{"id":1927,"date":"2026-10-20T08:53:54","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T08:53:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/eye-health\/conditions\/dry-eyes-causes-and-home-remedies\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T12:58:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T12:58:39","slug":"dry-eyes-causes-and-home-remedies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/conditions\/dry-eyes-causes-and-home-remedies\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Hydrate Eyes Without Eye Drops: Dry Eye Causes and Home Remedies"},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- Hero (Photo + summary card) Start -->\n<section class=\"page-hero\" id=\"top\">\n\t<div class=\"phero-inner pad with-media container-fluid\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"phero-left col-12 col-lg-7\">\n\t\t\t<div data-hero-in><ol class=\"crumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/\">Home<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/\">Knowledge centre<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/conditions\/\">Eye conditions &#038; symptoms A\u2013Z<\/a><\/li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">How to Hydrate Eyes Without Eye Drops: Dry Eye Causes and Home Remedies<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/div>\t\t\t<h1 class=\"t64 hero-title phero-title\" data-lines>How to Hydrate Eyes Without Eye Drops: Dry Eye Causes and Home Remedies<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"phero-right has-media col-12 col-lg-5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"phero-media\" data-hero-in><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Close-up of a blue eye\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up.webp 1024w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up-768x768.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"inshort\" data-hero-in><p>To hydrate your eyes without eye drops, blink fully and more often, take regular breaks from screens, use a warm compress and gentle eyelid cleaning, add moisture to dry air with a humidifier and shield your eyes from wind, smoke and air conditioning. These steps help mild dry eye, but they are not a cure and they do not replace drops when drops are needed. Dryness that lasts needs an eye examination, for example with Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131, Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer or Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram at Laser Istanbul Clinic.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- Hero (Photo + summary card) End -->\n\n\n<!-- FAQ (Question and answer rows) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"what-is-dry-eye-and-what-causes-it\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>What is dry eye, and what causes it?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>Dry eye happens when your eyes do not make enough tears to stay wet, or when your tears do not work properly, according to the US National Eye Institute (NEI). Tears can be too few, can evaporate too fast, or can be poor in quality.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"prose sec-pre\"><p data-reveal>Doctors describe two overlapping types:<\/p>\n<ul data-reveal>\n<li><strong>Aqueous-deficient dry eye:<\/strong> the tear glands do not make enough watery fluid.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Evaporative dry eye:<\/strong> the tears are there but evaporate too fast, most often because the oil-producing glands in the eyelids (meibomian glands) are not working well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-reveal>Many people have a mix of both. EyeWiki, the American Academy of Ophthalmology&#8217;s (AAO) clinical encyclopedia, reports that published estimates of how common dry eye is range from 7.4% to 33.7%, depending on how it is defined and who is studied. The NEI says about 16.4 million Americans have dry eye each year.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-list\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-row\" data-reveal><div class=\"row\"><h3 class=\"qa-q col-12 col-lg-4\">What causes dry eyes?<\/h3><div class=\"qa-a prose col-12 col-lg-8\"><p data-reveal>The NHS, the AAO and the NEI list the same main causes and risk factors:<\/p><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Cause or risk factor<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Source<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">Age 50 or over<\/th><td data-label=\"Source\">NHS, NEI<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Female sex and hormonal changes, especially the menopause<\/th><td data-label=\"Source\">NEI, AAO<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Screen use and close work (you blink much less)<\/th><td data-label=\"Source\">NHS, AAO<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Dry, windy, smoky or air-conditioned air<\/th><td data-label=\"Source\">NHS, AAO<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Contact lenses<\/th><td data-label=\"Source\">NHS, NEI, AAO<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Eyelid conditions, including inflamed eyelids (blepharitis)<\/th><td data-label=\"Source\">NHS, AAO<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Some medicines, such as antihistamines, blood pressure drugs and antidepressants<\/th><td data-label=\"Source\">AAO<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Autoimmune conditions such as Sj\u00f6gren&#8217;s syndrome or lupus<\/th><td data-label=\"Source\">NHS, NEI, AAO<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Not enough vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids<\/th><td data-label=\"Source\">NEI<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Refractive eye surgery such as LASIK<\/th><td data-label=\"Source\">AAO, EyeWiki<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Smoking and alcohol<\/th><td data-label=\"Source\">NHS<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qa-row\" data-reveal><div class=\"row\"><h3 class=\"qa-q col-12 col-lg-4\">What does dry eye feel like?