If your eyes frequently feel irritated, gritty, watery, or tired, you may be experiencing dry eye disease. It is one of the most common eye conditions and can affect people of all ages. While rarely sight-threatening, it can significantly impact comfort and quality of life.

What is dry eye?

Dry eye does not always mean your eyes are not producing enough tears. In many cases, tears evaporate too quickly.

A healthy tear film contains oily, watery, and mucus layers that work together to keep the eyes comfortable and protected. When this balance is disrupted, the surface of the eye can become dry and irritated.

What causes dry eye?

Common causes include:

• Ageing

• Hormonal changes

• Prolonged screen use

• Air conditioning and central heating

• Contact lens wear

• Certain medications

• Autoimmune conditions

• Blocked oil glands in the eyelids

Screen use is a major contributor because we tend to blink less often when using digital devices, allowing tears to evaporate more quickly.

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms include:

• Gritty or sandy sensations

• Burning or stinging

• Redness

• Excessive watering

• Intermittent blurred vision

• Light sensitivity

• Eye fatigue

Watery eyes may seem surprising, but they are often a response to irritation caused by dryness.

Natural ways to manage dry eye

Simple lifestyle changes can often help:

• Take regular screen breaks

• Blink more frequently

• Stay hydrated

• Apply warm compresses to the eyelids

• Reduce exposure to fans, air conditioning, and central heating where possible

These measures can improve the quality of the tear film and reduce evaporation.

How do eye drops help?

Lubricating eye drops, often called artificial tears, are a common treatment for dry eye.

They help supplement natural tears, improve moisture on the eye's surface, and reduce irritation. Some drops focus on replacing moisture, while others help restore the tear film's oily layer and reduce evaporation.

Choosing the right type of eye drop can make a significant difference to symptom relief.

When should you seek professional advice?

If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting daily life, an eye examination is recommended. An optometrist can identify underlying causes and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Dry eye is often a long-term condition, but with the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments, most people can manage their symptoms successfully and maintain comfortable vision.