Struggling With Dry Eye? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Are your eyes often dry, scratchy, or irritated after a long day at work, at home, or outdoors? You’re not alone. Dry eye is a common condition affecting people of all ages, and it can make everyday activities – from reading to using your phone – uncomfortable and frustrating.

In the UK, dry eye symptoms often get worse during January and February, when cold winter weather, central heating, and long periods on devices can leave your eyes feeling dry and tired. The condition affects millions of people worldwide, often causing stinging, blurred vision, and ongoing irritation that can impact daily life. Whether symptoms develop gradually with age or are triggered by modern habits like prolonged screen use, dry eye is rarely something that simply “goes away.”

At Respectacle Company in Market Harborough, we see how dry eye can impact daily life. We help patients understand what’s really happening beneath the surface and provide personalised, evidence-based solutions to restore comfort and protect long-term eye health. We take the time to understand your individual symptoms and lifestyle and provide tailored solutions that bring real relief. Whether it’s through expert guidance, professional treatments, or simple lifestyle adjustments, we’re here to help you manage dry eye effectively – so you feel comfortable and confident in your vision again.

Common Symptoms and Causes of Dry Eye – What Your Eyes Are Telling You

Dry eye happens when your eyes aren’t getting enough moisture, either because they don’t produce enough tears or because the tears evaporate too quickly. Without this natural lubrication, your eyes can feel dry, gritty, or irritated. Many factors can contribute to dry eye, from everyday habits like long hours at a screen or exposure to wind and central heating, to changes in age or hormones, certain medications, and underlying health conditions. Understanding the cause of your dry eye is the first step toward finding relief and keeping your eyes comfortable throughout the day.

Dry eye can affect people in different ways, and the symptoms may come and go or vary in intensity. Here are some of the most common signs to watch out for:

Symptoms of Dry Eye

• Stinging or burning sensation: A persistent burning or stinging feeling in the eyes is one of the most common signs of dry eye syndrome.
• Redness and irritation: Dry eyes often appear bloodshot and can feel sore, especially after long hours of screen use or exposure to wind.
• Gritty or foreign body sensation: Many people describe the sensation as if something is constantly in their eye, making blinking extremely uncomfortable.
• Excessive tearing: Ironically, dry eye can sometimes trigger watery eyes as your body tries to compensate for dryness.
• Blurred or fluctuating vision: You may notice your vision becomes blurry at times, particularly when reading or using screens.
• Sensitivity to light: Bright lights can worsen discomfort and make daily activities more challenging.
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, you may find them increasingly uncomfortable or even intolerable.

The Challenges of Living with Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye is more than just a minor inconvenience. It can affect your daily life in many ways. From difficulty concentrating and discomfort at work, to disrupted sleep or avoiding activities you enjoy, the impact can be significant. Untreated dry eye can also increase the risk of eye infections and damage to the surface of the eye, which is why professional assessment and management by an eye care specialist are so important.

How We Help Patients Find Relief from Dry Eye

At Respectacle Company, we understand how disruptive dry eye can be to your daily life. Our experienced team takes a personalised approach to diagnosing and managing dry eye, ensuring you get the care, guidance, and support you need. Here’s how we can help:

1. Comprehensive Eye Exams
   We start with a thorough eye examination to assess tear production, check the health of your eye surface, and identify the underlying cause of your symptoms. This detailed approach allows us to tailor treatments specifically to you.
2. Bespoke Treatment Plans
   Every case of dry eye is unique. Depending on your symptoms and their cause, we may recommend artificial tears, heat masks, lid hygiene routines, or specialist prescription drops. We also provide practical lifestyle advice, including screen breaks and environmental adjustments, to help reduce irritation in your everyday life.
3. Ongoing Support and Guidance
   Managing dry eye is an ongoing process. We work closely with our patients, offering regular check-ins and personalised advice to keep your symptoms under control and ensure your eyes stay comfortable.
4. Wide Range of Effective Products
   Our Manor Walk practice stocks a carefully selected range of products designed to help manage dry eye safely and effectively, including preservative-free eye drops and gentle eyelid cleansers. Explore the range of products we recommend here or pop in and see us to find the solutions that best suit your eyes. We’ll be happy to guide you in choosing what works for your individual needs.

Trusted Eye Care in Market Harborough: The Benefits of Choosing a Local Independent Optician

As an independent optician, we focus entirely on your eye health, offering unbiased advice and care at the highest standards. This year, we’re proud to celebrate 10 years serving the Market Harborough community, combining friendly, personalised service with careful attention to detail and ongoing training in the latest eye care advancements.

If dry eye is affecting your comfort or daily life, don’t wait for it to get worse. Take the next step in caring for your eyes. Book an appointment with Respectacle Company today and let our experienced team help restore comfort, clarity, and confidence in your vision. With tailored care, practical solutions, and genuine expertise, we’re here to support your eye health every step of the way. Here’s how you can get in touch with us:

Phone: 01858 433577
Email: hello@respectaclecompany.co.uk
Visit us at: 15 Manor Walk, Market Harborough, LE16 9BP

Further reading:

Digital Eye Protection: Advice from Market Harborough Opticians at Respectacle Company

Signs it’s Time to Visit Your Optometrist for an Eye Test