Treatment · Eye care
Dry eye treatment
Dry eye treatment starts with an assessment that works out why the eyes feel dry, gritty, or watery. The ophthalmologist examines the eye surface and tear film, sometimes using harmless dyes and simple tear measurements. Treatment is then matched to the cause, from lubricating drops to lid care.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Meera Krishnan, MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology) —
At a glance
The essentials.
- Practice
- Eye care
- Type
- Treatment
The full guide
What it is
Dry eye happens when the tears are too few or evaporate too quickly. Assessment and treatment go together: the examination identifies which part of the tear system is at fault, and the treatment is chosen to match, because dry eye has several causes that respond to different care.
Why an ophthalmologist may recommend it
Assessment is recommended for persistent grittiness, burning, watering, tired eyes, or vision that blurs and clears with blinking, especially with long screen hours, contact lens wear, or medicines that dry the eyes. It also checks that the symptoms are dry eye and not another surface problem.
How to prepare
If you wear contact lenses, ask the clinic whether to leave them out before the visit. Bring a list of your medicines and note any drops you have already tried and whether they helped.
Treatment options
Options in general include lubricating drops, warm compresses and lid care for oil-gland problems, changes to screen habits and environment, treatment of lid inflammation, and, for some people, small plugs that slow tear drainage. Which options are suitable depends on the cause; responses vary between people, and this page does not promise any particular outcome.
Safety, limitations, and when to contact the clinic
The assessment is low-risk. Dry eye is usually managed over the long term rather than ended by a single treatment, so care is reviewed against your symptoms. Contact the clinic if symptoms worsen despite treatment. Severe pain, marked light sensitivity, or a sudden change in vision are not typical of dry eye and need prompt assessment.
This website is for information and appointments. It is not monitored for emergencies. For sudden loss of vision, a serious eye injury, or severe eye pain with nausea or vomiting, call 108 for an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department.
Results and follow-up
A review after a period on the starting plan checks what has helped, and the plan is adjusted. If an underlying cause needs separate care, such as a medicine review with your physician, the ophthalmologist explains it.
Sources
Before you come
What to bring and how to prepare
A short checklist to run through before your appointment. If anything here is unclear, call the clinic and ask.
- If you wear contact lenses, ask the clinic whether to leave them out before the visit.
- Bring a list of your medicines and note any drops you have already tried and whether they helped.
What happens
On the day.
What to expect from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
during
During the visit
the ophthalmologist examines the eyelids, tear film, and eye surface under the slit lamp. A harmless dye may be used to show dry patches under blue light, and a small strip of soft paper can rest inside the lower lid for a few minutes to measure tear quantity. Your screen habits and environment are part of the assessment.
after
Afterwards
the findings are explained and a starting plan is agreed. There is no recovery time; the dye can tint the tears briefly.
Before your appointment
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about preparation, timing and what happens at the clinic.
Why do my eyes water if they are dry?
Irritation from a dry surface triggers reflex tears, which are watery and drain away quickly. Watering is a common sign of dry eye rather than evidence against it.
Are lubricating drops enough on their own?
For some people, yes. When the cause is in the lid oil glands or the surface is inflamed, other measures are added. The assessment is what decides.
Will dry eye go away?
It depends on the cause. Some causes can be treated directly; for many people dry eye is managed long-term, with the plan adjusted at reviews to keep the eyes comfortable.
Where this fits
Related care and consulting times.
The conditions this is used alongside, and when the consultant sees patients at the clinic.
Consultation hours
- Eye care
- Mon–Sat, 5:30 PM–8:30 PM.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Meera Krishnan, MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology) —
Appointments
Plan your visit.
Mon–Sat, 5:30 PM–8:30 PM.