<\/h3><div class=\"qa-a prose col-12 col-lg-8\"><p data-reveal>The usual symptoms are a scratchy or gritty feeling, stinging or burning, red eyes, sensitivity to light and blurred vision, for example while reading. The NHS adds itchy and sore eyes. Strangely, dry eyes can also be watery: the AAO notes that an irritated eye can produce excessive tears, which is why &#8220;my eyes water all the time&#8221; can be a dry-eye symptom.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- FAQ (Question and answer rows) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Cards (Feature cards: 3 columns) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel\" id=\"how-can-you-hydrate-your-eyes-without-eye-drops\">\n\t<div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<div class=\"sec-head is-center row\"><div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>How can you hydrate your eyes without eye drops?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"col-12\"><p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>Start with the habits that stop your tears from evaporating and that remove irritants. They cost nothing, and they are the measures recommended by the NHS, the AAO and the NEI.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"features row row-cols-1 row-cols-md-2 row-cols-lg-3\" data-stagger><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-clock\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>1. Blink fully and take screen breaks<\/h3><p>The AAO says you normally blink about 15 times a minute, but only about 5 to 7 times a minute while using a computer. Fewer blinks mean less fresh tear film spread across the eye.<\/p><p>Many people use the &#8220;20-20-20&#8221; habit: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (about 6 metres) away for 20 seconds. The AAO pages we read give the simpler version of the same advice, so choose a rhythm you will actually keep.<\/p><ul class=\"check-list\"><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span>Look up from the screen at something in the distance now and then, and blink fully a few times (AAO).<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span>Sit about arm&#8217;s length from the screen (the AAO says about 25 inches) and position the screen slightly below eye level, so your gaze is a little downward (AAO; the NHS also advises monitors below eye level).<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span>Reduce glare and screen brightness (AAO).<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-drop\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>2. Use a warm compress and clean your eyelids<\/h3><p>If your dryness comes from eyelid oil glands that are not working well, warmth and gentle cleaning are the standard home care. The NHS describes this method:<\/p><p>The AAO also lists warm compresses, eyelid massage and eyelid cleaners among home care. Never use water that feels uncomfortably hot: eyelid skin is thin.<\/p><ul class=\"check-list\"><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span>Soak a flannel in warm (not hot) water and press it gently on the area around your closed eyes.<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span>Gently massage your eyelids with a finger or a cotton bud.<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span>Clean your eyelids by soaking cotton wool in warm (not hot) water and wiping gently to remove excess oil.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-drop\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>3. Change the air around you<\/h3><ul class=\"check-list\"><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Use a humidifier<\/strong> in dry rooms. The AAO suggests a pan of water near the heater in winter if you do not have one.<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Avoid smoke, wind and air conditioning<\/strong> blowing at your face (NHS, NEI), and avoid hair dryers where you can (AAO).<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span><strong>Wear wraparound sunglasses<\/strong> outdoors (NEI, AAO).<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-clock\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>4. Look after the basics<\/h3><p>The NEI recommends 8 to 10 glasses of water a day and 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night among its home habits for dry eye. We did not find trial evidence that drinking extra water cures dry eye, so treat this as general support, not treatment.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-lens\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>5. Give contact lenses a break<\/h3><p>The NHS suggests switching to glasses if you wear contact lenses, and the AAO says lenses can increase dryness and irritation during long screen sessions. If your eye is red and painful while wearing lenses, take them out and get urgent advice (see the warning signs below).<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-wallet\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>6. Protect your eyes at night<\/h3><p>If your eyes feel dry in the morning, the AAO suggests an artificial tear ointment or thick drops just before bed. Note that this is still a lubricant, so it is &#8220;drop-free&#8221; only in the sense that it is not a thin drop. Ask a pharmacist or your eye doctor which one suits you.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- Cards (Feature cards: 3 columns) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Table (Table on a dark panel) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel dark\" id=\"which-home-remedies-work-and-which-do-not\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Which home remedies work, and which do not?