July marks Dry Eye Awareness Month 2026, an opportunity to highlight a condition that affects millions of people yet is often overlooked. Many people assume occasional irritation or watery eyes are simply part of ageing or spending too much time looking at screens. However, persistent symptoms may indicate dry eye disease, a common condition that can significantly affect comfort, vision and quality of life.
Understanding dry eye causes is one of the first steps towards managing symptoms effectively. While some people experience only mild discomfort, others may struggle with ongoing irritation that interferes with reading, driving, working or enjoying everyday activities.
At Cathedral Eye Clinic, we understand that no two patients experience dry eye disease in the same way. Identifying the underlying dry eye causes allows us to recommend the most appropriate treatment for each individual.
What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease occurs when tear production, tear quality, or tear distribution is impaired, leading to unstable tear film. A healthy tear film is essential for maintaining a smooth optical surface, protecting the eye from infection and keeping it comfortable throughout the day.
When this delicate tear film becomes unstable, the surface of the eye can become inflamed and irritated. This leads to the symptoms commonly associated with dry eye disease.
Although dry eye disease becomes more common with age, it can affect adults of any age and is often linked to lifestyle, environmental factors or underlying health conditions. Understanding the different dry eye causes can help identify why symptoms have developed and guide the most effective treatment.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
The symptoms of dry eye disease can vary from person to person and may fluctuate throughout the day. Some people experience only occasional irritation, while others have persistent symptoms that interfere with daily activities.
Common symptoms include:
- Itching
- Burning
- Grittiness
- Stinging
- Discomfort
- Redness
- Pain
- Wateriness
- Discharge
- Light sensitivity
- Tired eyes
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Puffy eyelids
- Eyelash scales
Many people are surprised that excessive watering can actually be a symptom of dry eye disease. This occurs because irritation triggers the eye to produce reflex tears, but these tears do not provide the stable tear film needed to keep the eye properly lubricated.
If these symptoms persist, identifying the underlying dry eye causes is important to help prevent ongoing irritation and potential damage to the surface of the eye.
1. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
One of the common contributing factors is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
The meibomian glands are tiny oil-producing glands located along the edges of the eyelids. They release an oily layer that sits on top of the tear film and slows down tear evaporation.
When these glands become blocked or do not function properly, tears evaporate much more quickly than normal. This is known as evaporative dry eye and is one of the leading forms of dry eye disease.
Signs that MGD may be contributing to dry eye include:
- Burning sensations
- Blurred vision that improves after blinking
- Crusting around the eyelids
- Red or inflamed eyelid margins
- Symptoms that worsen towards the end of the day
At Cathedral Eye Clinic, assessing the health of the meibomian glands forms an important part of investigating dry eye causes, allowing treatment to target the source of the problem rather than simply relieving symptoms.
2. Ageing
Age is another of the most significant dry eye causes.
As we grow older, tear production naturally decreases and the quality of the tear film changes. The meibomian glands may also become less effective over time, increasing tear evaporation.
While dry eye disease can affect younger adults, it becomes much more common after the age of 50.
Age-related hormonal changes also play a role, particularly in women after menopause, making dry eye disease more prevalent in this group.
Although ageing cannot be prevented, symptoms can often be improved/managed to a meaningful degree once the underlying dry eye causes have been identified.
3. Screen Time and Reduced Blinking
Modern lifestyles have introduced one of the fastest-growing dry eye causes.
Using computers, tablets and smartphones for extended periods reduces our natural blink rate. People may blink up to 66% less frequently when concentrating on digital screens (University of Salford, 2021).
Blinking spreads fresh tears evenly across the eye and helps the meibomian glands release protective oils. When blinking becomes less frequent or incomplete, tears evaporate more quickly, leading to irritation and discomfort.
People who spend many hours working at a computer may notice symptoms becoming worse throughout the day, including:
- Dryness
- Blurred vision
- Eye strain
- Burning sensations
- Tired eyes
Simple habits such as taking regular breaks, consciously blinking more often and following the 20-20-20 rule may help reduce symptoms, but persistent problems should still be assessed to determine whether other dry eye causes are contributing.
4. Environmental Factors
Environmental conditions are another common contributor to dry eye causes.
Anything that increases tear evaporation or dries the surface of the eye can trigger symptoms, including:
- Air conditioning
- Central heating
- Windy weather
- Smoke
- Low humidity
- Long flights
- Dust and airborne irritants
Some occupations also increase exposure to dry environments, particularly offices with constant air conditioning or people who spend long periods outdoors.
Protecting the eyes from excessive airflow and maintaining good indoor humidity may reduce irritation, but where symptoms continue despite these measures, a comprehensive dry eye assessment can help identify whether multiple dry eye causes are involved.
5. Medical Conditions
Certain health conditions are recognised dry eye causes because they can affect tear production, tear quality or the health of the eye’s surface.
Medical conditions associated with dry eye disease include:
- Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren syndrome
- Diabetes
- Thyroid eye disease
- Rosacea
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
Inflammation is often a key factor in these conditions and can disrupt the normal function of the tear film. Managing the underlying condition alongside targeted dry eye treatment can help improve symptoms and support long-term eye health.
Because there are many potential dry eye causes, it is important to have persistent symptoms assessed rather than assuming they are simply due to ageing or screen use.
