Dry Eye Treatment
What is dry eye?
Dry eye is a common, often chronic condition where your eyes don't produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly to keep the surface comfortable and clear. It can occur at any age, and symptoms tend to come and go through the day.
It becomes more common with age and is seen more often in women, contact lens wearers, people after cataract or LASIK surgery, and anyone who spends long hours on screens.
Symptoms of dry eye
Dry eye can feel different from person to person. Common signs include:
- Blurred vision that comes and goes
- Eye irritation, redness or a gritty, "something-in-my-eye" feeling
- Stinging or burning
- Mucus around the eyes
- Itchy, tired or watery eyes (watering is a common reflex response to dryness)
What causes dry eye?
Dry eye usually has more than one cause. The most common contributors are:
- Inadequate natural tear production
- Increased evaporation of the tear film
- Incomplete or reduced blinking, often linked to prolonged screen use
- Hormonal and age-related changes
- Over-wearing of contact lenses
- Dry, windy or air-conditioned environments
- Side effects of certain systemic medications
- Blepharitis and inflamed eyelids
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (blocked oil glands in the eyelids)
If your symptoms flare during long screen sessions, our tips for reducing digital eye strain are a useful starting point alongside an assessment.
How we diagnose dry eye at EMME Visioncare
We assess dry eye through a careful slit-lamp examination of your eye surface and eyelids, evaluate your blinking, and use special coloured dyes to look for dry spots. Where helpful, we also use imaging instruments to analyse your tear film quality and rate of evaporation, so treatment is matched to the underlying cause rather than just the symptoms. A dry eye assessment is best done as part of a comprehensive eye examination.
Dry eye treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your condition, and is often a combination of approaches rather than a single fix. Depending on your assessment, our optometrists may:
- Prescribe tear supplements (lubricating eye drops)
- Treat any underlying eyelid conditions such as blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction
- Recommend omega-3 supplements where appropriate
- Adjust your contact lens material or design — see our guidance on contact lenses for dry eyes
Dry eye is usually a long-term condition that is managed rather than permanently cured, so ongoing review helps keep it comfortable.
When should you see an optometrist for dry eye?
Book an assessment if your symptoms are persistent, worsening, affecting your vision or daily comfort, or not responding to over-the-counter eye drops. Persistent dryness can also point to underlying eyelid or tear film issues that benefit from professional review.
Frequently asked questions about dry eye
What are the early signs of dry eye?
Early signs often include a gritty or burning sensation, intermittent blurred vision, redness, and eyes that water more than usual. Symptoms commonly worsen later in the day or during screen use.
Can dry eye be cured?
For most people dry eye is managed rather than fully cured. With the right combination of treatment and regular review, symptoms can usually be kept comfortable and under control.
Does screen time make dry eye worse?
It can. We tend to blink less and less completely when concentrating on screens, which allows the tear film to evaporate. Regular breaks and full blinks help, alongside any treatment your optometrist recommends.
Are lubricating eye drops enough on their own?
Sometimes, but not always. Drops ease symptoms, while addressing the underlying cause — such as eyelid inflammation or meibomian gland dysfunction — often gives longer-lasting relief.
Book a dry eye assessment
If dry eye is affecting your comfort or vision, our optometrists can help identify the cause and tailor a treatment plan. Book an appointment at EMME Visioncare @ The Cathay, beside Dhoby Ghaut MRT.