July Is Dry Eye Awareness Month: Understanding the Causes and Care
Did you know that millions of people in the UK suffer from dry eye disease—yet many don’t even realise it?
This July, Dry Eye Awareness Month is the perfect time to understand what dry eye is, what causes it, and what can be done to relieve the symptoms. With insights from UK-based optometrist Sarah Farrant and her work at Earlam and Christopher’s Dry Eye Clinic, this article breaks it down clearly and practically.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye disease (DED) happens when your eyes can’t produce enough good-quality tears to keep the surface lubricated and healthy. It’s not just about feeling dry—dry eye can cause:
- Gritty or sandy sensations
- Redness and irritation
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Watery eyes (ironically, due to reflex tearing)
- Stinging or burning
According to the NHS, it’s a common condition, especially in older adults and women. It can be mild and occasional persistent and chronic if not treated properly.
What causes Dry Eye?
There are several causes, many of which are common in modern lifestyles:
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
This is one of the most common causes in the UK. The tiny oil glands in your eyelids (called meibomian glands) get blocked, which causes your tears to evaporate too quickly.
- Screen Use
Staring at screens reduces your blink rate, which means fewer tears get spread across your eyes.
- Hormonal Changes
Particularly common in women over 40, hormonal changes can affect tear production.
- Environmental Factors
Air conditioning, heating, wind, smoke, and low humidity all contribute.
- Health Conditions
Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, as well as diabetes and blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), can contribute to dry eye.
- Contact Lenses and Surgery
Wearing contact lenses long-term or having laser eye surgery can disrupt the eye’s surface.
Sarah Farrant is one of the UK’s leading experts in dry eye management and she explains treatments with cutting-edge techniques, including:
- Meibomian gland imaging to assess the glands
- Low-level light therapy (LLLT) to improve gland function
- Personalised treatment plans including prescription eye drops, hygiene routines, and nutritional support
Sarah is also Past President of the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) and an international speaker on dry eye treatment.
Her clinic takes a holistic approach, focusing not just on symptoms but underlying causes—and how they relate to each individual’s lifestyle and health.
Sarah recently appeared on The Dry Eye Show with Dr Toyos, where she shared her approach to managing dry eye holistically. You can listen to the full interview here:
Key points she covered include:
- Why treating the root cause is essential
- How LLLT and blue light therapy are changing treatment outcomes
- The importance of patient education and daily routines
What You Can Do This July
Dry eye doesn’t have to be tolerated. If you’re experiencing symptoms, take these steps:
✅ Visit an optometrist with experience in dry eye
✅ Avoid air-conditioned environments where possible
✅ Use warm compresses and lid-cleaning routines
✅ Blink more often, especially during screen time
✅ Consider nutritional supplements like omega-3s
And if you’re seeking a tailored, expert approach in the UK, MyDryEyeClinic.co.uk is an excellent place to start.
Final Thoughts
Dry eye can seriously affect quality of life—but it’s treatable. Thanks to awareness efforts and the work of professionals like Sarah Farrant, more people in the UK are getting effective, personalised care.
This July, take a moment to learn more—and if you’re suffering, know you don’t have to live with the discomfort.