How long do dry eyes last​?

Do your eyes often feel sore, itchy, or watery? You might have dry eyes, a common condition that can make your eyes feel uncomfortable.

Many people ask us at My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, “How long do dry eyes last?”

The truth is, it depends on what’s causing your dryness and how your eyes respond to treatment. Some people have dry eyes for a short time, while others may deal with them for longer. The good news is that there are many ways to help your eyes feel better.

Let’s explore what causes dry eyes, how long they can last, and what you can do to find relief.

What are dry eyes?

Your eyes need tears to stay healthy, smooth, and clear. Tears aren’t just water, they’re made up of oil, water, and mucus. These layers work together to keep your eyes moist and protect them from dust and germs.

If your eyes don’t make enough tears or if your tears dry up too quickly, your eyes can start to feel:

• Dry or gritty
• Sore or burning
• Watery or tired
• Blurry (especially after reading or using screens)

This is called dry eye syndrome, and it’s one of the most common reasons people visit us for eye care.

How long can dry eyes last?

Dry eyes can last for a few days, weeks, or even months, it all depends on the cause.

Here are some common examples:

Short-term dry eyes

Sometimes, dryness is only temporary. You might notice it when:

• You’ve spent hours on your phone or computer
• You’ve been in a room with air conditioning or heating
• You’re outside on a windy or dry day
• You’re wearing contact lenses for a long time

Once your eyes rest, get moisture, or return to a better environment, the dryness usually improves within a few hours to a few days.

Seasonal dry eyes

Some people only get dry eyes during certain times of the year, like in winter (when indoor air is dry) or during hayfever season. These symptoms often come and go with the weather or pollen levels.

Long-term dry eyes

If you have ongoing dry eyes that last for weeks or months, it might be a sign of a more chronic condition. This can happen if:

• Your tear glands aren’t making enough tears
• You have a problem with your eyelids or tear quality
• You take certain medicines (like antihistamines or antidepressants)
• You wear contact lenses every day
• You have a health condition like diabetes or arthritis

In these cases, the dryness may last longer, but with the right treatment, your eyes can still feel much better over time.

Can dry eyes go away on their own?

Sometimes they can, but not always.

If your dryness is caused by tiredness, weather, or short-term strain, your eyes may recover once you rest or take breaks.

But if the problem keeps coming back, it’s best to get your eyes checked. Long-term dry eyes can cause discomfort, redness, or blurry vision, and it can even affect how well your eyes protect themselves from infection.

At My Eye Clinic, we can find the root cause and help you build a plan that really works for your eyes.

How to make dry eyes feel better

There are simple steps you can take to ease dry eyes at home, and help prevent them from getting worse.

1. Take screen breaks

Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps your eyes blink and stay moist.

2. Use artificial tears

Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help replace lost moisture. Look for preservative-free options if your eyes are sensitive.

3. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water during the day to help your body, and your eyes, stay hydrated.

4. Protect your eyes from wind and air

When it’s windy, wear sunglasses or wraparound glasses. Avoid sitting directly under fans or air conditioning vents.

5. Avoid rubbing your eyes

Rubbing can make irritation worse. Instead, use a cool compress to calm your eyes.

6. Take care of your eyelids

Clean your eyelids gently with a warm, damp cloth to remove oil and debris that can block your tear glands.

Treatments for long-term dry eyes

If you’ve tried these tips but your eyes still feel dry, there are advanced treatments that can help.

At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, we offer:

• Dry eye assessments to find out what’s really causing your dryness
• Tailored treatment plans, such as medicated drops or in-office therapies
• Lifestyle advice to help you manage symptoms long-term

We can even suggest changes to your eye care routine if they’re making your dryness worse.

Every pair of eyes is different, and our goal is to help you find relief that lasts.

When should you see an eye specialist?

You should book an appointment if you notice:

• Ongoing dryness that lasts more than a week
• Pain, redness, or sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision that doesn’t go away
• Burning or stinging sensations
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse, dry eyes can often be treated easily when caught early.

Final thoughts

So, how long do dry eyes last?
It depends, but one thing is certain: you don’t have to live with discomfort.

With the right care, most people can find real relief and get back to enjoying their day without sore, itchy, or tired eyes.

If you’re in the Gosforth or Newcastle area, visit My Eye Clinic for expert advice and treatment for dry eyes.

Take our dry eye suitability self-test today and start your journey to healthy, comfortable vision.