Dry & Watery Eyes

Dry, Uncomfortable or Watery Eyes?

Do your eyes feel dry, gritty, tired, or unusually watery? You’re not alone—1 in 5 people over the age of 45 experience symptoms of dry or watery eyes, and many more are affected occasionally. The good news? These problems are very treatable, and our expert team is here to help.

At Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care, we offer appointments for uncomfortable eyes to diagnose the exact cause of your symptoms and recommend tailored treatment.

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Despite the name, dry eye syndrome can cause both dryness and excessive watering. This condition occurs when your tear film—the thin layer of fluid that keeps your eyes lubricated—is unstable or poor in quality. In some cases, your eyes may overcompensate with producing overly watery tears, which don’t provide proper lubrication, resulting in irritation and discomfort. These symptoms are commonly associated with co-existing blepharitis—a condition affecting the edge of the eyelids and the oil glands (which secrete a thin layer of clear protective oils onto the surface of the eyes.)

Symptoms of Dry or Watery Eyes

You may benefit from an assessment if you answer “yes” to any of the following:

Do your eyes feel dry, gritty or irritated?
Do you experience stinging or burning sensations?
Do your eyes water excessively or become red during the day?
Do reading or screen use worsen your symptoms?
Have contact lenses become uncomfortable?

Common Causes of dry and watery eyes

Dry and watery eyes can be caused by a range of factors, including:

Tear film imbalance – insufficient oil, water, or mucin in the tear layer
Lid conditions – such as anterior blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction
Environmental triggers – including screen use, wind, air conditioning, and pollution
Medications – such as antihistamines, decongestants, or hormonal contraceptives
Hormonal changes – especially during menopause
Skin and health conditions – like acne rosacea or autoimmune disorders

Sometimes, no underlying health issue is present—but the impact on your comfort and quality of life can still be significant.

What happens when we are checking you for dry eyes & blepharitis?

Our assessment includes:

A detailed history of your symptoms and triggers
Microscopic examination of your eyes, lashes, and eyelids
Diagnostic tear film testing using specialised eye drops
Blinking assessment to measure tear film distribution
A personalised treatment plan based on your results
You’ll receive expert advice and recommendations for relief, tailored to your specific condition.

Don’t Let Eye Discomfort Hold You Back

Whether you suffer from dry eyes, watery eyes, red eyes, irritable eyes or a combination of these—expert help is available. Our team at Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care can help you feel more comfortable, protect your eye health, and improve your quality of life.

Book your appointment at your nearest Rawlings practice

Join the Rawlings Vision Plan for free assessments and exclusive discounts on eye drops, treatments, and care products

If your symptoms are new, some areas of England may offer an initial NHS appointment under local schemes, with the option of a follow-up private assessment if needed.

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