Dry eye is a condition where the quantity or quality of your natural tears is disrupted. Tears play an essential role in lubricating, protecting, and nourishing the eyes.

When this balance is affected, the tear film becomes more concentrated, which can trigger inflammation on the surface of the eye. Dry eye is considered a chronic and progressive condition, meaning it can worsen over time if not properly managed.

Yes, there are two main types of dry eye, although many people experience a combination of both.

Aqueous deficient dry eye occurs when not enough of the watery component of tears is produced. Evaporative dry eye occurs when the oily layer is insufficient, causing tears to evaporate too quickly.

Identifying the type of dry eye is important in guiding effective management.

Dry eye can be influenced by a range of factors. Ageing can reduce both the quantity and quality of tears. Hormonal changes, particularly in women, can also play a role.

Lifestyle factors such as prolonged screen use, environmental exposure, and lack of sleep can contribute. Certain medications and underlying health conditions may also increase the risk.

Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person, which can sometimes make the condition difficult to recognise. Common symptoms include a scratchy or gritty sensation, stinging or burning, redness, itching, soreness, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, and a feeling of heavy or tired eyes.

Some people also notice fluctuations in vision, such as brief blurring after blinking. It is also possible to have dry eye without noticeable symptoms.

Dry eye is diagnosed through a combination of symptom discussion and clinical tests carried out by an eye care professional. These may assess tear quality, tear production, and the health of the ocular surface. An accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure the right management approach.

Dry eye is a long-term condition that does not typically resolve on its own. However, with the right diagnosis and management plan, symptoms can be effectively controlled.

An eye care professional can identify the underlying causes and recommend a tailored approach to help manage the condition and protect long-term eye health.

Tears are produced by specialised glands in and around the eyes. The watery component is produced by the lacrimal glands, while the oily layer comes from the meibomian glands along the eyelid margins.

With each blink, tears are spread across the eye before eventually draining away or evaporating.

Your tear film is made up of three key components: a mucin layer, a watery (aqueous) layer, and an outer oily layer. Together, these work to keep the surface of the eye smooth, protected, and well-lubricated.

A disruption in any part of this system can lead to dry eye symptoms.

Watery eyes are a common and often confusing symptom of dry eye. This happens because the eye produces excess reflex tears in response to irritation. However, these tears do not have the right composition to properly lubricate the eye.

Meibomian gland dysfunction is one of the leading causes of dry eye. It occurs when the glands along the eyelids become blocked or do not function properly, reducing the quality of the tear film and increasing evaporation.

Yes, prolonged screen use can contribute to dry eye symptoms. When focusing on screens, we tend to blink less frequently, which reduces the spread of tears across the eye and increases evaporation.

Contact lenses can contribute to dry eye symptoms in some individuals by affecting the stability of the tear film. If discomfort occurs, an eye care professional can advise on suitable options or adjustments.

Inflammation is part of the body’s natural defence response. In dry eye, it occurs when changes in the tear film, such as increased evaporation, disrupt the normal environment of the eye.

This inflammatory response contributes to many of the symptoms people experience, including irritation, redness, and discomfort.

If left unmanaged, dry eye can lead to ongoing inflammation and damage to the surface of the eye, affecting both comfort and vision quality.

It can also impact daily life, including sleep and overall wellbeing. Early understanding and appropriate management are key to achieving long-term relief.

Improvement varies depending on the individual and the underlying cause of dry eye. With a consistent and appropriate management routine, many people begin to notice gradual improvements over time.

Yes, consistency is key in managing dry eye. A structured daily routine helps maintain tear film stability, reduce inflammation, and prevent symptoms from worsening.

If you are experiencing ongoing symptoms such as discomfort, irritation, or changes in vision, it is important to seek professional advice. Early assessment can help prevent progression and ensure the most effective care plan.