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How to Get Rid of Dry Eyes: Causes and Treatments

Dry eye occurs when eyes don't make enough tears or tears evaporate too quickly. Preservative-free artificial tears used several times daily, warm compresses, and reduced screen time often relieve mild cases. Chronic or severe dry eye requires evaluation by an ophthalmologist, who can assess tear volume, identify the subtype, and recommend targeted treatment.

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What is dry eye and how common is it?

Dry eye syndrome — also called dry eye disease — is a condition in which the surface of the eye is not adequately lubricated. This happens either because the lacrimal glands produce too few tears (aqueous-deficient dry eye) or because the oil-producing meibomian glands are blocked, causing tears to evaporate too quickly (evaporative dry eye). Most people have a combination of both mechanisms, with evaporative dry eye being the more common component.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology Dry Eye Syndrome Preferred Practice Pattern characterizes dry eye as a multifactorial disease of the tear film and ocular surface that causes discomfort, visual disturbance, and the potential for ocular surface damage 1. The National Eye Institute estimates that millions of Americans are affected, with prevalence rising with age and among postmenopausal women 3.

What causes dry eyes?

The causes span lifestyle, environment, systemic health, and medications:

Lifestyle and environment: - Extended screen use — reduced blink rate during reading or screen time concentrates tear evaporation - Low-humidity environments (heated indoor air in winter, air-conditioned offices) - Contact lens wear - Smoking - Insufficient sleep

Medical conditions: - Meibomian gland dysfunction (blocked oil glands in the eyelids) - Blepharitis (chronic eyelid inflammation) - Sjögren's syndrome (an autoimmune condition affecting tear and saliva glands) - Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases - Thyroid eye disease - Diabetes

Medications: - Antihistamines - Decongestants - Certain antidepressants and antipsychotics - Oral contraceptives - Blood pressure medications (some beta-blockers and diuretics) - Isotretinoin

Hormonal factors: - Menopause is associated with reduced aqueous tear production and meibomian gland function 3

Procedures: - LASIK and other refractive surgeries can temporarily reduce corneal sensation and reflex tearing, leading to dry eye symptoms that usually improve over months 1

What do dry eyes feel like?

Symptoms vary between individuals and do not always match the severity of surface changes visible to an ophthalmologist 1:

  • Stinging, burning, or gritty sensation
  • Feeling of something in the eye
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision that clears briefly with blinking
  • Redness of the eye
  • Difficulty tolerating contact lenses
  • Watery eyes — paradoxically, the eye responds to surface dryness by producing reflex tearing, which is watery rather than lubricating and drains quickly

Symptoms are often worse at the end of the day, after screen use, in dry environments, or on windy days.

Which eye drops work best for dry eyes?

Over-the-counter artificial tears are the first step for mild-to-moderate dry eye:

  • Preservative-free artificial tears are preferred for frequent use (more than four times daily) because preserved formulations can irritate the eye surface over time. They come in single-use vials.
  • Gel drops or lubricating gels are thicker and last longer, making them useful for nighttime use or more severe symptoms. They temporarily blur vision after application.
  • Lipid-containing drops are designed specifically for evaporative dry eye (meibomian gland dysfunction) and help supplement the oily layer of the tear film.

The AAO Dry Eye Syndrome Preferred Practice Pattern supports artificial tear supplementation as a core element of first-line management, alongside addressing contributing factors 12.

For people whose dry eye does not respond adequately to artificial tears, an ophthalmologist can prescribe: - Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion (targets inflammation in the lacrimal gland) - Lifitegrast drops (reduces T-cell-mediated ocular surface inflammation) - Autologous serum eye drops (made from the patient's own blood, used for severe cases) - Punctal plugs (tiny inserts in the tear drain that reduce tear drainage)

What lifestyle changes help with dry eye?

Several adjustments meaningfully reduce symptoms:

Blink and screen habits: - Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds and consciously blink fully - Position screens slightly below eye level so less of the eye surface is exposed

Warm compresses: - Applying a warm compress to closed eyelids for 5–10 minutes daily softens meibomian gland oils and helps them flow more freely. This is especially helpful for evaporative dry eye 2.

