A man in a gray suit holds his eyeglasses in one hand and rubs his eyes with the other, appearing tired or stressed in an office setting.

Dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is very common in New Zealand. Learn about dry eye symptoms, what causes it, diagnosis and treatment.

Dry eye syndrome overview

Dry eye syndrome is a condition that makes eyes feel sore, uncomfortable and itchy. When your eyes are healthy, the tears are evenly spread across the surface. Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or there are problems with tear quality.

How eyes make tears

Healthy eyes are covered in a film of tears. Here's how they're made.

  1. 1 of 4

    Lacrimal glands

    The lacrimal glands produce aqueous part of your tears. They mainly consist of salt and water. Problems with the lacrimal glands mean you don't produce enough tears.

  2. 2 of 4

    Meibomian glands

    This gland is found in your eyelids. It produces an oily layer that helps prevent tear evaporation. Any issues or blockages with the meibomian gland can mean that not enough of this oil gets into your tears.

  3. 3 of 4

    Mucin glands

    Mucin creates surface tension, helping the tears to adhere to the surface of the eye. If there's not enough mucin, the tear won't stay in place.

  4. 4 of 4

    Tear ducts

    Old tears drain away from the eye via the tear ducts on either side of your nose.

What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is a very common condition that affects many New Zealanders. It happens when your eyes don't produce tears. There are usually a few things that contribute to it.
 
Dry Eye Syndrome is a general term people use to describe dry eyes, and your GP or optometrist will understand exactly what you mean. But you might hear people use other terms, including dry eye disease, ocular surface disease, dysfunctional tear syndrome, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Types of dry eye syndrome 

Dry eye syndrome usually falls into one of the following two categories (though it may be a mix). An optometrist can figure out what's causing your dry eyes. 

Evaporative dry eye

This happens when your tears dry out too quickly, often due to blocked meibomian glands. Without enough oil, tears don’t stay on the eye. It can be made worse by air con, screens or contact lenses

Aqueous deficiency dry eye

This type happens when your eyes don’t make enough watery tears. It’s less common and often linked to age, health issues or medication. Your eyes may feel dry, sore or tired. 

Other factors that can contribute to dry eye

Dry eye symptoms can also be influenced by anomalies with the eyelids, the surface of the eye, or ongoing inflammation. These factors can affect how tears work and may make your eyes feel dry, irritated, or uncomfortable.

Let’s get your vision sorted

Noticed your eyes hurting, or a change in your sight? Whether it’s something new or something that’s been bothering you for a while, we’re here to help.

What the experts say about dry eye syndrome

Our expert optometrists see people with dry eye syndrome every day. Here, one of our optometrists talks about what to look out for, what to expect during an eye test, and what kinds of treatment are available.

Book an eye test

Common dry eye syndrome symptoms

Our optometrists see people experiencing dry eye issues most days. Here are some of the most common dry eye symptoms we come across. 

Uncomfortable, gritty or itchy feeling in your eyes, as if there's something in your eye. 
Learn more about the feeling of something in your eye

Burning or sore sensation on the surface or corners of your eyes. 

Blurred vision that might be temporary or which comes and goes (you may notice it improves when you blink). 
Learn more about blurred vision

Contact lens discomfort, especially at the end of the day. 

Watery eyes (it might sounds contradictory, but watery eyes can be a symptom of dry eye syndrome).
Learn more about watery eyes

Eye twitching – the irritation caused by dry eyes can trigger blinking and spasm.
Learn more about eye twitching

Book an eye test

What causes dry eye syndrome?

There are many reasons why you might develop dry eye syndrome. Often, it's a mix of things coming together. Here are some of the common causes our optometrists see every day. 

Meibomian gland dysfunction

When the oil glands located in the eyelids are blocked, the oil layer is missing or insufficient, so tears evaporate too quickly and dry out the eyes. 

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid that can be caused by an infection. It may disrupt the glands responsible for producing parts of the tear film.  
Learn more about blepharitis

The ageing process

As we get older, our eyelids don’t spread tears across the eyes as well when blinking and the glands which supply the layers of our tears can become less efficient. 

