Dry Eye Treatments

Dry eye syndrome (DES), also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), happens when your body doesn't produce enough tears to keep the surface of the eyes moist and hydrated. Some people are naturally more likely to experience this dryness, but a range of external factors, other eye conditions, or autoimmune conditions can also fall under the causes of dry eyes.

Working in an environment, with air conditioning, for example, can make your eyes more prone to feeling dry or irritated. You can also start to experience these dry eye disease symptoms after using a computer screen for long hours, particularly if you strain your eyes to focus on what you're looking at or reading.

The natural ageing process and hormonal changes can play a role in the quality of your tear production, particularly menopause, as well as taking oral contraceptives like birth control pills, or antidepressants, which negatively affect the tear ducts. Additionally, dry eyes can be caused by the side effects of certain drugs like antihistamines and decongestants, tear gland damage or after Lasik eye surgery, along with medical conditions and diseases, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, lupus, Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and vitamin A deficiency.

Sometimes, it's possible that wearing contact lenses for extended periods of time can also cause your eyes to feel a little dry. This happens because the lens on your cornea limits the amount of oxygen flow and dries out the tear film that's essential to developing your natural tears. It's a good idea then to take a break from your lenses or to switch to a silicone hydrogel contact lens for maximum lubrication. Moving to a daily wearing pattern can also work wonders, as these lenses, like everclear ELITE, featuring a thinner lens surface than monthlies, allowing more oxygen to reach the eyes, so they stay comfortable and hydrated at all times. Plus, you can also use dry eye treatments to provide speedy relief from the uncomfortable symptoms.

Usually, dry eye syndrome affects both eyes and will give you a gritty, sore feeling that gets worse over the course of the day. In more severe cases, it can continue for long enough for your eyes to become red and even temporarily cause blurry vision.

While no doubt uncomfortable, it's very rare for dry eyes to cause a serious problem and the discomfort can usually be resolved with over-the-counter eye drops or gels. However, if you're experiencing chronic dry eye or severe dry eye, you should visit a GP or ophthalmologist just to check that it's not a symptom of something else. If a severe case is left untreated, it may also lead to the abrasion of the corneal surface and eye inflammation.

One of the fastest and most effective ways of treating dry eyes is using eye drops. These help to ease the discomfort by returning the moisture to your eyes and are perfect if you need relief while wearing contact lenses. They're known as artificial tears because they mirror the makeup of real ones, meaning that the relief they provide feels both natural and soothing.

Typically, dry eye treatment options like Hycosan Eye Drops come in small bottles and so are easy to transport around, fitting easily into a pocket or a handbag. This is perfect if you lead a busy life and need instant relief from itchy and watery eyes while you're on the go. You can also get packs of single-use products such as Blink Intensive Tear Vials, which are even smaller and easier to carry around.

Eye drops to treat dry eyes are simple to use, but in case you haven't before, we thought we'd put together an easy-to-follow guide. Once you've done it a couple of times, it'll feel like second nature!

If you have sensitive skin around your eyes then eye drops might not be the best solution for you, particularly if you suffer from blepharitis, an eye condition, which causes inflammation of the conjunctiva (the outer layer of the eyeballs and the inner layer of the eyelids). Blephasol gel or Blephaclean wipes may be a better approach for treating your symptoms and keeping your eyes feeling fresh and comfortable. To check which treatment will tackle any encountered eye problems or eye infections, make sure to reach out to your optometrist or eye doctor.

Opting for some simple lifestyle changes can also easily reduce recurring dry eyes, especially incorporating certain foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Fresh fish, nuts, and fruits and vegetables, like berries, kale and oranges will increase your tear production, paired with drinking plenty of water, of course. Plus, quick tricks like applying a warm compress, trying a few eye exercises, investing in a humidifier to prevent tear evaporation, and reducing screen time will make a huge difference, too.

