MedDroid
Ask MedDroid
Dry Eye
Dry eye happens when the eyes do not make enough tears or the tears evaporate too fast. It causes a gritty, irritated feeling and is very common with screen use.
Causes & risk factors
- Long hours on screens with reduced blinking
- Ageing and hormonal changes
- Dry, dusty or air-conditioned environments
- Contact lens wear
- Certain medicines
- Some medical conditions
Common symptoms
- Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
- Burning or stinging
- Watery eyes (reflex tearing)
- Intermittent blurred vision
- Redness
- Tired, heavy eyes
Tests & diagnosis
- Eye examination
- Tear film assessment
- Schirmer’s tear test
- Vision test
Treatment & management
- Lubricating (artificial tear) drops
- Taking regular screen breaks and blinking more
- Warm compresses and gentle lid cleaning
- Using a humidifier in dry rooms
- Staying well hydrated
- Treating any underlying condition
When to see a doctor urgently
- Severe pain or marked redness
- Vision changes that do not settle
- Symptoms not helped by drops
- Dry eyes with dry mouth or joint problems
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about dry eye. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my eyes water if they are dry?
Dryness can trigger reflex watering, but these tears drain away quickly and do not soothe the eye, so it still feels dry and gritty.
Can screens cause dry eyes?
Yes. We blink far less when looking at screens, so tears evaporate more. Regular breaks and blinking help a lot.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.