Dry eye
Relief for dry eye
If your eyes burn, itch or feel gritty, it may be dry eye. We find the cause and suggest a treatment so you feel comfortable again.
Book an assessmentCommon symptoms
- Burning or itching
- Gritty feeling
- Red eyes
- Fluctuating vision
- Excessive tearing
- Discomfort with contact lenses
Dry eye
What is dry eye?
The surface of the eye is covered by a thin tear film that keeps it moist, protects it and lets you see clearly. Dry eye is when that film is not enough or not of the right quality.
It can happen because the eye makes too few tears or, more often, because tears evaporate too quickly as they lack the oily layer that protects them.
It is very common and tends to get worse with screens, air conditioning and contact lens wear. It is rarely serious, but it is uncomfortable, and it is worth treating to protect the surface of the eye.
The tear film
Three layers working together
Tears have an oily (lipid) layer that prevents evaporation, a watery layer that hydrates and a mucin layer that anchors them to the eye. When one of them fails, the film breaks up and discomfort appears.
Healthy tear film vs dry eye
Without enough oil, the watery layer evaporates and leaves parts of the surface unprotected. That causes burning, grittiness and fluctuating vision.
Causes
Why do eyes get dry?
Several factors are often involved at once. Identifying them is the first step of treatment.
Screens
We blink far less when looking at a screen, so tears evaporate before they are renewed.
Environment
Air conditioning, fans, wind and sun all increase tear evaporation.
Contact lenses
A poorly fitted lens, an unsuitable material or overwearing lenses can make dryness worse.
Age and hormones
With age and at stages such as menopause the eyes produce fewer and lower-quality tears.
Eyelid glands
The meibomian glands produce the oil in tears. When they are blocked, tears evaporate quickly.
Medication and general health
Some antihistamines, antidepressants and other drugs, as well as certain conditions, can reduce tear production.
Assessment
How we assess dry eye
- 01
Symptoms and habits
We talk about your symptoms, when they appear, your work, screen and contact lens use and any medication you take.
- 02
Eye surface
We examine the cornea, conjunctiva and eyelid margins with a slit lamp.
- 03
Tear quality
We check how quickly the tear film breaks up and the condition of the eyelid glands.
- 04
Plan and follow-up
We suggest a treatment based on the cause and check how your eyes respond over the following weeks.
Treatment
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause and severity. We often combine several measures.
Artificial tears and lubricants
Drops that supplement your natural tears. We recommend the right type and frequency, ideally preservative-free if you use them often.
Shop lubricant eye drops →Eyelid warmth and hygiene
Warm compresses and lid-margin cleaning help the glands produce good-quality oil again.
Habits and environment
Screen breaks, conscious blinking, avoiding air blowing on your face and staying well hydrated.
The right contact lenses
If you wear contact lenses, we review the material and replacement schedule. In more severe cases, scleral lenses keep a reservoir of fluid over the cornea.
Specialty lenses →
Frequently asked questions
Why do my eyes water if they are dry?
This is very common. When the eye surface gets irritated it triggers reflex tearing, but those tears are of poor quality and evaporate quickly, so the discomfort comes back.
Can I use any eye drops?
Not all drops do the same thing. "Redness relief" drops do not treat dryness and are not recommended for daily use. It is best to use artificial tears suited to your case.
If you use them several times a day, preservative-free drops are usually recommended.
Can I keep wearing contact lenses?
In most cases, yes. Often it is enough to change the material, the replacement schedule or the cleaning solution and add lens-compatible drops.
Can dry eye be cured?
It depends on the cause. Some cases clear up completely once the trigger is addressed; others are chronic and are kept under control with maintenance treatment.
When should I see a specialist?
If the discomfort is frequent, if artificial tears do not help or if you struggle to wear your contact lenses.
If you have severe pain, strong light sensitivity or loss of vision, go to an eye emergency service.
Do your eyes feel dry or irritated?
Book an assessment with Opt. Arnold Brito Crisóstomo.
Book appointment