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Book an appointment if artificial tears do not help or your vision is affected.
What are dry eyes?
The tear film protects and moistens the surface of the eye. It consists of water, mucus and a thin oily layer from the glands at the edge of the eyelids. If too little tear fluid is produced, or the oily layer is too thin, the tears evaporate too quickly.
Symptoms
- A gritty feeling or a feeling of something in the eye
- Stinging, burning and redness
- Tired eyes, especially at the end of the day
- Blurred vision that clears when you blink
- Paradoxically, watery eyes
Causes
- Age and hormonal changes, e.g. during the menopause
- Screen work, where you blink less often
- Dry air, air conditioning, wind and contact lenses
- Blepharitis and blocked glands at the eyelid margin
- Medicines, e.g. for high blood pressure, depression and allergy
- Rheumatic diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome
What you can do yourself
- Use artificial tears, preferably preservative-free, several times a day
- Use a moisturising gel at night
- Warm compresses and cleaning of the eyelid margin
- Take breaks from the screen and remember to blink
- Avoid draughts and smoke, and keep the air humid at home
Treatment at the eye doctor
We examine the tear film and the surface of the eye and find the cause. In addition to artificial tears, treatment may include anti-inflammatory eye drops, treatment of the eyelid margin, or small plugs in the tear ducts that help keep the tear fluid in the eye.
This text is general information and does not replace an examination. If you are unsure about your symptoms, call us.