Summary:Dry and sensitive eyes are more common than you might think. Around one in six people experience them worldwide, and that number doubles for women during menopause. Symptoms like burning, redness, or watery eyes are more than just uncomfortable, they are clues about what is happening with your tear film. Learn how to recognise the signs and what you can do to restore comfort.
Dry and sensitive eyes often go hand in hand. Many people who describe their eyes as “sensitive” and easily irritated by makeup, skincare, or environmental factors are experiencing symptoms of underlying dry eye. Studies suggest that one in six people globally live with dry or sensitive eyes, and the number doubles for women during menopause (British Journal of Ophthalmology). In the UK alone, it is estimated that as many as one in four people experience symptoms of dry eye disease at some point in their lives.
Red or Bloodshot Eyes
Redness is a sign of inflammation or insufficient lubrication. When your eyes don’t have enough moisture, they become irritated and blood vessels expand, leading to a red appearance. The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains that dry eye disease is one of the leading causes of chronic eye redness.
What helps: Use preservative-free artificial tears or sprays, like our Instant Relief Eye Spray, to restore surface moisture. Avoid direct airflow from fans, vents, or air conditioning. A humidifier can also help.
Burning or Stinging Sensation
Burning often indicates your tears are evaporating too quickly. This is typically due to poor quality oils in the tear film. The National Eye Institute confirms that problems with the meibomian glands, the tiny oil glands in your eyelids, are a major contributor to evaporative dry eye.
What helps: Warm compresses or our Heated Eye Wand LED+ can gently melt the oils in these glands and improve tear quality. Consistent use is key.
Gritty or Sandy Feeling
If it feels like there’s something in your eye when there isn’t, it may be because your tears aren’t spreading evenly across the eye surface. The Mayo Clinic notes that this “foreign body sensation” is one of the hallmark symptoms of dry eye.
What helps: Gentle eyelid cleansing with preservative-free wipes like our Soothing Coconut Eye Balm Wipesor sprays helps remove debris and keep glands clear.
Blurry Vision or Eye Fatigue
If your vision clears when you blink, it may be due to an unstable tear film. Blurry vision and tired eyes are common after long hours of reading or screen time. According to the Cleveland Clinic, dry eye can reduce contrast sensitivity and make vision fluctuate throughout the day.
What helps: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Hydrating sprays or drops can also help stabilize your tears.
Watery Eyes
Ironically, watery eyes can also be a sign of dryness. When the surface of the eye is irritated, it triggers reflex tearing, but these tears are watery and don’t stay on the eye. The American Optometric Association explains that this cycle is a common complaint in dry eye patients.
What helps: Treat the underlying dryness with regular hydration and warm compress therapy rather than wiping away the tears.
When to See an Optometrist
Most dry eye symptoms can be improved with home care, but if discomfort persists or affects your daily life, see an eye care professional. They can diagnose underlying causes and recommend additional treatments if needed.
FAQs
Q: Can dry eyes cause blurry vision?
A: Yes. An unstable tear film can cause intermittent blur that improves when you blink.
Q: Why do my eyes water if they’re dry?
A: Reflex tearing produces poor-quality, watery tears that don’t properly hydrate the eye.
Q: What’s the best home treatment for dry eyes?
A: Daily warm compresses, preservative-free sprays or drops, gentle eyelid cleansing, and reducing screen strain.
Q: Are dry eyes serious?
A: Most cases are manageable, but untreated dry eye can damage the cornea over time. If symptoms persist, consult an optometrist.
Leave a comment (all fields required)
Comments will be approved before showing up.
