What is dry eye?
Dry eye is a common condition that affects the tear film, this is the protective layer that keeps the front of your eyes comfortable, clear, and healthy.
It can occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears you do produce are of poor quality. This means they evaporate too quickly, leaving the surface of the eye dry and irritated.
As a result, your eyes may feel, gritty, sore or irritated, watery or blurry.
Dry eye is a long-term (chronic) condition, which means it can come and go over time. It usually affects both eyes, although one may feel worse than the other.
In some cases, dry eye is linked to conditions affecting the eyelids. For example:
• Blepharitis – inflammation of the eyelids, causing redness and soreness
• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) – when the oil glands in the eyelids become blocked, preventing healthy tear production
It’s quite common to experience a combination of these conditions.
Dry eye does not usually cause permanent damage to your sight. However, it can be uncomfortable and affect your day-to-day life. In more severe cases, it may become painful if left untreated it can potentially harm the surface of the eye, although this is rare.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye can develop for many different reasons. Common causes include:
Many patients experience symptoms for months or years before realising dry eye is the cause.
Our specialist Dry Eye Clinic uses advanced assessment techniques to determine exactly what type of dry eye you have and which treatments are most likely to help.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person. You may experience:
If your eyes regularly feel irritated or uncomfortable, it’s worth booking a professional assessment rather than relying on over-the-counter drops alone.
Dry Eye & Contact Lenses
Contact lenses can sometimes worsen dry eye symptoms by affecting the tear film. In many cases, changing your lens type, wearing schedule or lens solution can make a significant difference.
During your appointment, we can advise on:
Red, Irritated Eyelids?
Dry eye is often linked with blepharitis — inflammation of the eyelids caused by blocked oil glands and bacteria around the lashes.
Signs may include:
Our clinicians can assess your eyelids and recommend the most effective treatment plan, including lid hygiene routines and in-practice therapies where appropriate.
Who is Most Likely to Develop Dry Eye?
Dry eye is more common in:
However, dry eye can affect anyone.
How is Dry Eye Treated?
Effective treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause of your dry eye.
Your personalised treatment plan may include:
Many patients find significant relief once the correct treatment approach is identified.
Which Eye Drops Are Best?
Not all eye drops are the same. Some provide short-term lubrication, while others are designed to improve tear quality and support long-term eye surface health.
Using the wrong type of drop can sometimes worsen symptoms — especially for contact lens wearers or patients using drops frequently.
We can recommend the most suitable products for your specific type of dry eye.
What Can I Do at Home?
Small lifestyle changes can often improve symptoms:
Consistency is key when managing dry eye successfully.
Lid Hygiene Advice
Keeping the eyelids clean helps improve the function of the oil glands and reduces irritation.
A simple routine may include:
We can demonstrate the best technique during your appointment and recommend suitable products.
When Should I Book an Assessment?
You should arrange a dry eye assessment if you experience:
Early treatment can help prevent symptoms from becoming chronic and improve long-term eye comfort.
Book a Dry Eye Consultation
Our dedicated Dry Eye Clinic provides in-depth assessments and tailored treatment plans designed to target the root cause of your symptoms — not just temporarily mask them.
Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, our experienced clinicians can help you find lasting relief.
Book your Dry Eye Assessment today and take the first step towards more comfortable, healthier eyes.