Dry Eyes — Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

If your eyes feel gritty, burning, tired or watery, especially after screen time, you may have dry eye disease. It is one of the most common eye complaints today — and the good news is that it is very treatable once the cause is understood.

What is dry eye disease?

Your eyes are coated by a thin tear film that keeps them comfortable, clear and protected. This film has a watery layer and an outer oily layer that stops tears evaporating too quickly. Dry eye occurs when you either do not make enough tears, or your tears evaporate too fast — often because the small oil glands in the eyelids are not working well.

Common causes

• Computer Vision Syndrome — reduced blinking during long screen use
• Air conditioning and fans — dry, moving air speeds up tear evaporation
• Hormonal changes — particularly common around and after menopause
• Contact lens use — can reduce comfort and tear stability
• Ageing — tear production naturally declines with age
• Environment — dust, smoke, pollution and dry climates
• Certain medicines and medical conditions

Symptoms to recognise

• Burning, stinging or grittiness, as if something is in the eye
• Redness and tired eyes
• Blurred vision that clears when you blink
• Sensitivity to light
• Watery eyes — a surprising but common sign, caused by reflex tearing
• Discomfort wearing contact lenses

How is dry eye diagnosed?

An eye specialist can assess dry eye with a simple examination, which may include checking the tear film, the eyelid oil glands and the eye surface. Identifying why your eyes are dry is key to choosing the right treatment.

Modern treatments

Artificial tears and lubricants

Lubricating drops replace and stabilise the tear film. Preservative-free options are gentle for frequent use.

Treating the eyelid oil glands

Because many dry eyes are caused by blocked oil glands, treatments that improve gland function — such as warm compresses, lid hygiene and in-clinic therapies — can be very effective.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

IPL is a modern, in-clinic treatment that targets the underlying inflammation and helps the eyelid oil glands work better, offering relief for suitable patients with evaporative dry eye.

Other measures

Depending on severity, your doctor may suggest additional therapies to reduce inflammation or conserve your natural tears.

Lifestyle changes that help

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look about 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Blink fully and often during screen work
• Position screens slightly below eye level to reduce exposure
• Use a humidifier and avoid direct air from fans and AC
• Stay well hydrated and eat a balanced diet
• Take regular breaks from contact lenses

Prevention tips

• Limit uninterrupted screen time
• Protect eyes from wind, dust and smoke
• Keep eyelids clean
• Have your eyes checked if symptoms persist

Frequently asked questions

Why do dry eyes water? Dryness triggers reflex tears that evaporate quickly, so the relief is short-lived.

Are drops enough? For mild cases yes; moderate to severe dry eye may need additional treatments.

Can it be cured? It is often long-term but can be very well controlled.

The bottom line

Dry eye is common, but you do not have to live with the discomfort. With the right diagnosis and a combination of lubricants, gland-focused care, lifestyle changes and modern treatments like IPL, most people find lasting relief.