Itching, stinging, a gritty feeling or red eyes at the end of the day. We explain why it happens, which drops to choose and when to see an ophthalmologist.
Tears keep the eye moist and clean. Dry eye syndrome appears when the tear film cannot properly lubricate the surface of the eye: because the eyes produce too few tears, because they evaporate too quickly or because they are not of the quality needed.
It is very common and can affect people of any age. In most cases it only causes discomfort, with no loss of vision, but if it is severe and left untreated it can damage the cornea.
Too few tearsThe tear glands produce less than the eye needs.
They evaporate quicklyThe oily layer of the tears is missing or the environment dries them out.
They do not protect wellThere are tears, but they do not keep the eye moist for long enough.
Symptoms
Most common symptoms of dry eye
They vary from person to person and tend to get worse at the end of the day.
Itchy eyesPersistent, making you want to rub them.
Burning or stingingAs if your eye were itching or burning.
Gritty feelingAs if you had something in your eye.
Red, irritated eyesEspecially after screens, wind or air conditioning.
Light bothers youSensitivity to light and wanting to close your eyes.
Blurred vision that comes and goesIt improves when you blink and comes back after a while.
Dry eyes but they water? That is normal: an irritated eye produces reflex tearing, but those tears do not moisten it properly and the dryness continues.
Causes
Causes and risk factors of dry eye
Often several come together. Knowing them helps to relieve it.
Fewer tears are produced
Age: it is more common from the age of 50.
Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy and the menopause: it is more common in women.
Some medicines: for colds and allergies (antihistamines), depression or high blood pressure.
Illnesses such as Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, diabetes or thyroid problems.
Tears evaporate
Meibomian gland dysfunction: these glands produce the oily layer of the tears; if they fail, tears evaporate sooner.
Environment: air conditioning, heating, wind, sun, smoke and dry environments.
Screens: in front of a computer or phone we blink much less.
Other factors
Wearing contact lenses for many hours.
Previous eye surgery, including laser surgery.
Blepharitis and other eyelid problems.
Smoking or breathing in other people's smoke.
Getting too little vitamin A or omega-3 in your diet.
Think a medicine is drying your eyes? Do not stop taking it on your own: talk to your doctor.
Dry eye drops
Artificial tears: when to use them and which to choose
Dry eye drops, or artificial tears, are the first step and the most widely used treatment for mild dry eye. They are bought without a prescription.
When to use them?
If you notice itching, stinging or irritation.
If you spend many hours in front of screens.
If your eyes are tired or dry at the end of the day.
In places with air conditioning or heating.
Types of drops
Moisturising drops for daily use.
Preservative-free, in single-dose vials or special bottles: better if you use them often or if preservatives irritate your eyes.
With hyaluronic acid.
Gel or ointment, thicker, for severe dryness. At night: they blur your vision a little, so use only a small amount.
Which are the best?
The ones that suit your type of dryness and how often you need them. If you use them several times a day, preservative-free is better.
If you do not improve after using them regularly for a couple of weeks, try preservative-free drops or another brand, and if nothing changes, see your ophthalmologist.
Always follow the instructions on the pack or those given by your doctor. If your ophthalmologist prescribes eye drops, do not swap them for artificial tears without checking first.
In the online shop
Eye care products
Buy online or at our opticians, and we will help you choose based on what you notice. They do not replace a visit to your ophthalmologist.
We also have eye patches: they are occlusion patches for vision therapy and lazy eye, not for dry eye.
Habits
How to relieve dry eyes day to day
The 20-20-20 rule with screensEvery 20 minutes, look at something about 6 metres away for at least 20 seconds. And blink on purpose more often.
Look after your environmentAvoid air conditioning, heating or wind blowing straight at you, and use a humidifier at home, especially in winter.
Wraparound sunglassesThey protect you from wind and light when you are outdoors.
Eyelid hygieneClean your eyelashes regularly and apply warm compresses.
Drink water and restStay well hydrated and get enough sleep. Do not smoke and avoid smoke.
What about omega-3? Eating little omega-3 is linked to more dry eye, and fish oil is among the treatments your doctor may consider. Ask them before taking supplements.
When to see an ophthalmologist
See an ophthalmologist as soon as possible if you have pain or a very red eye, discharge, a sore or scaling on the eye or eyelid, you have had a knock or an injury, an eye that bulges or a drooping eyelid, if you also have a dry mouth and joint pain, or if you do not improve within a few days with home care. There are prescription treatments (specific eye drops, tear duct plugs) that only a doctor can prescribe. At LUPER we do not diagnose or treat eye diseases: we advise you and, if we see warning signs, we refer you to an ophthalmologist.
At LUPER
How we help you with dry eyes
We help you choose
Tell us what you notice and when, and we will guide you on the drops that best suit you.
We check your eyes
A 30-minute personalised eye test, free, at our 3 opticians. If we see anything that needs it, we refer you to an ophthalmologist.
