evaporate too quickly. Without a stable tear film, the front of the eye becomes dry and irritated, leading to ongoing discomfort that can come and go.

Dry eye disease is very common and becomes more frequent with age. It affects people of all ages but is seen more often in older adults and tends to be more common in women, particularly around and after the menopause. Prolonged screen use and dry or air-conditioned environments mean many people experience dry eye symptoms at some point.

Typical symptoms include a gritty or sandy feeling, as if something is in the eye, along with stinging, burning, redness, and tiredness of the eyes. Vision may blur temporarily, especially when reading or using a screen. Some people find their eyes water more, as the irritation triggers extra tears. Symptoms often worsen in dry, windy, or smoky surroundings.

Dry eye can be caused by reduced tear production or by tears evaporating too quickly. Contributing factors include ageing, being in dry, windy, or air-conditioned places, long periods of screen use, wearing contact lenses, and some medicines. Certain health conditions, hormonal changes, and previous eye surgery can also play a part. Women, especially after the menopause, are more often affected.

An eye specialist usually diagnoses dry eye disease from your symptoms and an examination of your eyes. They may ask about your daily habits, medicines, and general health, and look closely at the surface of the eye and the tear film. Simple tests, such as measuring how much tears you produce or how quickly they evaporate, can help confirm the diagnosis.

Dry eye is usually managed rather than cured. Common steps include using lubricating eye drops or ointments, taking regular breaks from screens, keeping the eyelids clean, and improving the surrounding environment, for example by avoiding direct draughts. If symptoms are more troublesome, an eye specialist may suggest additional treatments and will check for any underlying cause that needs separate attention.

While it cannot always be prevented, simple habits can reduce symptoms and flare-ups. Taking regular breaks during screen use and remembering to blink, avoiding smoky or very dry air, using a humidifier in dry rooms, staying well hydrated, and protecting your eyes from wind can all help. Following your eye specialist's advice on eyelid care also keeps the eyes more comfortable.