Dry Eye Syndrome

If your eyes regularly feel irritated, gritty, watery or tired, dry eye may be the cause.  

Dry eye is both a condition in its own right, known as dry eye disease, and a symptom of underlying issues such as blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), hormonal changes or certain medical conditions. 

At Leightons, we take the time to understand the underlying cause of your symptoms through a dedicated Dry Eye Assessment, so we can provide the right treatment, not just temporary relief. 

What is dry eye? 

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears, or when the tears produced are not of sufficient quality to keep the surface of the eye stable and comfortable. 

Tears are essential for comfort and clear vision. They protect the eye, wash away debris and create a smooth optical surface. When the tear film becomes unstable, the surface of the eye becomes exposed and irritated. 

Dry eye can range from mild and occasional to persistent and disruptive. 

How do tears work? 

Tears are produced continuously and are made up of three layers that work together to keep the eye comfortable. 

The inner mucin layer helps tears spread evenly across the eye. The middle aqueous layer provides moisture. The outer lipid (oil) layer prevents evaporation. If any of these layers become disrupted, the tear film breaks down.  

In some people, tears evaporate too quickly. In others, not enough watery tears are produced. When the oily layer is weak, tears evaporate too quickly, known as evaporative dry eye. 

When the watery layer is reduced, moisture levels fall, known as aqueous-deficient dry eye.  

Many patients experience a combination of both. 

Dry eye symptoms 

Dry eye condition symptoms can affect both eyes and may include: 

• Gritty feeling or irritation  
• Burning or stinging 
• Foreign body sensation 
• Itchy eyes 
• Redness
• Fluctuating or blurred vision
• Watery eyes (a reflex response to dryness) 
• Discomfort with contact lenses 

Symptoms can occur at any time of day. Some people find their eyes difficult to open in the morning, particularly if blepharitis causes crusting along the eyelids. Others notice increased sensitivity to bright light when the tear film is unstable.  

Symptoms may also worsen later in the day as the eyes remain open and exposed to the environment, allowing tears to evaporate more quickly. Prolonged screen use and environmental factors such as air conditioning or heating can make this worse. 

Is dry eye a condition or a symptom? 

Dry eye can be either. 

It may develop as part of the natural ageing process. However, it is often linked to underlying conditions such as eyelid inflammation or blocked oil glands. Because of this, treating dry eye effectively requires identifying the root cause.  

Simply using artificial tears may ease symptoms temporarily, but it does not always address the underlying problem. This is why a dedicated Dry Eye Assessment is so important. Dry eye is often multifactorial, meaning several different factors can contribute to the symptoms. The assessment helps us identify the underlying causes so we can treat the condition more effectively, rather than simply managing the surface symptoms. 

What causes dry eyes? 

Dry eye can develop gradually for a variety of reasons.  

Ageing is a common factor, as tear production naturally changes over time. Hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, can influence tear stability. Extended screen use reduces blink rate, affecting how tears spread across the eye. 

Environmental factors such as wind, central heating and air conditioning may worsen symptoms. Certain medical conditions, including autoimmune disorders and diabetes, can affect tear production. Some medications may also contribute. 

In many cases, dry eye is caused by a combination of factors rather than a single issue. 

When should you seek urgent advice? 

While most dry eye is manageable, you should seek prompt advice if you experience: 

• extreme light sensitivity (photophobia) 
• very red or painful eyes 
• a change in vision 

In most cases, your optometrist is the best first point of contact for dry eye concerns. 

Can dry eye be cured? 

Dry eye is often a long-term condition, but it can be effectively managed. 

With the right diagnosis and treatment, many patients experience significant improvement in comfort and visual stability. 

Dry eye treatment options

Dry eye treatment depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. For some people, simple adjustments can make a noticeable difference. For others, a more targeted treatment plan is needed. 

Everyday management at home 

For milder dry eye, consistent daily care can help improve comfort. 

Keeping your eyelids clean using specialist eyelid wipes, scrubs or foams helps remove debris and excess oils that may contribute to gland blockage and irritation. 

Using a heated eye mask or warm compress can also support eyelid health. Gentle warmth helps soften oils within the meibomian glands, encouraging better oil flow and improving tear stability. 

Preservative-free artificial tears can supplement natural moisture and provide temporary relief when your eyes feel dry or tired. 

If your environment is contributing - for example, air conditioning, central heating or dry air - increasing humidity in your home or workspace may help reduce evaporation. 

Staying well hydrated supports overall eye health, and taking regular breaks from screens can improve blink quality and reduce strain. 

If contact lenses make your eyes feel uncomfortable, reducing wear time and using contact-lens-friendly lubricating drops may ease symptoms. Your optometrist may recommend trying a different type of lens. This might involve changing the lens material or adjusting how often the lenses are replaced, helping to improve comfort and support healthier eyes. 

If you suspect a medication is contributing to dryness, it’s important to speak with your GP before making any changes. Similarly, if an underlying health condition may be playing a role, addressing this can help improve your eye comfort. 

However, if your symptoms persist despite these measures, your GP can help investigate the underlying cause, or it may indicate that you need more specialised treatment. Early assessment allows us to intervene before symptoms become more disruptive. 

In-practice dry eye treatments 

At Leightons, we offer advanced treatments designed to address the underlying cause of dry eye, rather than simply masking symptoms. These may include: 

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to help reduce inflammation and support oil gland function 
• Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation 
• NuLids or BlephEx eyelid exfoliation to remove debris, bacteria and build-up and stimulate gland function 
• Meibomian Gland Expression to unblock the oil-producing glands in the eyelids 
• BlefaCalm therapy to unblock the meibomian glands and clean the eyelids 

These treatments are recommended following a dedicated Dry Eye Assessment and form part of a personalised management plan. 

Take control of your eye comfort 

Dry eye can affect everyday life, from reading and driving to working on screens, but can be managed with products. If that’s not enough, specialist treatments are available as options for more severe cases.  

If you’re concerned about your dry eye condition or your overall eye health, speak to your optometrist for advice and help. 

Book your dry eye assessment today