Dry Eye
Insufficient or poor-quality tear film, causing grittiness, burning and paradoxical watering.
Last revised
Key takeaways
- Typical symptoms: grittiness, burning, fluctuating vision, watering
- First-line treatment: lubricating drops, used regularly rather than as needed
- Most useful single change: Use lubricating drops on a schedule rather than only when uncomfortable.
- Commonest mistake: Drops marketed to "get the red out", which can worsen symptoms.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to get help" below apply to you.
Why it matters
It is common, chronic and frequently under-treated, and the watering it causes is often mistaken for the opposite problem.
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Typical symptoms | grittiness, burning, fluctuating vision, watering |
| First-line treatment | lubricating drops, used regularly rather than as needed |
| Preservative-free drops | preferred if using them more than four times a day |
| Contributors | screen use, air conditioning, contact lenses, some medicines |
What helps
- Use lubricating drops on a schedule rather than only when uncomfortable
- Use warm compresses and lid hygiene if the lid margins are involved
- Blink deliberately during screen work
- Choose preservative-free drops for frequent use
What to avoid
- Drops marketed to "get the red out", which can worsen symptoms
- Direct air flow from fans, vents or hairdryers
- Assuming watery eyes cannot be dry eyes
Where to go next
- Dry Eye: What the Evidence Actually Says
- Why Dry Eye Matters, Explained Simply
- The Evidence on Conjunctivitis, Without the Hype
- Children's Vision: What the Evidence Actually Says
When to get help
See a GP or optometrist for persistent symptoms not responding to lubricants, or for dry eyes with a dry mouth and joint pain, which can indicate Sjogren's syndrome. Seek same-day help for a painful red eye with vision change, light sensitivity or discharge.
Where this comes from
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.