Dry, gritty or watery eyes can become more common as we get older, so it’s easy to assume they’re simply something we have to put up with.

But persistent dry eye symptoms shouldn’t just be dismissed as another part of ageing.

Dry eye can have a number of causes, and understanding why your eyes are uncomfortable is an important first step towards finding the right treatment. With a proper assessment and a plan tailored to your eyes, there are often ways to make them feel much more comfortable.

What does dry eye actually feel like?

Despite the name, dry eye doesn't always mean your eyes simply feel dry.

Symptoms can include:

• Gritty or sandy-feeling eyes
• Burning or stinging
• Redness or irritation
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Tired or uncomfortable eyes
• A feeling that something is stuck in your eye
• Excessive watering

That last one can seem surprising. How can watery eyes be dry?

When the surface of the eye becomes irritated or isn't properly lubricated, your eyes can respond by producing more watery tears. So eyes that constantly stream can sometimes be a sign of dry eye too.

Why does dry eye become more common with age?

Our tears play an important role in keeping the surface of our eyes healthy, comfortable and well lubricated.

As we get older, changes to the amount or quality of those tears can make dry eye more likely. But age is only one part of the picture.

Your environment, lifestyle and everyday habits can also affect how comfortable your eyes feel.

Long periods looking at screens, air conditioning, central heating, contact lens wear and certain medications can all play a role.

That’s why simply putting dry eyes down to age can mean overlooking what's actually causing the problem.

Why dry eye often goes undiagnosed

Dry eye can be surprisingly easy to ignore.

Perhaps your eyes only become uncomfortable towards the end of the day. Maybe they're worse after several hours at a computer, or you’ve simply got used to reaching for eye drops whenever they start to feel gritty.

Because symptoms can come and go, many people manage them themselves without ever finding out what’s behind them.

But not every case of dry eye is the same — and that matters when it comes to treatment.

It starts with understanding your eyes

If you're experiencing dry eye symptoms, mention them to your optometrist during your eye test.

A basic dry eye assessment can be carried out as part of your appointment. If your optometrist feels you would benefit from further investigation or treatment, you can then be referred to one of our in-house dry eye specialists.

A more detailed assessment can help us understand what's happening with your eyes and recommend the most appropriate next steps.

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Dry eye treatment isn't one-size-fits-all

What works for one person's dry eyes won't necessarily be right for someone else's.

That's why Eye Emporium's approach starts with assessment rather than simply recommending the same solution to everyone.

Following your assessment, our dry eye specialists can recommend a treatment plan based on your individual symptoms and needs.

Our Dry Eye Plans

Eye Emporium offers three levels of tailored dry eye care:

Essential Dry Eye Plan

Premium Dry Eye Plan

Advanced Dry Eye Plan

Your dry eye specialist can advise which level of care is most appropriate following your assessment, so you're getting support based on what your eyes actually need.

Small changes can make a difference too

Alongside professional treatment, your optometrist may recommend simple changes to help keep your eyes more comfortable day to day.

Depending on what's contributing to your symptoms, that could include changes to your screen habits or environment, adjustments to your eye care routine or products specifically recommended for your eyes.

The important thing is not to assume that discomfort is something you simply have to live with.

When should you speak to an optometrist?

If your eyes regularly feel gritty, irritated, watery, tired or uncomfortable, it's worth mentioning it at your next eye test.

You don't need to know whether you have dry eye before you come in — that's what the assessment is for.

And if you've been putting your symptoms down to getting older, it may be time to think again.

Give your eyes the care they need

Dry eye may become more common with age, but that doesn't mean uncomfortable eyes should become your new normal.

Understanding what's causing your symptoms can help you find the right support and a treatment plan designed around your individual needs.

Start by speaking to your optometrist at your next appointment.

Book an Eye Test