Dry eye can cause burning, grittiness, watering and fluctuating blur. An examination helps identify which part of the tear system needs support.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye develops when the surface of the eye does not stay adequately lubricated. There may be too little tear production, tears may evaporate too quickly, or several problems may occur together. It can affect reading, screen use and contact-lens comfort. The aim of care is to understand the cause and protect the eye surface. NEI overview
Symptoms and when to seek urgent help
Common symptoms include burning, grittiness, soreness and blurred vision that varies through the day. Eyes can water excessively despite feeling dry.
Seek urgent eye assessment for a painful red eye, especially if you wear contact lenses. Sudden loss of vision, significant light sensitivity, or a red eye with severe headache and nausea needs emergency assessment. Do not assume these symptoms are simply dryness. NHS guidance
Causes and risk factors
Ageing, contact lenses, prolonged screen use, air conditioning and some medicines can contribute. Eyelid inflammation, including blepharitis, may affect the tear film. Some people have an associated health condition, such as Sjögren’s syndrome. Bring a medicine list to your appointment; do not stop prescribed treatment yourself. NHS guidance
How is it diagnosed?
An eye examination may assess tear quantity, tear-film stability and eyelid structure. Discuss when symptoms occur, what makes them worse and which drops you have already tried. Similar symptoms can have different causes, so a product that helps someone else may not suit you. NEI overview
General treatment options
Options include lubricating drops, gels or ointments; treatment of eyelid disease; and prescription medicines for selected patients. Tear-drainage plugs or eyelid procedures may be considered in particular circumstances. The choice depends on examination findings and how much symptoms affect daily life. NEI treatment information
Taking screen breaks, reducing exposure to smoke or drying airflow and resting from contact lenses may help. Persistent symptoms deserve assessment rather than repeatedly changing products without a plan. NHS self-care guidance
A useful study: omega-3 supplements
The 2018 DREAM randomised trial studied people with moderate-to-severe dry eye. Over 12 months, the omega-3 supplement group did not improve significantly more than the olive-oil comparator group. This finding does not establish that every supplement or dry-eye subtype behaves identically, but it does argue against presenting fish-oil supplements as a reliable cure. Discuss supplements with your clinician rather than substituting them for care. Read the original DREAM study
Dry Eye: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options illustrated
Questions for your appointment
- Is low tear production, evaporation or eyelid disease contributing?
- Which treatment should I try, and how will we judge whether it helps?
- When should I return if symptoms continue?
Frequently asked questions
Can dry eye make my eyes water?
Yes. Watery eyes are a recognised symptom and do not rule it out. NHS
Does it always need prescription drops?
No. Treatment ranges from environmental changes and lubricants to prescription options. NEI
Should I start omega-3 supplements?
The DREAM findings do not support assuming they will relieve dry eye. Ask whether there is a reason to use them in your circumstances. DREAM
This page is general education and cannot diagnose the cause of your symptoms.
Sources and further reading
- National Eye Institute: Dry Eye
- NHS: Dry eyes
- DREAM Research Group, 2018: n-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease
General educational information prepared October 2026. Treatments described are general options; availability and suitability require an individual assessment.