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>Be careful with advice online. The international TFOS DEWS II report on dry-eye treatment noted that many of the available treatments lack the highest level (Level 1) of evidence, so how well a remedy is proven varies a lot. The table separates guidance from trial results.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tbl-flow\"><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Remedy<\/th><th scope=\"col\">What the authorities say<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Our reading<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">Regular screen breaks and full blinking<\/th><td data-label=\"What the authorities say\">Advised by the NHS and AAO; screen use cuts blink rate (AAO)<\/td><td data-label=\"Our reading\">Sensible and safe; the first thing to try<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Warm compress and eyelid cleaning<\/th><td data-label=\"What the authorities say\">Advised by the NHS and AAO<\/td><td data-label=\"Our reading\">Safe; most useful when eyelid glands are part of the problem<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Humidifier; avoiding wind, smoke, air conditioning<\/th><td data-label=\"What the authorities say\">Advised by the NHS, AAO and NEI<\/td><td data-label=\"Our reading\">Safe; helps when the air is a cause<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Water (8\u201310 glasses) and 7\u20138 hours&#8217; sleep<\/th><td data-label=\"What the authorities say\">Listed as home habits by the NEI<\/td><td data-label=\"Our reading\">General health advice; no trial proof that water alone cures dry eye<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Omega-3 fish-oil supplements<\/th><td data-label=\"What the authorities say\">In the DREAM trial, 3,000 mg a day for 12 months was no better than an olive-oil placebo (NEJM, 2018)<\/td><td data-label=\"Our reading\">Not proven to help; talk to a doctor before taking high doses<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Cucumber slices, tea bags, home-made rinses<\/th><td data-label=\"What the authorities say\">None of the NHS, AAO or NEI pages we read recommend them<\/td><td data-label=\"Our reading\">Do not put non-sterile substances in or on your eyes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p data-reveal>In the DREAM trial, people with moderate-to-severe dry eye were randomly given either 3,000 mg a day of fish-derived omega-3 or an olive-oil placebo. After 12 months there was no significant difference between the groups in symptom scores (an average improvement of 13.9 points with omega-3 versus 12.5 with placebo). The NEI still lists low omega-3 intake as a risk factor, so a balanced diet is sensible; the trial simply showed that high-dose supplements did not do better than placebo in people who already had dry eye.<\/p><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Table (Table on a dark panel) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Image + Text (Image left, text right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad split-sec\" id=\"when-are-eye-drops-the-right-answer\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"split\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"split-media col-12 col-lg-6\" data-reveal><div class=\"media\" data-parallax><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-surgeons-reviewing-scans-istanbul.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Eye surgeons reviewing scans together in a diagnostic room\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 50vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-surgeons-reviewing-scans-istanbul.webp 1024w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-surgeons-reviewing-scans-istanbul-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-surgeons-reviewing-scans-istanbul-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-surgeons-reviewing-scans-istanbul-768x768.webp 768w\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"split-copy col-12 col-lg-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>When are eye drops the right answer?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 lede\" data-reveal>If home measures are not enough, drops are not a failure. Over-the-counter artificial tears are the standard first treatment: the AAO says you can use them as often as you need. If you use them more than 6 times a day, choose preservative-free tears to avoid irritation (AAO).<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose\" data-reveal><p data-reveal>After that, the usual steps, according to the AAO, NEI and EyeWiki, are:<\/p>\n<ol data-reveal>\n<li><strong>Artificial tears, gels and ointments<\/strong> from a pharmacy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prescription eye drops<\/strong> such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast, which help the eye make more of its own tears.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Punctal plugs:<\/strong> tiny silicone plugs that block tear drainage so your own tears stay on the eye longer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Treatment for eyelid gland problems<\/strong>, such as thermal pulsation or intense pulsed light (EyeWiki).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p data-reveal>EyeWiki notes that most people achieve symptom control through maintenance therapy rather than a cure: the goal is steady comfort with the simplest treatment that works.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Image + Text (Image left, text right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Heading (Intro: heading left, text right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"what-are-the-warning-signs-that-need-urgent-help\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"intro-grid row\"><div class=\"intro-side col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>What are the warning signs that need urgent help?