What is it?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are important for keeping the surface of the eye smooth and comfortable. Without enough moisture, eyes can feel gritty, irritated, or tired – a bit like wearing contact lenses for too long.
Symptoms
- A gritty, burning, or stinging feeling in the eyes
- Blurred vision that comes and goes
- Watery eyes (a response to dryness)
- Red or irritated eyes, especially in windy or air-conditioned environments
Causes
Dry eyes can be caused by age, certain medications, underlying health conditions, long hours on digital screens, or environmental factors like wind and air conditioning.
Treatment
- Lubricating eye drops – often the first step in managing symptoms.
- Lifestyle changes – taking breaks from screens, using a humidifier, wearing sunglasses outdoors.
- Specialised treatments – such as prescription drops or procedures to reduce tear drainage, if needed.
When to see an optometrist
If dryness is ongoing or uncomfortable, book an eye exam. Dry eye is common and can usually be managed with the right treatment plan.
Resources
- South African Optometric Association
- American Academy of Ophthalmology – Dry Eye
- NHS – Dry eye Syndrome
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