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Category: General Eye Health Tips

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What Should You Do When You Have Symptoms of Dry Eyes?

Here’s what you need to know.

Man with dry eye symptoms

Have you ever felt your eyes becoming tired, dry, or even gritty, like there’s sand inside?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and this is something you should pay attention to.

In today’s digital lifestyle, dry eyes are increasingly common. Long hours in front of screens and spending most of the day in air-conditioned rooms can reduce tear quality and quantity. When dry eyes are left untreated, they can become uncomfortable and start to interfere with daily activities. The good news is that Dry Eye Disease (DED) can be managed with the right approach and care.

Start with Artificial Tears

1. Start with Artificial Tears

Artificial tears are often the first option people try when dealing with dry eyes. They’re easy to find and simple to use, making them a popular starting point. However, for some people, the relief may only be temporary and not enough to fully manage DED.1

If symptoms continue, it’s important to speak with an eye doctor to find a treatment that truly fits your needs.

Prescription Eye Drops for Better Control

2. Prescription Eye Drops for Better Control

Did you know there are prescription eye drops designed specifically for DED?

  • Secretagogues like diquafosol

    Help improve both the amount and quality of tears by stimulating the production of oil, water, and mucin. These support a stable tear film that keeps your eyes moist and healthy.3

  • Anti-inflammatory eye drops like steroids and cyclosporine

    Work by addressing the underlying inflammation that often causes persistent dry eye symptoms, especially when discomfort doesn’t go away.2,4

Small Lifestyle Changes Matter

3. Small Lifestyle Changes Matter

Simple habits can also make a big difference. Taking regular screen breaks and reducing time spent in dry environments can help support your eye comfort.

Your eyes deserve better care, especially when you have DED. Think beyond temporary relief and focus on long-term comfort.

To understand the right treatment for you, consider consulting an eye doctor and finding doctors near you for professional guidance.

Reference:

1DOL Video Content.

2American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2025). Why is dry eye difficult to treat? https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/fix-dry-eye-treatment-eyedrops

3Kojima, T., Dogru, M., Kawashima, M., Nakamura, S., & Tsubota, K. (2020). Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 78, Article 100842. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100842

4National Eye Institute. (2025). Dry eye. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye

Further Reading:

Al-Mohtaseb, Z., Schachter, S., Shen Lee, B., Garlich, J., & Trattler, W. (2021). The relationship between dry eye disease and digital screen use. Clinical Ophthalmology, 15, 3811–3820.

Chlasta-Twardzik, E., Górecka-Nitoń, A., Nowińska, A., & Wylęgała, E. (2021). The influence of work environment factors on the ocular surface in a one-year follow-up prospective clinical study. Diagnostics, 11(3), Article 392. doi.org

Semp, D. A., Beeson, D., Sheppard, A. L., Dutta, Dis., & Wolffsohn, J. S. (2023). Artificial tears: A systematic review. Clinical Optometry, 15, 9–27. doi.org