Contact lens dry eyes

Contact lenses can cause dry eye by disrupting the normal action of the tear film on the surface of your eye. 

Dry eyes caused by screen usage

Staring at a screen (such as a computer monitor) for a prolonged time can cause dry eye. People tend to blink less often when using computers, so their eyes don't stay as lubricated. 
Learn more about computer eye strain

Air conditioning

Air conditioning is one of the more common dry eye syndrome causes in Australia, especially during the summer. Air conditioners work by removing moisture from the air, which can make eyes become drier. 

Dry, hot and windy environments

In a similar way to air con, hot, windy or dry environments (such as at the beach or arid parts of the Outback) might make your tears evaporate faster, causing dry eyes. 

Recovering from surgery

Some people notice they get dry eye syndrome after certain kinds of eye surgery, such as cataract surgery. 
Learn more about cataracts 

Other health issues

A few medical conditions can cause dry eye syndrome, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren's syndrome. 

Medication side effects

Certain medications, such as antihistamines, blood pressure medications or birth control pills, can cause dry eyes as a side effect. 

Hormonal changes

Changes in oestrogen levels can cause hormonal dry eye, which is common during menopause. 

How is dry eye syndrome diagnosed?

If you’re having symptoms of dry eye syndrome, your optometrist will start by asking about how your eyes feel, when the symptoms began, and whether anything seems to make them better or worse. This helps build a clearer picture of what might be going on. 
 
They’ll then carry out a few simple tests to examine your eyes in more detail. One common method is a slit lamp examination. This involves a special microscope with a bright light that lets the optometrist check the surface of your eye closely. They may also use a dye, such as fluorescein, which shows up under the light and helps reveal any damage or dryness on your cornea. 
 
Your tear quality and quantity will also be assessed. A Tear Break‑Up Time test checks how long your tears stay in place before they start to break up. For this, a small amount of dye is added to your eye, and you’ll be asked to blink while the optometrist observes what happens under the slit lamp. Another method is the Schirmer’s Test, which uses a small strip of paper placed on your lower eyelid to measure how much moisture your eye produces over a few minutes. These tests help confirm what kind of dry eye you have and how severe it is.

Book an eye test

How screen time might cause dry eye

Spending lots of time looking at screens could be contributing to dry eyes. According to a study of gamers in New Zealand who spent over 40 hours a week gaming on average, 9 in 10 had symptoms of dry eye. 
 
So, what is it about screens that has this effect on the eyes? To start with, when concentrating on screens for extended periods of time, your blink rate reduces, or you don’t blink fully. This means that the eye’s surface isn’t regularly being replenished and moisturised with tears. It also means your eyes are exposed longer to the air, evaporating the tears quicker. If you work with an office with air conditioning, this can further dry out the eyes. 
 
Headaches associated with screen usage are more related to the muscles in the eyes working too hard when concentrating on the screen. They might also be battling with glare or reflections from screens, which puts extra pressure on the eyes to get a clear image. 

Learn more about computer eye strain.

A woman struggling to stare at a screen, looks intently at her laptop, with a notebook and pen on the table in a cozy kitchen setting.

Treatments for Dry Eyes

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Low‑Level Light Therapy (LLLT) treatment

At Specsavers, we now offer dedicated dry eye clinics in many of our stores across New Zealand. These clinics provide access to a new treatment service for dry eye, including options like IPL (intense pulsed light) and LLLT (low‑level light therapy), depending on what’s right for you. 
 
Our optometrists are highly trained and will tailor a treatment plan based on the type and cause of your dry eye. This could include in‑store treatments like IPL and LLLT, special eye drops, or changes to your daily routine accompanied by lifestyle and environmental modifications. 

Find out more about IPL and LLLT

Dry eye drops 

Dry eye drops or artificial tears can help relieve the discomfort of dry eyes and reduce irritation and dry eyes by lubricating the eye surface and stabilising the tear film.  