<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"copy prose col-12\"><p data-reveal>Dry eye is usually uncomfortable, not dangerous, but a few symptoms are not dry eye. According to the NHS:<\/p>\n<ul data-reveal>\n<li><strong>Get urgent advice (NHS 111 or your doctor, or your local equivalent) for<\/strong> a painful red eye, or a red eye if you wear contact lenses, because it could be an infection.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Go to emergency care for<\/strong> changes in your vision, pain when you look at light, a severe headache with nausea, a very dark red eye, an eye injury or something stuck in the eye.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Heading (Intro: heading left, text right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Image + Text (Text left, image right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad split-sec\" id=\"when-should-you-see-an-eye-doctor-about-dry-eyes\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"split rev\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"split-media col-12 col-lg-6\" data-reveal><div class=\"media\" data-parallax><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-iris-illustration-light.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Illustration of an iris on a light background\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 50vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-iris-illustration-light.webp 1000w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-iris-illustration-light-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-iris-illustration-light-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-iris-illustration-light-768x768.webp 768w\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"split-copy col-12 col-lg-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>When should you see an eye doctor about dry eyes?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 lede\" data-reveal>See an optician or eye doctor if your symptoms continue after a few weeks of home treatment (NHS), if they get worse, affect your daily activities or do not improve with over-the-counter drops, or if there is significant redness, pain or a change in vision (AAO). Also get checked if the shape of your eyelids changes (NHS).<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose\" data-reveal><p data-reveal>An examination looks for the cause, which decides the treatment. Some causes, such as an autoimmune condition, a medicine side effect or an eyelid problem, need treatment beyond home care, and the NHS says you may be referred to an eye specialist if no cause is found.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal>Not every uncomfortable eye is a dry eye. Tired or strained eyes can have other causes too, and a misaligned eye or a &#8220;lazy&#8221; eye needs very different care from dryness. If you are not sure, have your eyes examined rather than guess:<\/p><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/conditions\/lazy-eye-in-children-and-adults\/\">Lazy eye (amblyopia) in children and adults <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/conditions\/squint-strabismus-causes\/\">Squint \/ strabismus causes <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><p data-reveal>You can also look up other terms in the <em>Link: Eye glossary A\u2013Z<\/em> (\/en\/eye-glossary\/) or browse <em>Link: Eye conditions &amp; symptoms A-Z<\/em> (\/en\/eye-health\/conditions\/).<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Image + Text (Text left, image right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Heading (Intro: heading left, text right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"dry-eyes-and-laser-eye-surgery\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"intro-grid row\"><div class=\"intro-side col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Dry eyes and laser eye surgery<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"copy prose col-12\"><p data-reveal>Dry eye matters if you are thinking about vision correction. The AAO lists refractive surgery such as LASIK among the causes of dry eye. That is why a careful surgeon examines your tear film and eyelids before recommending a laser treatment, treats dry eye first when needed, and tells you plainly if laser is not the right choice. At Laser Istanbul Clinic, laser surgery (LASIK, SMILE Pro and PRK) is led by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131 and Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram, and corneal conditions are the specialty of Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer (Do\u00e7. stands for Associate Professor).<\/p><div class=\"links-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/\">Laser eye surgery in Turkey <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Heading (Intro: heading left, text right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- FAQ (FAQ accordion) Start -->\n<section class=\"faq pad\" id=\"faq\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"faq-grid\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-side\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"acc\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item is-open\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"faq-08be45ee-a1\" id=\"faq-08be45ee-q1\">How can I hydrate my eyes without eye drops?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-08be45ee-a1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-08be45ee-q1\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Blink fully and often, take breaks from screens, use a warm compress and gentle eyelid cleaning, add moisture to dry air with a humidifier and protect your eyes from wind, smoke and air conditioning. These habits, recommended by the NHS, AAO and NEI, reduce irritation and the drying of your tears. They help mild dry eye, but if your eyes stay uncomfortable after a few weeks you should have them examined.