Do you wear contact lenses?
They can make dryness worse. We advise you on your fitting and, in cases of severe dry eye, we consider scleral lenses together with your ophthalmologist.
Watering is the eye's response to irritation, but those tears are not of the quality needed to moisten it properly, so the dryness continues.
Can I use dry eye drops every day?
Yes: artificial tears are used daily; to start with, at least 2 to 4 times a day. If you need them more often, choose preservative-free drops. Follow the instructions on the pack and, if you do not improve within a couple of weeks, see your ophthalmologist.
What are the best drops for dry eye?
There are no single best drops for everyone: it depends on your type of dryness and how often you use them. If you use them several times a day, preservative-free is better; for severe dryness there are thicker gels. At LUPER we help you choose.
What is the difference between drops with and without preservatives?
Drops with preservatives are more convenient to use, but they irritate some people. Preservative-free drops come in single-dose vials or special bottles and are better if you use them often.
What can I do at home to relieve dry eye?
Take breaks from screens with the 20-20-20 rule and blink on purpose, avoid air conditioning and wind blowing straight at you, use a humidifier, wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors, clean your eyelids and apply warm compresses, drink water and do not smoke.
Why do my eyes feel drier at night or when I wake up?
By the end of the day your eyes have built up tiredness from screens and the environment. And some people sleep with their eyes slightly open, which dries them out: in that case lubricating ointments before bed help, in a small amount because they blur your vision.
Does omega-3 help with dry eye?
Getting little omega-3 is linked to more dry eye, and fish oil is one of the treatments your doctor may consider. Ask them before taking supplements.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have dry eyes?
Contact lenses can make dryness worse. See your optometrist or ophthalmologist: sometimes it is enough to change the type of lens or reduce the hours you wear them, and in severe cases scleral lenses are considered.
When should I see a specialist?
If the discomfort does not improve within a few days with home care, if it gets worse or stops you going about your normal life. And straight away if you have pain, a very red eye, discharge or an injury.
Dry eyes are a very common eye problem that affects people of all ages. They occur when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, and they cause discomfort such as itchy eyes, stinging, irritated eyes or eye strain. There are treatments and dry eye drops that help to relieve the symptoms and improve everyday eye comfort.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when the tear film cannot keep the surface of the eye well lubricated, due to reduced tear production or excessive evaporation.
Causes of dry eye
Insufficient tear production due to ageing and hormonal changes (such as the menopause), autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome, and medicines such as antihistamines, antidepressants or blood pressure medication. Excessive evaporation due to Meibomian gland dysfunction and environmental factors such as air conditioning, heating, wind or dry environments. Other factors: prolonged screen use, continuous use of contact lenses, previous eye surgery and blepharitis.
Symptoms of dry eye
Persistent itchy eyes, burning or stinging, a gritty feeling, red and irritated eyes, tired eyes at the end of the day and intermittent blurred vision. Sometimes excessive watering appears as a reflex response, which does not relieve the dryness.
Dry eye drops and artificial tears
Artificial tears for dry eye are the most widely used treatment: moisturising drops for daily use, preservative-free drops for frequent use, formulas with hyaluronic acid and gel drops for more severe dryness. The best dry eye drops are those that suit your type of dryness and how often you use them. Buy your dry eye drops at Ópticas LUPER and get advice to choose the best option for the cause of your dry eyes.
Lifestyle changes to prevent dry eyes
Follow the 20-20-20 rule in front of screens, wear sunglasses to protect yourself from wind and light, stay properly hydrated, avoid very dry environments and look after your eyelid hygiene with eye wipes. If the symptoms persist or get worse, book a check-up at LUPER and see your ophthalmologist.
Lovely to see you
Dry or tired eyes? Come and see us and we will help you look after them.
Vine en Abril a traer mis monturas a ponerle lentes, pedir presupuesto para mis monturas y el precio me ha gustado. Ademas de un trato excelente, buenos precios, grandes profesionales, magníficas promociones, únete a la familia Luper. Hoy ha comenzado mi primer día de muchos junto a esta magnífica empresa murcianica. Mil gracias!! En poco tendré mis preciosas gafas y el mes que viene otras al 50%. Puedes pagar unas y luego las otras. Fácil, sencillo, profesional e impecable. Te Dan tu informe oftalmológico detallado. Y me rellenan el tarrito limpiacristales para siempre gratis con mi compra. A que esperas?? Se lo he recomendado ya a todas mis amistades, porque lo bueno se comparte. Mil gracias!!
15/05 He llevado 4 monturas aprovechando el 50% para graduar mis gafas, una de ellas de sol. Y quedaron preciosas. Mil gracias siempre 💕
Trato humano muy bueno. La calidad de las gafas nefasta, propaganda engañosa en mi caso. Valoraré poner hoja de reclamaciones en consumo ya que la solución que me han dado a mi problema, cristales que se empañan nada más usarlos y montura defectuosa, es comprarme otras y pagar el 50% después de haber pagado por unas gafas, repito, defectuosas, más de 1000 euros.
