When Your Eyes Feel Dry and Irritated

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Your eyes can be surprisingly sensitive to changes in your surroundings. You might notice a gritty feeling, burning, redness, or the sensation that there’s something stuck in your eye. Sometimes your eyes even water more than usual.

These can all be symptoms of dry eyes. It may seem strange that watery eyes can be caused by dryness, but irritation can trigger your eyes to produce extra tears. Those tears don’t always provide the same lasting lubrication as normal tears.

Dry eyes become more common as people get older. Certain medicines and health conditions can also contribute, while spending long periods looking at screens can reduce how often you blink. Wind, smoke, dry air, heating, and air conditioning can make symptoms worse.

There are a few simple things you can try. Give your eyes regular breaks when reading or using a screen, blink deliberately from time to time and avoid having fans or air conditioning blowing directly towards your face. Sunglasses can also help protect your eyes from wind when you’re outside.

If your eyes regularly feel dry, your pharmacist can advise whether lubricating eye drops may be suitable. Not all eye drops are the same, and some products are intended for short-term use, so it’s worth asking for advice rather than simply choosing whatever is on the shelf.

Don’t ignore persistent symptoms, particularly if your vision is affected. Eye discomfort can have several causes, and ongoing irritation deserves proper assessment rather than being blamed on age.

Seek urgent medical attention if you develop sudden changes in vision, severe eye pain, significant redness, injury, or a sudden loss of sight. These symptoms need more than an ordinary dry-eye remedy.

For everyday irritation, however, small changes can sometimes make a noticeable difference. Keep your eyes comfortable, take regular breaks from screens, and pay attention to patterns—such as whether your symptoms are worse after reading, being outdoors, or spending time in an air-conditioned room.

Your eyes do a remarkable amount of work every day. A little attention to what makes them comfortable can help you keep enjoying everything from a good book to a sunny afternoon outside.