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Dry eye · Good everyday habits
Small changes that protect the surface of the eye.
Dry eye occurs when there are too few tears, or tears of poor quality, to protect the surface of the eye. It causes burning, a gritty feeling, red eyes, fluctuating vision and sometimes watering. It is common and often long-lasting, but everyday habits make a real difference.
Good everyday habits
| Situation | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Screens and reading | Take breaks: every 20 minutes, look into the distance for 20 seconds and blink fully. Place the screen slightly below eye level. |
| Environment | Avoid air conditioning, heating or fans blowing at your face. At home and at work, a humidifier can help. Avoid tobacco smoke. |
| Outdoors | Wear sunglasses, ideally wraparound, in wind, sun or dust. |
| Hydration and sleep | Drink water throughout the day and get enough sleep. Sleeping with a fan blowing at your face makes symptoms worse. |
| Contact lenses | Reduce wearing time, replace them on schedule and use lens-compatible tears. Talk to us if discomfort persists. |
| Make-up | Do not apply eyeliner to the inner rim of the eyelids and remove make-up every night. |
Treatment and eyelid care
Artificial tears
- Use them regularly, before symptoms get worse, and not only once the eye is already irritated.
- If you use them more than 4 times a day, choose preservative-free tears.
- A lubricating gel or ointment at night can help if you wake up with dry eyes.
Eyelid care
- Warmth: warm compresses on closed eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes, to soften the oil in the glands.
- Massage: gently press the edge of the eyelids, from the base of the lashes outwards.
- Cleaning: clean the base of the lashes with a product made for the eyelids.
Some medicines can make dry eye worse, for example antihistamines, some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, diuretics and acne treatments. Do not stop them: tell your doctor.
My treatment
| TEARS, GEL OR OTHER TREATMENT | WHEN / TIMES A DAY | DURATION |
|---|---|---|
SEEK ASSESSMENT
Eye pain, reduced vision, marked redness in one eye or severe light sensitivity are not typical of simple dry eye and should be examined.
This guide does not replace individual instructions or follow-up by your ophthalmologist.