What are dry eyes?
Dry eyes are a common condition where the surface of the eye does not receive enough moisture. For the eyes to function normally, a stable tear film is required to protect, lubricate, and support clear vision. When this balance is disrupted, the eyes may feel irritated, strained, or uncomfortable. The problem may be due to the body producing too little tear fluid or the fluid evaporating too quickly, preventing the eye from being properly hydrated. The symptoms can be temporary, for example due to prolonged screen time, but they can also become long-lasting and recurrent.
Common symptoms of dry eyes
Signs of dry eyes can vary, but most people experience irritation or discomfort in the eyes.
- A feeling of dryness or tightness in the eyes
- Grittiness or a sensation of something in the eye
- Stinging or burning sensation
- Red and sensitive eyes
- Eye fatigue, especially after screen use
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Watery eyes despite feeling dry
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
Common causes of dry eyes
Changes in the tear film
The most common cause is that the tear film does not function optimally. It consists of several interacting layers, and if the balance between these is disrupted, the eye’s ability to protect and retain moisture is reduced.
Age and the body’s natural changes
As you age, tear production decreases, making older individuals more prone to dry eyes.
Screen habits and environment
When you look at a screen for extended periods, you blink less often than normal. This reduces how effectively the eyes are rehydrated. At the same time, dry air from heating, air conditioning, or cold climates can worsen the symptoms.
Contact lenses and external factors
Contact lenses can affect the eye’s natural moisture balance, especially with prolonged use. Wind, dust, and smoke can also irritate the eye and make symptoms more noticeable.
Medications and eyelid conditions
Certain medications can reduce tear production as a side effect. Problems with the eyelids, such as blepharitis (inflammation along the eyelid margin), can also disrupt the glands that contribute to a stable tear film.
Underlying conditions
In some cases, there is a medical cause behind dry eyes. This may include autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome or other conditions that affect the body’s mucous membranes. Hormonal changes may also play a role.
What you can do to relieve symptoms
There are several simple measures that can help with dry eyes, and many people experience improvement with proper self-care.
- Use lubricating eye drops to hydrate the eye and stabilize the tear film
- Choose preservative-free eye drops if you use them frequently
- Take regular breaks from screens and try to blink more often
- Shift your gaze regularly to reduce eye strain
- Avoid dry air, strong drafts, and environments that irritate the eyes
- Switch to glasses if contact lenses cause discomfort
- Clean the eyelid margins in case of irritation or suspected inflammation
When to seek medical care
If your symptoms do not improve despite self-care, or if they significantly affect your daily life, it may be wise to seek medical advice. Recurrent problems or the need for frequent use of eye drops may indicate that a more thorough evaluation is needed. You should be especially attentive if you experience severe pain, noticeable vision loss, pronounced redness, or if symptoms occur suddenly in one eye. A medical assessment can determine whether it is dry eyes or if the symptoms have another cause, such as allergy or infection. In some cases, further investigation or treatment may be necessary.