Eyelid cleansing 

Eyelid wipes and foam cleansers can help prevent and ease symptoms of eye conditions like blepharitis. They’re also useful for people with allergies, as they can remove pollen or other allergens from around the eyes.  

Heat Based Treatments

Applying heat with a warm compress or heated eye mask gently opens the meibomian (oil) glands in your eyelids. This helps the natural oils flow more easily into your tears, keeping the tear film stable and reducing evaporation—so your eyes feel more comfortable.

Many reusable heated masks are available. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Steps for use of heat mask

  • Heat the mask. Microwave for 20–25 seconds (time may vary depending on microwave power).

  • Check the temperature. Always test the mask with your fingers before applying to your eyelids.

  • Apply the mask. Place the mask over closed eyes for about 10 minutes, or as advised by your eyecare professional.

  • Remove the mask.

  • Massage your eyelids. With clean hands and closed eyes, gently massage your eyelids for about 30 seconds per eye, applying light pressure toward your eyelashes. This helps express the oil from the glands.

Note: The mask may stay warm for up to 30 minutes. If reheating within this time, reduce the heating duration.

Warm compress

Warm compresses are commonly used in the management of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) to soften and liquefy thickened meibum within the glands. This step can be followed by gentle manual massage, to encourage more effective gland expression.

Warm Compress Instructions

Frequency: Apply at least once daily for 10 minutes, or twice daily for 5 minutes each time.

  • Soak a clean cotton cloth in warm water. Ensure the water is comfortably warm, not overly hot to cause burns.

  • Gently squeeze out excess water.

  • Fold the cloth until it is small enough to cover your eyes.

  • Place the warm, damp cloth over your closed eyelids and hold it in place for 2–3 minutes.

  • If needed, reheat the cloth and reapply for an additional 20–30 seconds.

  • After the compress, gently massage the base of your eyelashes using your fingertips.

The cloth should remain warm for approximately 5–10 minutes in total.

Supplements for Dry Eyes

Nutritional approaches for managing dry eye are an emerging area of research, with numerous new studies currently underway. A balanced diet is always recommended, and supplements should only be used to complement your diet. Evidence suggests that certain nutritional supplements may help reduce dry eye symptoms by supporting overall eye health and tear function.

Omega‑3 Supplementation

Omega fatty acids have been widely studied for their potential benefits in dry eye. Although research is ongoing, Omega‑3 fatty acids are believed to help reduce inflammation on the eye surface and are suggested to improve meibomian gland function. A study by Jo & Lee found that omega‑3 dietary supplements improved tear break‑up time (TBUT) and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) scores.

A range of supplements is available. Some common ones include:

  • Lacritec® and TheraTears® Eye Nutrition

Important: Always read the nutrition label carefully and take supplements only as advised by your healthcare professional. Do not make significant dietary changes without consulting your doctor.

Additional treatment for dry eyes 

Most cases of dry eye aren’t emergencies, but there are situations where you should seek care right away. If you develop extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia), very red and painful eyes, a change in your vision, or feel generally unwell, seek medical advice immediately as it could be a sign of a more serious complication.  

Clean your eyelids

Daily cleaning with lid wipes, foams or scrubs helps remove bacteria, oil and debris that can block glands and cause dry eye.  

Managing underlying medical conditions

If your dry eye syndrome is caused by a medication you’re taking or an underlying medical condition, you should discuss this with your GP. 

Contact lens related issues

If you wear contact lenses, taking a break or switching lens type may help. You can also use dry eye drops that are safe for contact lenses before and during wear.   
Read our contact lens guide

Diet and lifestyle changes

Staying hydrated and cut down on smoking and alcohol, as both can make dry eyes worse. A diet rich in Omega‑3, or taking Omega‑3 supplements, may also help. 

Surgery for dry eye syndrome

In more severe cases, surgery may be an option if other treatments haven’t helped. This might involve blocking the tear ducts to stop tears draining too quickly, or treating the Meibomian glands to improve oil flow. 

