Dry eyes

What is are dry eyes?

Your tears are made up of a mixture of water, mucus, oils, proteins, and salts—which all help to maintain good eye health.

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that happens when your tear production is impaired. Your tears work as a lubricant for your eyes and help to wash away debris. Tears also protect your eyes from bacteria, moisten them, and maintain a smooth surface.

The lack of lubrication from your tears can lead to your eyes drying up. This causes them to become red and sore. Other symptoms can include your eyes feeling painful and gritty, blurred vision, and your eyelids sticking together (especially in the morning).

Dry eyes can often be treated easily with over-the-counter medications.

Who gets dry eyes?

Anyone can suffer from dry eye syndrome, and it’s usually caused by external factors like windy or smoky environments. Certain lifestyle habits, such as drinking and smoking, can also increase your risk of developing dry eyes. It’s typically more common in people above the age of 50,^[1] and women facing hormonal changes during periods, pregnancy, or menopause.

How common are dry eyes?

It’s quite a common issue. If it’s caused by environmental conditions such as the weather, then it’s quite easy to avoid. It rarely ever causes enough of a problem to require medical attention, and it can usually be treated with over-the-counter medications.

If your symptoms are being caused by other conditions, such as hormonal changes, then you might be given other treatments alongside your dry eye medication to help tackle the root cause of your symptoms.

There are also several self-care methods that can help with dry eyes. These include:

• taking regular breaks from screens,
• blinking more often,
• staying away from or protecting your eyes from wind or dry air,
• drinking plenty of fluids,
• using a humidifier,
• and practicing good eyelid hygiene—like gently cleaning your lashes with a compress soaked in clean, warm water.

What causes dry eyes?

Dry eyes can be caused by a mixture of factors, such as the weather or hormonal changes. These causes can include:

• smoky or windy conditions
• age
• eye strain
• excessive use of electronic screens
• alcohol
• certain drugs
• medical conditions
• sensitivity to light
• hormonal changes

What are the symptoms of dry eyes?

The physical symptoms will usually include your eyes looking red or puffy. If you’re suffering from dry eyes, then they might feel sore, itchy, and gritty.¹ You might also notice blurred vision and an excessive need to blink.

Can dry eyes lead to other problems?

Dry eyes can lead to other conditions that might require further medical attention, such as conjunctivitis, corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers, and vision loss. If you notice other symptoms that suggest that your dry eyes have led to an infection, such as mucus leaking from your eye or an increased level of itchiness, you should contact a doctor for guidance.