Dry eye: causes, symptoms and how to relieve it

Do your eyes burn, itch or tire quickly? Does light bother you, or do you notice them turning red for no apparent reason? You may be suffering from what is known as dry eye syndrome, one of the most common eye conditions today, and yet one that many people fail to recognise or treat properly.

In this article we explain what dry eye is, why it happens and what you can do to relieve it. And when it is time to come and see us at Òptica Florit for an assessment.

What is dry eye?

Dry eye occurs when the tear layer that protects the surface of the eye is insufficient, either because too few tears are produced or because they evaporate too quickly. This tear film has three layers (oily, watery and mucous), and when any of them fails, the eye is left unprotected and becomes irritated.

💡 Did you know...? Dry eye affects between 10 and 30% of the adult population, and its prevalence increases with age and screen use. It is more common in women, especially after the menopause.

Although it may seem like a minor problem, untreated dry eye can significantly affect your quality of life and, in advanced cases, the health of the cornea.

Why does it happen? The most common causes

Many factors can trigger or worsen dry eye. These are the most common:

Hours in front of screens

When we look at a screen we blink much less than normal (up to 60% less), which dries out the surface of the eye.

Age and hormonal changes

Tear production naturally decreases over the years. Hormonal changes in women also play a part.

Dry or air-conditioned environments

Heating, air conditioning and wind speed up the evaporation of the tear film.

Medication

Antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medication and oral contraceptives can reduce tear production.

Poorly managed contact lenses

Wearing contact lenses for longer than recommended or not replacing them on time can worsen or cause dry eye.

Systemic diseases

Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can affect the glands that produce tears.

How do I know if I have dry eye? The main symptoms

Dry eye can show up in very different ways, and sometimes the symptoms seem contradictory (excessive watering can be a sign of dry eye!):

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Burning or itchingYour eyes burn or itch, especially at the end of the day or after spending time in front of screens.
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Excessive watering (paradoxical)In response to dryness, the eye produces an emergency flood of tears, but these reflex tears are not enough to protect it.
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Redness and irritationBlood vessels dilate to compensate for the lack of lubrication, giving that red-eyed appearance.
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Blurred or fluctuating visionYour vision may cloud over momentarily, especially when reading, and improve when you blink.
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Photophobia (sensitivity to light)Natural or artificial light can be more bothersome than usual when the surface of the eye is damaged.
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Foreign body sensationThe feeling of having "grit" or something in your eye, even when there is nothing there, is one of the most characteristic symptoms of dry eye.

Levels of severity

MildOccasional discomfort, with no effect on vision. Usually improves with artificial tears and healthy habits.

ModerateFrequent symptoms that affect work and reading. Requires assessment and a treatment plan.

SevereConstant symptoms, compromised vision, possible damage to the cornea. Needs urgent specialist care.

How to relieve dry eye: tips and treatments

Steps you can take yourself

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Artificial tears

These are the first line of treatment. There are many formulations. Ideally, an optician or specialist should recommend the most suitable one for your case.

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The 20-20-20 rule

Every 20 minutes in front of a screen, look at something 20 metres away for 20 seconds. This relaxes the eye muscles and encourages blinking.

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Control your environment

Use humidifiers at home or in the office. Avoid sitting directly under the air conditioning or a fan.

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Hydration and diet

Drink enough water. Omega-3 fatty acids (oily fish, walnuts, flaxseed) help improve the quality of the tear's lipid layer.

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Rest your eyes

Get enough sleep and, if you wear contact lenses, take them out before bed and stick to the recommended daily wearing time.

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Eyelid hygiene

Applying warm compresses to the eyelids and gently cleaning the lid margins can improve the function of the meibomian glands.

⚠️ Important: Not all artificial tears are the same. Those containing preservatives can worsen irritation if used several times a day. At Òptica Florit we help you choose the right eye drops for your particular case.

Contact lenses and dry eye: are they compatible?

This is one of the questions we are asked most often at the opticians. The answer is: it depends on the degree of dry eye and the type of lens.

Type of lens	Suitable for dry eye?	Why
Daily silicone hydrogel lenses	✓ Best option	High breathability and moisture. As they are daily disposables, you always wear a fresh lens.
Conventional monthly lenses	✗ With caution	They build up deposits that irritate the eye further. They can be worn if dry eye is mild and with good hygiene.
Traditional hydrogel lenses	✗ Not recommended	Low breathability. They worsen hypoxia and dryness in cases of dry eye.
Scleral lenses (special use)	✓ For severe cases	They create a reservoir of artificial tears over the cornea. Very effective, but they require specialist fitting.

When should you see an optician?

Some signs indicate that dry eye needs a professional assessment, beyond home remedies:

Symptoms do not improve after using artificial tears for 2-3 weeks.
You notice that your vision is frequently affected.
You feel discomfort wearing contact lenses that you used to tolerate well.
The redness is persistent or accompanied by discharge.
There is pain, not just discomfort.

At Òptica Florit we carry out an ocular surface assessment at no extra cost. With the right instruments we can assess the quantity and quality of your tears, the function of your meibomian glands and the condition of your cornea, and guide you towards the most appropriate treatment.

🧪 Want to know if you have dry eye? Take our online Dry Eye Test — the clinically validated OSDI questionnaire. It only takes 2 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about dry eye

Can dry eye be cured?

In most cases chronic dry eye has no definitive cure, but it can be controlled very well. With the right treatment (artificial tears, changes in habits, sometimes medication) the vast majority of patients lead perfectly normal lives without dry eye affecting their day-to-day.

Can I use artificial tears with my contact lenses in?

It depends on the eye drops. Preservative-free tears specifically formulated for contact lenses (usually stated on the packaging) can be applied with your lenses in. Those containing preservatives should be applied with your lenses out. Ask us and we will help you choose the right product.

Does dry eye get worse with age?

In general, yes, it tends to get worse with age, especially in women after the menopause. But with good management and regular check-ups its progression can be slowed and good visual quality maintained for many years.

What is the difference between lubricating and vasoconstrictor eye drops?

Lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) moisturise and protect the surface of the eye, and are the right choice for dry eye. Vasoconstrictors temporarily remove redness by constricting the blood vessels, but they do not treat the cause and, if overused, can worsen irritation. Avoid them for regular use.