If dry eye syndrome surgery is necessary, we’ll explain your options and refer you to an ophthalmologist for further care.  

Book an eye test

How is dry eye syndrome treated?

At Specsavers, we now offer dedicated dry eye clinics in many of our stores across Australia. These clinics provide access to a new treatment service for dry eye, including options like IPL (intense pulsed light) and LLLT (low‑level light therapy), depending on what’s right for you. 
 
Our optometrists are highly trained and will tailor a treatment plan based on the type and cause of your dry eye. This could include in‑store treatments like IPL and LLLT, special eye drops, or changes to your daily routine accompanied by lifestyle and environmental modifications. 

Find out more about IPL and LLLT

How do eye drops help?

There are different types of dry eye drops to suit different levels of dry eye. Have a chat with our team in‑store ‑ they can give you advice about the right type for you depending on your symptoms. 

Which dry eye drops are right for you? 

There are different types of dry eye drops to suit different levels of dry eye. Have a chat with our team in‑store ‑ they can give you advice about the right type for you depending on your symptoms. 
 
If you have any concerns about dry eyes in New Zealand, get in touch with your local store, even if you don’t have an appointment. 
 
Find your nearest store

How often should you use eye drops?

Drops usage can vary between once to twice a day to up to four times a day.  Your Optometrist will determine how frequently you should use the eye drops.

Instillation of eye drops

Steps:

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water.

  2. Open the eye drop bottle. Avoid touching the dropper tip.

  3. Tilt your head back and gently pull your bottom eyelid down.

  4. Hold the bottle upside down with your other hand and gently squeeze so one drop falls into the inner part of your lower eyelid.

  5. Close your eyes gently (do not squeeze them shut) and keep them closed for at least 1 minute.

  6. Press lightly on the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute. This helps keep the drop in your eye and stops it from draining into your nose.

  7. Wipe away any excess with a clean tissue.

  8. Wash your hands again after you finish.

Please Note: If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait 5–10 minutes before putting in the next drop.

Some eye drops may require a different method of instillation due to their unique bottle design or delivery system.

Please read and follow the instructions provided with your medication carefully to ensure correct use and maximum effectiveness.

If you are unsure about the technique, ask your pharmacist or eye care professional for guidance.

Find your nearest store

How to avoid dry eye

Dry eye syndrome is a common issue in New Zealand, and many people experience symptoms at some point in their lives. Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce the chances of it happening. 

Drink enough water

Staying hydrated can help your body to keep producing enough high‑quality tears. 

Take breaks from screens

We recommend the 20‑20‑20 rule, where you take a break from looking at your screen every 20 minutes, and look at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds. 

Use contact lenses correctly

If you wear contacts, follow lens care instructions in the packaging and contact your optometrist if you notice your eyes becoming dry. 

Dehumidify your space

Some people find that humidifiers can help with managing dry eye syndrome. 

Avoid air‑conditioned spaces

Try to reduce the amount of time you spend in air‑conditioned environments. 

Book an eye test

Your dry eye syndrome questions answered

Did you know?

AA Members are entitled to a free eye test (valued at $60), once every two years. Remember to present your AA Membership card in‑store.

Written with care and checked for accuracy

https://images.ctfassets.net/uuaxywrybmpn/4AppA3MIOFvVkssijFwaOY/31aec0cbbe169b9e2553b7000095f604/26e949b7-1943-4327-bdbd-b3beac345c52.jpg

Dr Ambhruni Padhye

BSc. (Hons), OD

Dr Ambhruni Padhye graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Science(Honours) and Doctor of Optometry. She has a background in clinical research and extensive experience practising full scope optometry. She has worked as an Optometrist in various Specsavers stores across both metropolitan and regional Victoria and has held positions at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) and National Vision Research Institute (NVRI).

In her current role within the Clinical Services team, Ambhruni supports Specsavers Optometrist across Australia and New Zealand in various clinical governance and professional services matters. She also contributes to new clinical initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes.

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