Dry, gritty or watery eyes? Perhaps they feel tired by the end of the day, sting after hours at your computer or become uncomfortable when you're wearing contact lenses.
It's easy to dismiss these symptoms as a normal part of everyday life. But if your eyes regularly feel uncomfortable, there could be something more going on.
Dry eye is a common condition that can develop gradually, often without us realising what's causing the discomfort. The good news is that understanding what's happening is the first step towards finding the right treatment.
And because not every case of dry eye is the same, the solution shouldn't be either.
Could this actually be dry eye?
Despite its name, dry eye doesn't always mean your eyes feel dry. In fact, some people experience the exact opposite: eyes that seem to water constantly.
Dry eye happens when your eyes don't produce enough tears, or when the tears they produce aren't able to keep the surface of your eyes properly lubricated.
Common dry eye symptoms include:
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A gritty or sandy sensation
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Burning or stinging
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Redness and irritation
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Eyes that feel tired, particularly towards the end of the day
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Blurred or fluctuating vision
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Excessive watering
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Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
You might experience several of these symptoms or just one or two. They may come and go, become worse in certain environments or gradually become more noticeable over time.
Why are my eyes watery if they're dry?
It sounds contradictory, but watery eyes can actually be a symptom of dry eye.
When the surface of your eyes becomes irritated or isn't adequately lubricated, your eyes may respond by producing extra watery tears. However, these tears don't necessarily provide the lasting lubrication your eyes need.
So, if your eyes regularly stream or water without an obvious reason, dryness could be one possible explanation.
Of course, watery eyes can have other causes too, which is why it's important to have persistent symptoms assessed rather than trying to diagnose them yourself.
What causes dry eyes?
Your eyes rely on a healthy tear film to keep their surface comfortable and protected. When the quantity or quality of your tears changes, that delicate balance can be disrupted.
Dry eye often develops because of a combination of factors rather than one single cause.
Screens and reading
We tend to blink less frequently when concentrating on a screen or reading. This can allow tears to evaporate more quickly, leaving your eyes feeling tired or uncomfortable.
Air conditioning and central heating
Dry indoor air, heating and air conditioning can increase tear evaporation. You might notice your symptoms becoming worse at work, in the car or during the colder months.
Contact lenses
Contact lenses can sometimes contribute to dryness, particularly if your tear film isn't providing enough lubrication throughout the day.
Age and hormonal changes
Our tear production and tear quality can change as we get older. Hormonal changes may also affect the tear film, making dry eye more common at certain stages of life.
Your tear film
Sometimes, the issue isn't how many tears your eyes produce but how well those tears work. If the oily layer of your tear film isn't functioning properly, tears may evaporate too quickly.
Understanding which factors are contributing to your symptoms is important because different causes may require different approaches to treatment.
How do you know what your eyes actually need?
If you've tried eye drops or made changes to your routine but your eyes still feel uncomfortable, it may be time to find out what's actually causing the problem.
At Eye Emporium, your eye test is the first step.
Your optometrist can discuss your symptoms, assess your overall eye health and look for signs of dryness or irritation. They'll consider your symptoms alongside your lifestyle and any factors that could be contributing to the discomfort.
If dry eye treatment is recommended, the team can guide you towards an appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs.
You don't need to know whether you have dry eye before booking. Simply tell your optometrist what you've been experiencing.
Dry eye treatment: one size doesn't fit all
Two people can experience similar dry eye symptoms for completely different reasons. One person might struggle with tear evaporation, while another may experience problems with tear production or irritation around the eyelids.
That's why choosing a treatment shouldn't simply come down to picking something off a shelf.
Eye Emporium's new Zest Dry Eye Treatment Plans offer different levels of care, with the most suitable approach recommended following your assessment.
Rather than choosing a plan yourself, your optometrist will recommend the level of care appropriate for your symptoms and assessment findings.
The aim is to understand what's causing your discomfort, provide suitable treatment and help you manage your eye health over time.
Can you do anything to help dry eyes at home?
There are also small everyday changes that may help keep your eyes more comfortable, depending on what's contributing to your symptoms.
Taking regular screen breaks, remembering to blink fully and avoiding direct airflow from fans or air conditioning may help reduce dryness. If you wear contact lenses, your optometrist can also advise whether changes to your wearing routine might be beneficial.
Eye drops or other treatments may be recommended, but the most appropriate option will depend on your symptoms and their underlying cause.
If your symptoms are persistent, it's worth seeking professional advice rather than relying entirely on self-treatment.
When should you book an eye test?
If your eyes regularly feel gritty, tired, watery, irritated or uncomfortable, don't wait until the symptoms become difficult to ignore.
Dry eye can develop gradually, and an early assessment can help identify what's happening and establish an appropriate care plan.
If you develop sudden vision changes, significant eye pain or marked redness, seek urgent medical advice rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Give your eyes the care they deserve
You shouldn't have to accept uncomfortable eyes as an inevitable part of getting older, working at a screen or wearing contact lenses.
Whether you've been experiencing symptoms for a few weeks or have been putting up with them for years, understanding the cause is the first step towards feeling more comfortable.
At Eye Emporium, we'll help you assess your symptoms, understand your options and find the right approach for your eyes.
Not every dry eye is the same — so treatment shouldn't be either.
