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Dry eye develops when the tear film that protects the ocular surface is not produced in sufficient quantity or evaporates more quickly than normal. Burning, stinging, redness and temporary blurred vision are among the most common symptoms. The answer to what helps with dry eyes varies according to the cause of the dryness and the changes on the ocular surface. Adjusting screen use and using artificial tear drops may be sufficient for some people. In other cases, eyelid disorders, medications being used or systemic conditions may need to be assessed. The appropriate method should be determined individually according to the examination findings.
What Causes Dry Eye?
The tear film helps keep the ocular surface moist and protects it against external factors. Changes in the quantity or structure of this layer may cause dry eye symptoms. Working in front of a screen for extended periods may reduce the blinking rate and cause tears to evaporate more quickly. Air-conditioned environments, low humidity, cigarette smoke and wind may also increase dryness of the ocular surface. Contact lens use, certain medications and age-related changes are also among the risk factors. Dysfunction of the oil glands in the eyelids may also make it difficult for the tear film to remain sufficiently balanced.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
The most common dry eye symptoms are burning, stinging and a gritty sensation in the eyes. Redness, sensitivity to light and blurred vision that varies throughout the day may also occur. Symptoms usually become more noticeable after longer periods of screen use or later in the day. Some people may notice that their eyes are constantly watering. This may be associated with reflex tear production in response to irritation of the ocular surface. Watery eyes do not always mean that the tear film is sufficient or properly balanced.
How Should Daily Habits Be Adjusted?
One of the first steps in reducing dry eye is identifying the environmental factors that make the symptoms worse. Airflow from air conditioners or heaters directed towards the face may cause tears to evaporate more quickly. Maintaining a suitable humidity level in the working environment may provide relief for some people. Wearing protective glasses in windy weather helps protect the ocular surface from external factors. Avoiding cigarette smoke may also reduce burning and irritation in the eyes. These adjustments are supportive and do not replace an examination when symptoms persist.
What Should Be Considered When Using Screens?
Looking at computer, phone or tablet screens for extended periods may reduce the frequency of blinking. The ocular surface then remains exposed for longer, which may increase dry eye symptoms. The 20-20-20 rule means looking at a point approximately 6 metres away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. The distance is not 20 metres but 20 feet, which corresponds to approximately 6 metres. Taking regular breaks and consciously blinking several times during these breaks may help moisturise the ocular surface. Adjusting screen brightness to match the ambient lighting and positioning the screen slightly below eye level may also support visual comfort.
How Are Artificial Tear Drops Used?
Artificial tear drops are products used to moisturise the ocular surface and relieve the sensation of dryness. Their ingredients, viscosity and duration of effect may vary depending on the product. More fluid drops may be preferred for mild symptoms, while thicker products or gels used at night may be considered for some people. Preservative-free options may be more suitable for people who need to use drops frequently. As each product does not have the same effect in every patient, the drops should be selected according to the condition of the ocular surface. Using corticosteroid-containing or prescription eye drops without an assessment may cause unwanted effects.
Are Nutrition and Water Intake Effective?
Adequate fluid intake helps maintain the body's overall fluid balance. However, drinking more water does not eliminate every dry eye problem on its own. Fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel are among the foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds are also plant-based sources of omega-3. The effects of these foods on dry eye may vary between individuals, and noticeable improvement should not be expected in every patient. If omega-3 supplementation is being considered, an individual assessment should be made by considering existing conditions and medications.
Do Contact Lenses Increase Dryness?
Contact lenses may affect the balance of the tear film and increase the sensation of dryness in some people. Stinging, redness and discomfort at the end of the day may become more noticeable, particularly when lenses are worn for extended periods. Attention should be paid to the duration of use, material and cleanliness of the lenses. People with dry eye may need to select a suitable type of lens or reduce the wearing time. Temporarily discontinuing contact lens use may be considered when symptoms increase. If significant pain, intense redness or reduced vision develops while wearing contact lenses, an examination should not be delayed.
Warm Compresses and Eyelid Care
When the oil glands along the eyelid margin do not function properly, the tear film may evaporate more quickly. A properly applied warm compress may help the secretions from these glands flow more easily in some people. The material used should be clean and not hot enough to irritate the area around the eyes. Eyelid cleaning may also help remove oil and debris accumulating around the base of the eyelashes. However, the frequency of compresses and cleaning should be determined according to the condition of the eyelids. Applying herbal mixtures, teas or other substances directly to the eye is not recommended because this may increase the risk of irritation and infection.
When Is Advanced Treatment Required?
Lifestyle changes and artificial tear drops may not be sufficient to control symptoms in some patients. Different treatment options may be considered when dryness persists for a long time or causes significant damage to the ocular surface. Prescription medications intended to control inflammatory processes on the ocular surface may be added to the treatment plan when considered appropriate. Treating eyelid disorders may also become important depending on the cause of the dryness. Treatment is selected by assessing tear quantity, tear quality and ocular surface findings together. The duration of medication use and follow-up intervals should be determined according to individual needs.
How Do Punctal Plugs Work?
Punctal plugs are small materials used to reduce how quickly tears drain away from the ocular surface. These plugs are placed into the openings of the tear drainage channels and may help existing tears remain on the ocular surface for longer. This method is not required for every patient with dry eye. When significant inflammation is present on the ocular surface, this process may first need to be brought under control. The type of plug and whether the procedure is suitable are assessed according to the tear film and examination findings. Regular follow-up after the procedure allows the effects of treatment and potential problems to be monitored.
Should Underlying Conditions Be Investigated?
Dry eye is not always caused only by environmental conditions or screen use. Rheumatic conditions, thyroid disorders and certain immune system diseases may affect tear production. Allergy medications, certain psychiatric medications and some systemic treatments may also increase dry eye symptoms. It is therefore important to assess the medications being used and existing health conditions during the examination. Regular medications should not be discontinued or their dosage changed at the person's own discretion. Once the underlying cause of dry eye has been identified, the follow-up and treatment plan can be arranged more appropriately.
When Is an Eye Examination Needed?
Stinging, burning and redness that persist for days or weeks should be assessed. An examination should not be delayed if there is reduced visual quality, significant pain or increased sensitivity to light. Sudden pain and redness in contact lens users may indicate a more serious ocular surface problem. Severe pain, sudden vision loss or a significant change in vision requires urgent assessment on the same day. Appropriate treatment is planned individually according to the duration of symptoms, the characteristics of the tear film and accompanying conditions. You can contact me using the contact details on my website to arrange a non-urgent examination or follow-up appointment.
