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John Singh
A drop of lubricating eye drop about to land in an eye
Eye health

Relief for dry, gritty eyes

Dry eye care at John Singh Opticians starts with an assessment of your tear film and eyelids, then a plan matched to the cause of your symptoms.

What causes dry eye?

Dry eye happens when the tears do not keep the surface of the eye moist and comfortable. Symptoms include grittiness, burning, redness, tired eyes, blurred vision that clears with blinking and, surprisingly, watery eyes.

A common cause is meibomian gland dysfunction, where the oil glands in the eyelids do not release enough oil to stop tears evaporating. Screen use, central heating, contact lenses, some medicines and hormonal changes also play a part. Dry eye is usually a long-term condition that can often be managed well.

Calm consulting room prepared for a dry eye assessment

Who is it for?

  • People whose eyes feel gritty, burning or tired by the end of the day
  • Long hours at a screen or in heated, air-conditioned offices
  • Contact lens wearers whose lenses feel uncomfortable
  • Anyone using eye drops several times a day without relief

What to expect

  1. 01

    Symptom questionnaire

    A short questionnaire rates your symptoms so we can track change over time.

  2. 02

    Tear film tests

    We look at tear quality and how quickly tears break up on the surface of the eye.

  3. 03

    Eyelid check

    A close look at the eyelid margins and glands shows whether they are blocked.

  4. 04

    Treatment plan

    A plan matched to the cause, such as warm compresses, lid hygiene or specific drops, with a review visit.

How can I manage dry eye day to day?

Use a warm compress and lid cleanser as advised, take regular screen breaks and blink fully, and keep heaters and fans from blowing on your face. Preservative-free drops are usually better for frequent use. Improvement is gradual, so keep to the plan for several weeks before the review.

Common questions

Dry eye is usually a long-term condition. Treatment aims to control symptoms and protect the surface of the eye, and many people find their eyes become more comfortable.

Book dry eye care

Book online in a minute, or call and talk to a real person at the front desk.

Opening hours
  • Monday to Friday09:00-17:30
  • Saturday09:00-13:00

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