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Dry eyes happen when your tears do not keep the eye surface comfortable. Your eyes may feel sore, gritty or stinging. Self-care often helps, but some symptoms need prompt medical attention.
What are the symptoms of dry eyes?
- Sore, gritty, stinging or burning eyes
- Redness
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Watery eyes
- A feeling of something in the eye
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Why can dry eyes be watery?
Excess tearing is a recognised symptom of dry eyes. It can be confusing, but watery eyes do not rule out dryness.
What causes dry eyes?
Tears have three layers: oil, water and mucus. Dry eyes can happen when the tear glands make too little watery tear fluid. Problems with the meibomian glands, which make the oily layer, can also cause tears to evaporate too quickly. Both can occur together.
Who is more likely to get dry eyes?
Risk is higher in women and in people aged 50 or older. Contact lenses, long periods of screen use, smoke, wind, dry air, certain medicines and some autoimmune conditions can also contribute.
What can I do at home?
- Take regular breaks from screens.
- Wear wraparound glasses outdoors.
- Use a humidifier if the air is dry.
- Reduce the hours you wear contact lenses.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol.
- Clean your eyelids and use warm compresses, if a health professional has advised this.
What is the difference between drops, gels and ointments?
Lubricant products are available over the counter. Healthdirect says drops are typically used 3 to 4 times a day. Gels last longer but can blur vision, and ointments can be used at night. A pharmacist or optometrist can help you choose, and you should follow the directions on the pack.
You can read about common lubricant ingredients in our information on carboxymethylcellulose drops, hypromellose drops and sodium hyaluronate drops.
When should I see a doctor or optometrist?
Make an appointment if dry eyes persist after a few weeks of self-care, or if the shape of your eyelids changes. See a doctor promptly if your eye is painful and red, or if you have a red eye and wear contact lenses. Long-lasting or severe symptoms may need prescription treatment.
When is it urgent?
See a doctor immediately or go to an emergency department for vision changes, wavy lines or flashing lights, pain when looking at light, any eye injury, or a red eye with severe headache or feeling unwell. Call triple zero (000) in an emergency.
Source: Healthdirect: Dry eye syndrome.
General education does not replace individual medical advice. Updated November 2026.
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