5 ways to avoid dry eyes

If your tears aren't doing their job, some of the symptoms you might experience include:

• Blurry vision or eye fatigue
• A stinging, scratchy or burning sensation in your eyes
• Redness
• Light sensitivity
• Watery eyes - your body is trying to overcompensate for the dryness
• Feeling like there's something stuck in your eyes
• Struggling to wear contact lenses

There are various reasons as to why your body will stop producing a suitable amount of tears, such as:

• The natural process of ageing, particularly menopause
• Medical conditions and diseases, including diabetes, lupus and vitamin A deficiency
• The side effects of certain drugs like antihistamines and decongestants
• Indoor environments (fans, air-conditioning and heating systems)
• Outdoor environments (wind, smoke, dust, dry air)
• Wearing contact lenses
• Tear gland damage, eye diseases or after eye surgery
• Smoking and drinking alcohol
• Blinking less often due to driving, reading or working at the computer

• Is sleep good for your eyes?
• How to avoid dry eyes and eye strain in the office
• Where does eye colour come from?