Eyelid hygiene: - Regular gentle cleaning of the eyelid margin with baby shampoo or lid-scrub pads reduces bacterial load and buildup that contributes to meibomian gland dysfunction

Environment: - Use a humidifier in dry indoor environments - Position air vents in cars and offices so air does not blow directly toward your face - Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors on dry or windy days

Omega-3 fatty acids: - Some evidence supports dietary omega-3 supplementation for meibomian gland function 3; an ophthalmologist can advise whether this is appropriate for your presentation

When should I see an ophthalmologist for dry eye?

An ophthalmologist or optometrist should evaluate your dry eye if:

  • Symptoms have persisted for more than a few weeks despite artificial tears
  • Vision is affected
  • Symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life or work
  • You wear contact lenses and can no longer tolerate them
  • You have an autoimmune condition associated with dry eye
  • You are considering LASIK or other eye surgery (dry eye is a key factor in candidacy assessment)

An eye doctor can stain the ocular surface to assess the degree of damage, measure tear volume and quality, and examine the meibomian glands — information that is not accessible from symptoms alone 12.

Common questions

Can dry eye damage my eyesight?

Mild dry eye rarely causes permanent vision damage. Severe or chronic untreated dry eye can damage the corneal surface over time, potentially leading to scarring that affects vision. This is one reason consistent management and professional evaluation for persistent symptoms matter.

Why do my eyes water if they are dry?

Dry, irritated eyes trigger a reflex that causes the lacrimal gland to produce a burst of watery tears. These reflex tears are not the same as the stable, lubricating tear film and drain away quickly, leaving the eye dry again shortly after. This is why watery eyes can still be a sign of dry eye syndrome.

Is it safe to use artificial tears every day?

Preservative-free artificial tears are safe for very frequent use and daily long-term use. Preserved artificial tears are generally fine for occasional use (up to four times a day) but can cause irritation with more frequent application. If you need drops more than four times daily, switch to preservative-free formulations.

Can dry eye be cured?

Most dry eye is managed rather than cured, because the underlying gland dysfunction or systemic condition often persists. Many people achieve very good symptom control with a combination of artificial tears, warm compresses, and — when needed — prescription therapy. The goal is to keep the ocular surface healthy and symptoms minimal.

Does wearing contacts make dry eye worse?

Contact lenses can worsen dry eye symptoms, particularly soft lenses that absorb tears. Preservative-free rewetting drops formulated for contact lens wear may help. In moderate-to-severe dry eye, an eye doctor may recommend reducing wear time or switching to daily disposable lenses.

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When dry eye needs prompt attention

  • —Sudden significant change in vision — see an eye doctor the same day
  • —Eye pain that is severe or inside the eye (not just surface irritation)
  • —Redness with discharge or sensitivity to light that is worsening
  • —Dry eye after recent eye surgery that seems to be getting worse

This article provides general information about dry eye and does not replace a clinical evaluation. Gale can help you find and prepare for an appointment with an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

References

  1. 1.Amescua G, Ahmad S, Cheung AY, Choi DS, Jhanji V, Lin A, Mian SI, Rhee MK, Viriya ET, Mah FS, Varu DM; American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Pattern Cornea/External Disease Panel (2024). Dry Eye Syndrome Preferred Practice Pattern. Ophthalmology. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2023.12.022 ✓Definition of dry eye as a multifactorial tear-film disease; classification of aqueous-deficient and evaporative subtypes; artificial tears and warm compresses as first-line management; clinical evaluation for persistent or significant symptoms; LASIK as a trigger for post-surgical dry eye
  2. 2.Amescua G et al.; American Academy of Ophthalmology (2024). Dry Eye Syndrome Preferred Practice Pattern® 2023. American Academy of Ophthalmology. link ✓Ophthalmologist evaluation for objective tear film assessment and surface staining; treatment algorithm including artificial tears, cyclosporine, lifitegrast, punctal plugs, and warm compresses
  3. 3.National Eye Institute (2023). Dry Eye. National Eye Institute (NEI/NIH). link ✓Prevalence of dry eye, menopause as a risk factor, omega-3 supplementation evidence, and patient guidance on artificial tears and lifestyle management

3 sources, numbered by first appearance. General health information, not medical advice — synthetic demonstration content.