What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome (also called dry eye disease or keratoconjunctivitis sicca) occurs when your eyes either don't produce enough tears, or the tears they produce evaporate too quickly. The result is inflammation, discomfort, and in some cases blurred vision. It affects an estimated 1 in 4 people who see an optician — making it one of the most common eye conditions in adults.
What causes dry eyes?
The most common causes are: prolonged screen use (which reduces blink rate by up to 70%), air conditioning or central heating, contact lens wear, ageing (tear production declines with age), hormonal changes in women, and medications including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs. Environmental factors — wind, dust, smoke — also accelerate tear evaporation.
Why do dry eyes sometimes water?
Paradoxically, dry eyes often produce excessive watering. When the eye surface is irritated, the nervous system triggers a flood of reflex tears — but these are thin and watery, not the rich lubricating tears produced by normal blinking. They wash over the eye without providing lasting relief, which is why the dryness quickly returns.
Can dry eye be cured?
For most people, dry eye is manageable rather than curable. Lubricating eye drops, omega-3 supplementation, improved screen habits, and environmental changes can significantly reduce symptoms. Severe cases may benefit from prescription treatments including cyclosporine eye drops or punctal plugs. If symptoms are persistent, an optician or ophthalmologist can run a formal assessment.