6. Certain Medications
Some medications can reduce tear production or alter the stability of the tear film, making them another important contributor to dry eye causes.
Medicines that may contribute include:
- Antihistamines
- Some antidepressants
- Certain blood pressure medications
- Decongestants
- Hormonal treatments
- Some acne medications
This does not mean you should stop taking prescribed medication if you experience dry eye symptoms. Instead, discuss your symptoms with your GP or eye care professional. In many cases, treatment for dry eye disease can improve comfort while allowing you to continue your medication safely. In rare cases, a doctor may change medications.
Identifying medication-related dry eye causes is an important part of a comprehensive assessment.
7. Contact Lens Wear
Contact lenses are another common factor among dry eye causes, particularly when they are worn for long periods.
Contact lenses sit on the tear film covering the eye and can affect its stability. Some people notice increasing dryness as the day progresses, while others find that their contact lenses become uncomfortable much sooner than they once did.
Symptoms may include:
- Dryness towards the end of the day
- Lens discomfort
- Blurred vision
- Increased awareness of the lenses
- Redness after lens removal
Not everyone who wears contact lenses develops dry eye disease, but if symptoms become persistent, an eye examination can determine whether contact lenses are contributing to the problem or whether another underlying cause is present.
How is Dry Eye Disease Diagnosed?
As there are many possible dry eye causes, a thorough assessment is important to determine the most appropriate treatment.
At Cathedral Eye Clinic, diagnosis begins with a discussion about your symptoms, lifestyle, general health and medical history. This helps identify potential factors contributing to your dry eye disease. We then will perform a comprehensive eye examination.
Because dry eye disease is rarely caused by a single factor, identifying the specific dry eye causes affecting you allows treatment to be tailored to your individual needs.
Dry Eye Treatment at Cathedral Eye Clinic
Treatment depends on the underlying dry eye causes, the severity of symptoms and how the condition affects your daily life.
For many people, treatment begins with simple measures such as lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, to supplement the natural tear film and relieve discomfort.
Where inflammation or meibomian gland dysfunction is contributing to symptoms, additional treatment may be recommended. This may include eyelid hygiene, warm compresses or therapies designed to improve the function of the meibomian glands.
Lifestyle changes can also play an important role in managing dry eye disease. Depending on the underlying dry eye causes, your specialist may recommend:
- Taking regular breaks from digital screens
- Increasing your blink rate during prolonged screen use
- Staying well hydrated
- Avoiding direct airflow from fans or air conditioning
- Using a humidifier in dry indoor environments
- Reviewing contact lens wear if appropriate
Because dry eye disease often has multiple contributing factors, treatment is usually tailored to the individual rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Our treatment options include:
Management of dry eye disease is highly individualised and tailored specifically to you, and the underlying cause of your condition.
- Lid hygiene
- Ocular lubricants
- Eye-light Intense pulsed light (IPL) and low level light therapy (LLLT)
- Photobiomodulation mask
- Tixel
- Punctal plugs
The key to alleviating your dry eye disease symptoms is identifying the underlying cause of your condition. This understanding enables your specialist clinician to design a personalised management plan to break the vicious cycle of inflammation, restore balance to your tears, and provide relief.
When Should You Seek Professional Advice?
Occasional dry eyes are common, particularly after long days using digital devices or spending time in dry environments. However, you should seek professional advice if you experience:
- Persistent dry or irritated eyes
- Symptoms lasting for several weeks
- Blurred vision that does not improve
- Ongoing redness
- Increasing discomfort when wearing contact lenses
- Symptoms that interfere with work, reading or driving
Early assessment can help identify the underlying dry eye causes before symptoms become more severe and allow appropriate treatment to begin sooner.
Conclusion
Dry eye disease is a common condition, but it is not something you simply have to live with. During Dry Eye Awareness Month 2026, taking the time to understand the common contributing factors can help you recognise symptoms early and seek the right care.
Whether your symptoms are related to meibomian gland dysfunction, ageing, screen use, environmental factors, medical conditions, medications or contact lenses, identifying the underlying dry eye causes is the key to effective management.
At Cathedral Eye Clinic, we provide comprehensive dry eye assessments to identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and recommend treatment tailored to your individual needs. If you have persistent dry, irritated or watery eyes, our experienced team is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most common dry eye causes?
The common contributing factors include meibomian gland dysfunction, ageing, prolonged screen use, environmental factors such as air conditioning or wind, certain medical conditions, some medications and contact lens wear.
2. Can too much screen time cause dry eyes?
Yes. Extended screen use reduces how often we blink, allowing tears to evaporate more quickly. This can contribute to dry eye symptoms.
3. Why do my eyes water if I have dry eye disease?
Watery eyes may seem unexpected, but they are a common symptom of dry eye disease. Irritation can trigger the eyes to produce reflex tears, which do not provide the same long-lasting lubrication as a healthy tear film.
4. Can dry eye disease be treated?
Yes. Although treatment depends on the underlying dry eye causes, many people experience significant improvement with the right combination of lubricating eye drops, eyelid care, lifestyle changes and other targeted treatments recommended by an eye specialist.
5. When should I see an eye specialist about dry eyes?
You should arrange an assessment if your symptoms are persistent, affect your vision or daily activities, or do not improve with simple self-care measures. Identifying the underlying dry eye causes is the first step towards finding the most effective treatment.
