When your eyes feel dry, irritated, and tired, like a trek through a desert, there are simple solutions. But instead of giving their eyes a well-deserved break in an oasis, millions of people continue to trudge through the sand dunes despite clear symptoms. At least, this is what the new NESTS study ("Needs Unmet in Dry Eye: Symptoms, Treatment and Severity") shows, which was recently presented at the annual congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS). According to the study, more than half of all adults in Europe and the USA regularly suffer from dry eyes.

Most of those affected, however, wait months or even years before seeking medical help, even though the consequences are noticeable. The most common symptoms include irritation, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, a feeling of pressure on the eyes, or even paradoxical tearing—an excessive production of tears in response to dryness.

One in six people refrains from driving at night or turns off air conditioning and heating to protect their eyes due to these problems. Those affected believe the discomfort is a normal part of aging, like gray hair, and simply accept it. By doing so, they limit their lives, even though there's no need to.

Daily Tips for Dry Eyes That Provide Immediate Relief

There are simple ways to make daily life more comfortable immediately: eye drops or small adjustments in your daily routine can significantly relieve symptoms, as explained at the ESCRS annual congress. "A simple drop could make life easier for many people, but most don't even ask for help," explains study leader Dr. Piotr Wozniak from Optegra Eye Clinics in Warsaw.

Besides medical drops, there are also simple home remedies to treat dry eyes:

Artificial Tears: Drops, sprays, ointments, or gels from a drugstore or pharmacy can quickly moisten the eyes. There are also preservative-free alternatives. Use 2 to 3 times a day as needed, applying drops to the lower eyelid sac and sprays directly onto the closed eye.
Drink Water: Staying hydrated supports natural tear production and helps prevent dryness.
Compresses: Place special compresses or a wet, clean washcloth on closed eyes for a few minutes. The compress relaxes the eyes and supports natural moistening. Warmth helps with blocked glands, while cold helps with acute inflammation.
The 20-20-20 Rule: If you spend a lot of time in front of a screen, give your eyes a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look 20 feet into the distance. This relaxes the eyes and prevents them from drying out.
Conscious Blinking: Take a break and consciously blink while working at a screen, watching TV, or reading.
Glasses Instead of Contact Lenses: It’s worth switching to glasses more often, especially during long days in front of a screen. This reduces friction and dryness.
Remove Makeup: Do not apply makeup too close to the eye and remove it thoroughly in the evening so tear fluid can flow undisturbed.
Room Climate: High humidity helps the eyes. Drafts from air conditioners or fans should be avoided. Air purifiers or air filters can also help against fine dust or pollen.

The ideal treatment also depends on the cause. Study leader Wozniak recommends regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist. There, special microscopes and tear film measurements can be used to identify the exact causes. The examinations are painless and only take a few minutes.

For many sufferers, blocked glands at the eyelid margin are the reason for dry eyes. Depending on the severity, drops or ointments for the night may help. Simple eyelid margin care is also recommended. This begins with a warm washcloth or a warm eye compress to liquefy the secretions in the glands. After about 10 minutes, the eyelid margin can be wiped from the outside in with moist disposable wipes or cotton swabs.

Other common causes include reduced tear production, incomplete blinking, hormonal changes, long screen times, contact lenses, or diseases like diabetes and rheumatism. To find the right form of treatment, a professional assessment is worthwhile. If left untreated, dry eyes can cause inflammation and lead to conditions like conjunctivitis or blepharitis, where the eyelids become painful and inflamed.

Wellness for the Eyes and Relaxation for the Soul

The message is clear: dry eyes are not a foregone conclusion and are highly treatable. By getting an early diagnosis, you can prevent symptoms from worsening. The solutions are neither complicated nor expensive but can be easily integrated into your daily routine. A warm washcloth on your eyes is wellness for the organs of sight and lets your soul rest. This moment can also be combined with meditation or mindfulness exercises.

For those with sticky, tired, irritated, or sensitive eyes, it's time to treat yourself to an upgrade. It doesn't have to be a high-tech visor like Jordi La Forge's from “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” A few drops in your dry eyes are enough to make your daily life clearer again.

Sources

ESCRS 2025 Congress

ScienceDaily. 2025: Half of adults suffer from dry eyes, but most never get help

MedicalXpress. 2025: Dry eyes affect over half the general population, yet only a fifth receive diagnosis and treatment

American Academy of Ophthalmology. 2025: Improved Dry Eye Drugs for 2025 and Beyond

Review of Optometry. 2025: Dry Eye Therapies: Every Drug, Tool and Trick We Have

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