• everclear Eye DropsExclusive to Vision Direct, these powerful eye drops, made from natural, herbal ingredients, have a long-lasting moisturising effect. Ideal for dry, tired, or irritated eyes, each 10ml bottle can be used throughout the day, whether you're wearing contact lenses or not. The in-built dispenser also makes it super-easy to apply eye drops wherever you are.
  Blink Contacts BottleIf your contact lenses feel uncomfortable after being worn for long hours, these soothing eye drops are just what you need. The drops act just like your normal tears by moisturising your eyes, containing no preservatives for a natural and fresh feeling while putting a stop to blurred vision.
  Blink Contacts VialsUsing the same formula as the Blink Contacts Bottle, these vials provide a more portable method of offering your eyes relief from itchiness and any burning sensations. Each pack contains 20 single-use vials, designed for instant refreshment as well as to be compatible with all types of contact lenses.
  Hycosan Extra Eye DropsThese extra-efficient eye drops are ideal if dry eyes are particularly bothersome, providing fast-acting relief that will keep your contact lenses feeling super comfortable. This well-designed bottle ensures you don't waste a drop, using a patented delivery system to give you just the right amount of liquid each time.
  
  Blink Intensive Tears BottleWhen dry eyes are getting the better of you, sometimes you need a serious solution. Blink Intensive Tears acts rapidly, creating a layer of moisture across your contact lens that reduces irritation, redness and general discomfort. The result is optimum eye health and clear, comfortable vision, ensuring that your contact lenses work to their full capability.
  Clinitas Soothe Dry Eye Relief DropsThis pack of individual droppers offers great value for money, helping you use just the right amount of solution each time. As each one is resealable, this is a great choice if you're on the go, allowing you to carry them around with no fuss, but giving you the choice of how much solution to use each time.

Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears produced evaporate too quickly, leaving the ocular surface insufficiently lubricated. Common causes include prolonged screen use, air conditioning, certain medications, hormonal changes, ageing, and contact lens wear. There are two main types: aqueous deficient dry eye, where the lacrimal glands produce insufficient tears, and evaporative dry eye, where tears evaporate too quickly due to meibomian gland dysfunction. Symptoms include grittiness, burning, watering, light sensitivity, and intermittent blurred vision.

Vision Direct stocks a comprehensive range of dry eye treatments across several categories. Lubricating eye drops are the most common treatment, using active ingredients such as sodium hyaluronate, carbomer, or hypromellose to supplement the tear film. Leading brands include Hycosan, Clinitas, Artelac, Blink, and Systane. Eyelid hygiene products, including Blephasol, Blephagel, and Blephaclean from Thea Pharmaceuticals, target the meibomian glands to address the lid margin hygiene component of evaporative dry eye. Eye vitamins such as PreserVision Original Soft Gels and PreserVision Lutein Soft Gels support long-term macular health. Eye wash and soothing sprays are also available for immediate relief.

The most common symptoms of dry eye syndrome are a persistent gritty or scratchy sensation of the eyes, burning or stinging, redness, sensitivity to light, and intermittent blurred vision that clears upon blinking. Paradoxically, watery eyes are also a common symptom: the eye produces reflex tears in response to the irritation caused by dryness, mimicking wet eyes. Symptoms are often worse in air-conditioned environments, following prolonged screen use, on windy days, and whilst wearing contact lenses. If symptoms are frequent or affecting your daily life or contact lens wear, see your optician for a formal dry eye assessment.

To use lubricating eye drops, tilt your head back slightly and gently pull your lower eyelid down to create a small pocket. Hold the bottle above your eye without touching the tip to your eye or eyelid, and release one drop into the pocket. Blink gently to distribute the drop across the surface of the eye. If using both eyes, repeat for the second eye. For multi-dose bottles, replace the cap immediately after use. If you wear contact lenses, check the label before applying drops during lens wear. Preservative-free drops labelled as lens-compatible can usually be instilled whilst the lenses are in the eye.

Yes. Several dry eye treatments are specifically designed for use during contact lens wear. Preservative-free lubricating drops such as Hycosan Extra, Blink Contacts, and certain Systane formulations can be applied over soft contact lenses to relieve dryness without affecting the lens material. Avoid drops containing preservatives and use drops compatible with contact lenses. Eyelid hygiene products such as Blephasol can be used as part of a pre-lens morning routine to combat lens-related dryness caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).