Everyday habits that quietly feed dry eye
Screens, sleep, medicines and surgery.
- 01Dry eyes? It's not just a lack of water
- 02Meibomian glands: your eyes' oil factories
- 03Why won't my tears stay put?
- 04Why does dry eye keep coming back?
- 05Health conditions that can dry your eyes
- 06Everyday habits that quietly feed dry eye
- 07“It's just dry eyes”? It's not that simple
- 08Managing dry eye: from home to clinic
- 09In-clinic treatment: IPL, RF & expression
You blink less when you stare at screens
Part 06 · 01Blink rate drops sharply
Focused screen work can halve how often you blink, or more.
More incomplete blinks
The lower tear film isn't refreshed, leaving dry spots.
Your environment adds to it
Air-con, low humidity and contact lenses speed evaporation.
Hidden contributors in daily life
Part 06 · 02Stress and mood
Stress, anxiety and low mood are linked with worse dry eye symptoms, and each can feed the other.
Not enough sleep
Dry eye is more common in poor sleepers; tear production drops after a late night.
Diet
A balanced diet with oily fish may support the eye surface, but the evidence is still limited.
Alcohol
Can temporarily destabilise the tear film; linked with more dry eye, especially in women.
Common medicines that can dry your eyes
Part 06 · 03Antihistamines
For allergies
Antidepressants
And some anxiety medicines
Beta-blockers
Blood pressure, heart
Diuretics
Blood pressure, fluid retention
HRT
Some hormone therapy regimens
Statins
Research is conflicting
Cancer treatments
Some targeted drugs, radiotherapy
Glaucoma eye drops
Long-term use, especially preserved
Don't stop any medicine on your own. Tell your optometrist what you take; your doctor can assess whether any change is needed.
Eye surgery can also trigger dry eye
Part 06 · 04Laser vision correction
Cuts some corneal nerves; dryness is common but usually eases.
Cataract surgery
Dry eye or gland problems often get worse afterwards.
Eyelid surgery
Changes lid position and closure; dryness is usually temporary.
Key takeaways
Part 06- 01Screens mean fewer, less complete blinks
- 02Stress, sleep, diet and alcohol all play a part
- 03Many common medicines and eye surgeries can dry the eyes. Don't stop medicines yourself
Book an eye surface assessment.
Eyes that often feel dry or gritty, or vision that comes and goes? Find out which type you have and what’s driving it.
General health information only, not personal advice. Everyone’s eyes are different. An optometrist or doctor should examine you before any treatment is decided.