Why Do Artificial Tears Give Such Short-Lived Relief?
Artificial tears no longer relieving you? It’s often a sign to look deeper. See why the relief fades and what you can do.
Medically reviewed information to understand symptoms, their possible causes, and the options for assessment and treatment.
Eye symptoms can have different causes. This content cannot confirm a diagnosis. If you have severe pain, loss of vision, marked light sensitivity, an injury or a very red eye, seek professional care without delay.
Artificial tears no longer relieving you? It’s often a sign to look deeper. See why the relief fades and what you can do.
Drops not quite working? It may depend on your type of dry eye. See the difference between evaporative, aqueous and mixed.
Red, itchy or crusty eyelids on waking? Blepharitis and dry eye are confused and often go together. See the difference and its treatment.
The tear film is much more than «water in the eye». Understand how it works and why, when it becomes unstable, dry eye appears.
Does light bother you and your eyes feel tired and dry? They often go together. See the link with dry eye and when to see someone.
Does your sight clear when you blink and then blur again? It often points to an unstable tear film. See why it happens and when to check it.
Do your eyes burn and tire after hours at a screen? We help you tell digital eye strain from dry eye.
Dry eye isn’t always a lack of tears: often it’s the meibomian glands. See what MGD is, how it’s assessed and how it’s treated.
Do your eyes water and feel dry at the same time? We explain why dry eye can cause watering and what you can do about it.
Do your eyes burn or feel gritty? Dry eye is a common cause. See why it happens and when it’s worth seeing someone.