No volveré, ni hablaré bien de ustedes.
Muy muy contenta. Me he elegido unas gafas preciosas y además he tenido 20 € de descuento. La chica que me atendió fue súper amable y simpática. ¡Sin duda, muy recomendable!
Me compré dos gafas en mayo, me dijeron que tardaban 3 días y tardaron 3 semanas en dármelas. Cuando me las probé me mareé en la óptica. Me fui a casa y me las puse y tuve un mareo que me duro varias horas, no podía hacer nada ni cuidar de mi hijo. Fui a la óptica y me dijeron que no entendían que pasaba que era super raro. Me hicieron un cambio y me dieron otras gafas. Otra vez esperando una semana. Más de un mes sin gafas. Pues con las gafas nuevas también me mareaba pero menos. Fui y me decían que no entendían que pasaba que era muy raro. Al final me he ido a otra óptica y es que estaban mal graduadas y el centro óptico mal puesto. Me he gastado 180€ en perder el tiempo y dar vueltas y no tener gafas que me valgan.
Una experiencia magnífica desde el primer momento. El trato es cercano, amable y muy profesional, y se nota que realmente se preocupan por encontrar la mejor opción para cada cliente. El estudio visual fue muy completo y la variedad de monturas es increíble, con opciones para todos los gustos y precios muy buenos. Sin duda, un lugar de confianza al que volveré y que recomiendo totalmente.
Quiero dejar esta reseña para destacar el trato de Ópticas Luper, pero sobre todo para agradecer de corazón a María. Hacía tiempo que no me encontraba con una atención al cliente tan brillante, atenta y cercana.
Fui a comprar unas gafas de sol y María marcó por completo la diferencia. Tiene un ojo clínico y un gusto impecable para asesorar: supo al instante qué montura y cristales encajaban mejor con mis facciones y estilo. Su paciencia, su simpatía natural y la pasión con la que hace su trabajo convierten la compra en un auténtico placer. Se nota cuando a alguien le apasiona lo que hace y cuida cada detalle con tanto cariño.
Salí encantadísimo con mis gafas nuevas y con la certeza de que no piso otra óptica que no sea esta. ¡Empleadas como María valen oro!
Recomendable al 200%.
Hoy he estado y me ha atendido Jaime. Muy profesional, sincero y honesto. Me he hecho dos gafas, unas progresivas y otras de lejos con clip para sol. Mis dos amigas son clientas y también han estado hace dos días. Me voy muy satisfecha y deseando recoger mis nuevas gafas
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Una atención excepcional, de las que ya no se encuentran fácilmente
Quiero destacar especialmente la experiencia que he tenido en Audiologia Lúper, en Murcia. Desde el primer momento, el trato ha sido absolutamente excepcional: cercano, amable, paciente y, sobre todo, muy profesional.
Te hacen sentir cómodo y bien atendido desde que entras por la puerta, algo que para mí tiene muchísimo valor. Se nota que no se limitan simplemente a hacer su trabajo, sino que realmente se preocupan por la persona que tienen delante y por ofrecerle la mejor atención posible.
Me voy con una sensación de total satisfacción y confianza. Da gusto encontrar profesionales que trabajan con tanta dedicación y que además ofrecen un trato tan humano.
Mi valoración no puede ser otra que cinco estrellas, y sinceramente se quedan cortas. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Enhorabuena a todo el equipo de Audiometría Lúper por la profesionalidad, la cercanía y el trato recibido. 100 % recomendable.
Llevo varios años acudiendo para hacerme nuevas gafas y estoy encantada. Siempre que puedo cojo cita para la revisión de la vista con Pilar porque es una gran profesional, muy agradable, siempre aconsejando que gafas te quedan mejor y enseñando todos los modelos de la tienda. Sin duda, la recomiendo 100%!
El trato ha sido espectacular,muy amable y comprometida.
En relación al precio,me he quedado sorprendido,por qué las ultimas gafas que compré me costaron una buena pasta y aquí me llevo dos pares de gafas por poco dinero.
Muy buena impresión .
La recomiendo.
Acabo de salir de está magnifica óptica y he decir que habéis ganado un cliente, tanto por la variedad que hay de gafas, como por el examen de graduación que ha sido espectacular y José Ángel me lo ha explicado todo super bien y de forma muy profesional. Un crack . Un 100 de 10 por todo lo alto. ..
100% recomendable
cristina llopHace 11 meses · LUPER San Pedro del Pinatar
He pedido online unas gafas de sol y la atención de Pilar, María y Marián ha sido en todo momento estupendo. El producto perfecto y la presentación genial con una funda monísima + gamuza y líquido para limpiarlas.
El l envío ha sido rapidisimo.
Muchas gracias por el servicio chicas
