Eye condition
Dry eyes (dry eye disease)
In dry eye the tear film is disturbed: either tears are lacking, or they evaporate too quickly. The ocular surface becomes irritated.
Schematic illustration for explanation – medical approval required.
The tear film has three layers
The outer lipid layer reduces evaporation, the aqueous layer moistens and nourishes, and the inner mucin layer ensures good distribution across the cornea. If one of these layers is disturbed, the ocular surface becomes dry and irritated.
Why does it develop?
Age and hormonal changes, screen work with infrequent blinking, dry air, heating, wind, smoke or air conditioning, contact lenses, certain medications, lid margin inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction, as well as general conditions such as rheumatic disease or diabetes.
What helps?
Use tear substitutes regularly, lid margin care and warm compresses as needed, blink consciously more often, take breaks during screen work, humidify the air and avoid draughts and smoke. Reduce contact lens wear for a time. No “eye-whitening” drops without ophthalmological advice.
What you can expect
Symptoms can be chronic, but can often be relieved well. The right treatment depends on the cause – which is why examining the tear film and lid margins comes first.
Typical symptoms
- Burning, itching or a foreign body sensation
- Tired eyes, especially at the screen
- Paradoxically: intermittently watering eyes
Dry eyes are troublesome, but usually very treatable – what matters is finding the cause instead of just switching drops.
How we examine
Assessment of the tear film, lid margins and ocular surface at the slit lamp.
How we treat
Stepped therapy consisting of suitable tear substitutes, lid margin care and – if necessary – anti-inflammatory medication.
To the matching treatment →When you should act quickly
Severe pain, sensitivity to light or deteriorating vision do not fit simple dry eye – please have this assessed.
More on eye emergencies →Editorial team: Augencentrum Mülheim · Last updated 07/2026