What are dry eyes?

Dry eyes are a common problem. But most people with dry eyes have mild symptoms.

You can get dry eyes if you don't make enough tears, or if your tears dry up too quickly.

What symptoms are related to dry eyes?

Dry eyes can make your eyes:

• sore
• gritty
• sting or burn
• look red
• sensitive to light

Your vision (eyesight) may also be blurry.

Sometimes dry eyes can cause excess tearing (watery eyes). You might also have blepharitis (inflamed eyelids).

You may feel like something is in your eye and you may have difficulty wearing contact lenses.

What causes dry eyes?

The surface of your eyes is kept moist with a layer of tear film. This tear film is made up of 3 layers:

• fatty oils
• watery tears
• mucus

When your tears are working normally, these 3 layers keep your eyes smoothly lubricated. If you have a problem with any of these 3 layers, you may develop dry eyes.

You can develop dry eyes if your tear glands don't make enough watery tears.

You can also develop dry eyes if there are problems with the glands above your eyes called the 'meibomian glands'. These glands make the oily tear film layer that stops your tears from evaporating. If these glands don't work normally, your tears may evaporate too fast, drying out your eyes.

Dry eyes may also be caused by a combination of these problems.

You are at increased risk of dry eyes if you:

• are female
• are aged 50 years or older
• wear contact lenses
• use a computer or other screen for long periods of time
• have an autoimmune condition such as Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• take certain medicines
• are exposed to smoke, wind or dry air

How is the cause of dry eyes diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine your eyes and ask questions about your symptoms. They will also ask you about any medicines you take and your medical history.

If you see your optometrist, they may give you eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupil to check for problems.

Your doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if:

• you still have dry eyes after trying self-care treatments for a few weeks
• there is a change in the shape of your eyelids

See your doctor promptly if:

• your eye is painful and red
• you have a red eye and wear contact lenses

When to seek urgent care

See your doctor immediately or go to the hospital emergency department if:

• you have changes in your vision, see wavy lines, or flashing lights
• it hurts to look at light
• you have a red eye, severe headache and feel unwell
• you have an eye injury

How are dry eyes treated?

Treatment for dry eyes usually depends on what's causing your symptoms.

The aim of treatment is to relieve symptoms and lower the chance of damage to the surface of your eye.

Self-care at home

Eye lid hygiene (cleaning your eye lid) and warm compresses may be suggested, especially if you have meibomian gland problems or blepharitis.

Medicines for dry eyes

Ocular lubricants (tear supplements) in the form of eye drops, gels or ointments are available to buy over-the-counter from your pharmacy.

You will need to apply lubricant eye drops 3 to 4 times a day. Gels provide longer relief but can blur your vision for a while.

You can use an ointments at night if symptoms affect your sleep or are worse in the morning.

Ask your pharmacist or optometrist for the best option.

If your symptoms last a long time or are severe, your doctor may send you to an ophthalmologist. You may need a prescription for anti-inflammatory eye drops.

Can dry eyes be prevented?

Here are some things you can do to manage symptoms or prevent dry eyes:

• Avoid straining your eyes — limit screen time and take breaks to rest your eyes.
• Protect your eyes — wrap-around glasses can help you avoid direct contact with wind, hot air, direct sunlight and smoke.
• Use a humidifier at home or at work — this stops the air becoming dry.
• Don't smoke or drink too much alcohol.
• If you wear contact lenses, try to reduce the number of hours you wear your lenses.

What are the complications of dry eyes?

Most people respond well to treatment, but some people may develop:

• scarring of the part of your eye called the cornea
• vascularisation (growth of blood vessels) in your eyes
• long-term vision problems

Resources and support

Visit the Sydney Eye Hospital website to read about a range of eye conditions and find instruction sheets for eye medicines.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.