What is dry eye?

Dry eye is one of the most common reasons people visit an eye doctor. It happens when the tear film, the thin layer that protects and smooths the front of the eye, is not stable enough. This can be due to reduced tear production, faster evaporation of tears, or both. Air-conditioning, dust, a dry climate and long hours on screens can all make symptoms worse.

Common symptoms

• Burning, stinging or a gritty, sandy feeling
• Redness and tired eyes, especially with screen use
• Vision that fluctuates and clears when you blink
• Watery eyes, particularly in wind or air-conditioning
• Discomfort with contact lenses

Watery eyes can surprise people. When the tear film is unstable, the eye may produce extra reflex tears, but these do not fix the underlying problem.

The role of the eyelids: blepharitis and meibomian glands

The eyelids often play a key part. The meibomian glands along the lid margins produce the oily layer of the tear film, which slows evaporation. When these glands are blocked (meibomian gland dysfunction), or the lid margin is inflamed (blepharitis), tears evaporate faster. Signs include red or crusty lid margins, flakes on the lashes and itchy lids. Recurrent chalazion (a lump in the eyelid) can be linked to the same problem.

How dry eye is assessed

Treatment depends on the cause, so a proper assessment comes first:

• A discussion of your symptoms, medications and screen habits
• Examination of the tear film and how stable it is
• Examination of the lid margins and meibomian glands

This shows whether your dry eye is mainly due to reduced tear production, increased evaporation, or both. Eyelid-related (evaporative) dry eye is treated differently from reduced tear production.

Treatment options

Treatment is usually built up in steps, and your plan is adjusted at follow-up.

Home care

• Lubricating eye drops, as advised by your doctor
• Adjusting screen habits and your environment, for example taking regular breaks and avoiding air blowing directly at your face
• For eyelid-related dry eye: warm compresses to soften the oil in the glands, followed by gentle cleaning of the lid margins and lashes, as shown by your doctor

Doing lid care regularly matters more than doing it intensively. Warm compresses are not the main treatment for every type of dry eye.

Medical treatment

Depending on the cause, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drops, treatment for eyelash mites (Demodex), antibiotics or allergy drops.

LipiFlow (thermal pulsation)

For meibomian gland dysfunction, LipiFlow applies controlled warmth to the inner eyelid surface, close to the glands, with gentle pressure on the outer lid to help release blocked oil.

IPL (intense pulsed light)

IPL applies pulses of light to the skin of the cheeks and nose below the eyes, with the eyes fully protected. It is used to improve signs of dry eye from meibomian gland dysfunction, usually alongside lid hygiene, warm compresses and gland expression. It is not suitable for every skin type.

Not every patient needs LipiFlow or IPL. Whether one may help depends on your examination, and your doctor will explain the expected benefits, limitations and possible side effects. Results vary, and home care is usually still needed.

Dry eye before LASIK or cataract surgery

Dry eye can affect the measurements taken before surgery and comfort afterwards. If you are planning laser vision correction or cataract surgery, it is often treated first.

Your care team

Dry eye and blepharitis care at Prime Vision Clinic is provided by Dr. Omar Khaled Al-Duwailah, consultant ophthalmologist specialising in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery, who leads treatment plans and procedures, and Dr. Ahmed Temraz, ophthalmologist, who provides assessment and follow-up.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my eyes watery if I have dry eye?

An unstable tear film can trigger extra reflex tears. These do not correct the underlying problem, so the eye can still feel dry and irritated.

Can dry eye be cured?

Dry eye is usually controlled rather than cured. Treatment depends on the cause, and many people find their symptoms easier to manage with the right plan.

How do I clean my eyelids at home?

If your doctor recommends it, the usual routine is a warm compress for several minutes followed by gentle cleaning of the lash line. Your doctor will show you how.

Do I need LipiFlow or IPL?

Not necessarily. Many people improve with home care and medical treatment. These procedures are considered for meibomian gland dysfunction when your examination shows they may help.

Will dry eye affect my LASIK or cataract surgery?

It can, because it affects measurements and comfort. That is why it is often treated before surgery.

This page provides general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, risks and results differ from person to person.