[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/what-is-dry-eye\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/what-is-dry-eye\/","headline":"What is dry eye?","name":"What is dry eye?","description":"Struggling with dry eyes? Learn what causes it, how to relieve symptoms, and when to seek help.","datePublished":"2025-02-27","dateModified":"2025-03-19","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/author\/myeyeclinic\/#Person","name":"My Eye Clinic","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/author\/myeyeclinic\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8387103c2072d667018bc0a76890e72a3a28b15f0cb4d824dadcb29a5e8e13d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8387103c2072d667018bc0a76890e72a3a28b15f0cb4d824dadcb29a5e8e13d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"My Eye Clinic Gosforth","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Retina-Sticky-Header-Logo-v2-166x120-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Retina-Sticky-Header-Logo-v2-166x120-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","width":167,"height":122}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/what-is-dry-eye-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/what-is-dry-eye-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","height":534,"width":950},"url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/what-is-dry-eye\/","about":["Dry Eye & Blepharitis"],"wordCount":311,"articleBody":"What is dry eye?Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don\u2019t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. This leads to discomfort, irritation, and sometimes blurry vision. While dry eye may seem like a minor inconvenience, it can significantly impact your daily life.What causes dry eye?Several factors can contribute to dry eye, including:Ageing \u2013 Tear production naturally decreases with ageScreen time \u2013 Staring at screens for long periods reduces blinking, leading to tear evaporationContact lens use \u2013 Prolonged wear of contact lenses can dry out the eyesMedical conditions \u2013 Autoimmune diseases like Sj\u00f6gren\u2019s syndrome can affect tear productionEnvironmental factors \u2013 Wind, air conditioning, and dry climates can exacerbate symptomsMedications \u2013 Some antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants can reduce tear production.Symptoms of dry eyeThe most common symptoms of dry eye include:Stinging or burning sensationRedness and irritationSensitivity to lightBlurred visionA gritty feeling, as if something is in your eye.How is dry eye diagnosed?A thorough eye examination is required to diagnose dry eye. At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, we use advanced diagnostic tools to assess tear production and quality, helping us determine the best treatment plan for you.Treatment options for dry eyeDepending on the severity of your condition, treatment may include:Artificial tears \u2013 Over-the-counter lubricating drops can help alleviate symptomsPrescription eye drops \u2013 Medications can help reduce inflammation and increase tear productionPunctal plugs \u2013 Tiny plugs inserted into the tear ducts help retain moistureLifestyle changes \u2013 Adjusting screen habits, using humidifiers, and wearing protective eyewear can reduce symptoms.Don\u2019t let dry eye disrupt your lifeIf you\u2019re experiencing symptoms of dry eye, contact us at My Eye Clinic in Gosforth for a consultation. We can help diagnose the issue and find the best treatment for you."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"What is dry eye?","item":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/what-is-dry-eye\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]