What causes dry eye?
Find out the lifestyle changes which can help reduce your symptoms of dry eye, from desktop, to dinnertime.
About dry eye
Like its name suggests, dry eye (sometimes known as dry eye syndrome or dry eye disease), is a condition where the eyes are drier than they should be because they don’t make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly.4
How long does dry eye last?
Dry eye is common and can be temporary or chronic – meaning it stays with a person for life, often with periods where symptoms get better or worse, but never completely goes away.3,5
Should I worry about dry eye?
For most people it’s not serious, but if you’re reading this, then you probably know only too well that dry eye can make you feel uncomfortable and not look your best.
In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as infection, inflammation and damage to the eye’s surface (scratches, ulcers and vision loss).6 The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to get some relief and avoid lasting damage.
Dry eye symptoms: what do dry eyes feel like?
A useful rule of thumb is that if you’re not able to keep your eyes open for 10 seconds or longer, you could have dry eye. You may also notice one or more of the following symptoms:7
You might also experience:
- sensitivity to light,
- eye strain,
- feeling like there is something in your eye.8
- or more watery eyes than normal.
Why watery eyes could be a sign of dry eye
Oddly enough, having more watery eyes than normal is also a sign of dry eye.9 This is because if your tears don’t contain the right balance of water, electrolytes, mucus and fatty oils, the body can overcompensate by producing too many tears.
Causes of dry eye
Dry eye is very common! Up to 100 million people are thought to be affected globally,10 including 1 in 4 in the UK.11 Anyone can develop dry eye, but you’re most at risk if you:12
- Are going through, or have gone through, the menopause
- Wear contact lenses
- Use screens for extended periods without breaks
- Are aged 50 and above
Genetics, hormones, environment, irritants, lifestyle, pre-existing health conditions, eye surgery and certain medications can all play a role too.13,14
Dry eyes treatment
Treating dry eye can be as simple as topping up your tears. Eye drops, such as Ocutears or Cationorm, can boost your body’s own natural protective layer of tears, rehydrate and quickly relieve discomfort.
You can also try lifestyle changes to prevent your eye’s natural tears from evaporating so quickly, such as:
- avoiding windy or very dry conditions,
- limiting use of air conditioning,
- taking regular breaks from using computer screens,
- using a humidifier and reducing intake of alcohol can be helpful.15,16
Shop our Ocutears range
-
Ocutears® Hydro+
Ocutears Hydro+ eye drops provides long-lasting hydration and relief from sore, stinging, gritty, tired, heavy or watery eyes caused by dry eye. Always read the label.
-
Ocutears® Alo+
Ocutears Alo+ eye drops with aloe vera relieves symptoms of red, irritated and sensitive eyes for prolonged freshness and long-lasting comfort.
-
Cationorm® Eye Drops
Cationorm® is a first-of-a-kind eye drop that acts like the body’s natural tears to provide long-lasting relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eyes. Always read the label.
Always read the label
Learn more
Dry Eye Risk factors
Medical conditions and hormonal changes such as Menopause can result in eyes becoming dry. Read our info on what medical conditions could be risk factors for dry eyes.
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863
5. https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/dry-eye-irritants
6. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/170743
7. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dry-eyes/
8. https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-health-dry-eyes
9. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863
10. https://theophthalmologist.com/subspecialties/the-burden-of-dry-eye-disease
11. https://www.aop.org.uk/advice-and-support/for-patients/eye-conditions/dry-eye
12. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dry-eyes/
13. https://www.aao.org/editors-choice/results-suggest-genetic-basis-dry-eye-after-refrac
14. https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/dry-eye?sso=y
15. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye