Dry Eyes — Why Drops Alone Aren’t Always Enough
If you’ve been using over-the-counter lubricating drops for months without real relief, you’re not alone — and you’re also not necessarily using the wrong drops, you may be treating the wrong cause.
Dry eye isn’t one condition — it’s a symptom with several possible causes
- Insufficient tear production
- Poor tear quality (often from meibomian gland dysfunction — oil glands in the eyelid not functioning properly)
- Excessive screen time reducing blink rate
- Environmental factors (AC exposure, pollution, wind)
- Certain medications or underlying conditions
Why this matters practically
Lubricating drops address the symptom, but if the underlying cause is gland dysfunction, drops alone will keep needing to be reapplied without ever really fixing the problem. A proper eye exam can identify which type of dry eye you actually have.
Signs it’s worth getting checked rather than continuing to self-treat
- Drops give relief for under an hour before dryness returns
- Your eyes feel dry but also water excessively (a confusing but common combination)
- Redness or irritation persists despite consistent drop use
Getting the right diagnosis usually means a shorter path to actual relief, rather than years of trial-and-error with different drops. Book a dry eye evaluation to find the actual cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dry eyes?
Dry eye happens when tear production is reduced or tear quality is poor. Screen time, environment, ageing, certain medications, and some underlying conditions can all contribute.
Are eye drops enough to treat dry eyes?
Often not on their own for moderate-to-severe cases. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may also include lid hygiene, warm compresses, or in-clinic therapies alongside drops.
Is dry eye a permanent condition?
For many people it’s a chronic condition that’s managed rather than fully “cured” — but with consistent treatment, symptoms can usually be controlled well.
Can screen time cause dry eyes?
Yes. We blink less often when focused on a screen, which reduces the tear film’s ability to refresh the eye’s surface — a common contributing factor.
When should I see a doctor for dry eyes?
If over-the-counter drops aren’t helping, symptoms are persistent, or your vision is affected, it’s worth a clinical evaluation rather than continuing to self-treat.
Can dry eyes affect vision?
Yes. Chronic dry eye can cause blurry or fluctuating vision, and if left unmanaged for a long time, can affect the health of the eye’s surface.