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-08be45ee-a2\" id=\"faq-08be45ee-q2\">How do I treat dry eyes at home?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-08be45ee-a2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-08be45ee-q2\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Use the steps above: screen breaks, a warm compress with eyelid cleaning, a humidifier, wraparound sunglasses outdoors and avoiding smoke and air conditioning. Glasses instead of contact lenses can help while your eyes recover. A pharmacist can also advise on lubricating drops, gels or ointments.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-08be45ee-a3\" id=\"faq-08be45ee-q3\">Does drinking water help dry eyes?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-08be45ee-a3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-08be45ee-q3\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>The NEI lists 8 to 10 glasses of water a day among helpful habits for dry eye, together with 7 to 8 hours&#8217; sleep. We did not find trial evidence that water alone cures dry eye, so treat it as general support rather than treatment.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-08be45ee-a4\" id=\"faq-08be45ee-q4\">Do omega-3 supplements help dry eyes?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-08be45ee-a4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-08be45ee-q4\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Not according to the best trial so far. In the DREAM study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2018, 3,000 mg a day of fish-derived omega-3 for 12 months gave no better results than a placebo in people with moderate-to-severe dry eye. Speak to your doctor before taking high-dose supplements.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-08be45ee-a5\" id=\"faq-08be45ee-q5\">What causes dry eyes all of a sudden?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-08be45ee-a5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-08be45ee-q5\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>A sudden flare-up often has an everyday trigger: long screen sessions, dry or air-conditioned rooms, wind, smoke, a new medicine or contact lenses. The NHS and AAO list these as common causes. If dryness comes on suddenly with pain, redness or a change in vision, get urgent advice instead of waiting.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-08be45ee-a6\" id=\"faq-08be45ee-q6\">Can dry eyes go away on their own?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-08be45ee-a6\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-08be45ee-q6\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Mild dryness caused by a temporary trigger, such as a dry office or a long day on a screen, may ease when you remove the trigger and look after your eyelids. Dry eye linked to age, hormones, eyelid disease or an autoimmune condition is more likely to be long term. EyeWiki says most people achieve symptom control through maintenance therapy rather than a cure.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-08be45ee-a7\" id=\"faq-08be45ee-q7\">Are watery eyes a sign of dry eyes?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-08be45ee-a7\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-08be45ee-q7\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>They can be. The AAO notes that irritated, dry eyes can produce excessive tears, so eyes can feel both gritty and watery. If watering is constant, an eye doctor can check whether a dry surface or something else is the cause.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-08be45ee-a8\" id=\"faq-08be45ee-q8\">When should I worry about dry eyes?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-08be45ee-a8\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-08be45ee-q8\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p data-reveal>Get urgent help for a painful red eye, a red eye while wearing contact lenses, a change in vision, pain with light, a severe headache with nausea or an eye injury. See an eye doctor if dryness lasts more than a few weeks despite home care.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How can I hydrate my eyes without eye drops?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Blink fully and often, take breaks from screens, use a warm compress and gentle eyelid cleaning, add moisture to dry air with a humidifier and protect your eyes from wind, smoke and air conditioning. These habits, recommended by the NHS, AAO and NEI, reduce irritation and the drying of your tears. 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We did not find trial evidence that water alone cures dry eye, so treat it as general support rather than treatment.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Do omega-3 supplements help dry eyes?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Not according to the best trial so far. In the DREAM study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2018, 3,000 mg a day of fish-derived omega-3 for 12 months gave no better results than a placebo in people with moderate-to-severe dry eye. Speak to your doctor before taking high-dose supplements.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What causes dry eyes all of a sudden?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A sudden flare-up often has an everyday trigger: long screen sessions, dry or air-conditioned rooms, wind, smoke, a new medicine or contact lenses. The NHS and AAO list these as common causes. 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If watering is constant, an eye doctor can check whether a dry surface or something else is the cause.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When should I worry about dry eyes?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Get urgent help for a painful red eye, a red eye while wearing contact lenses, a change in vision, pain with light, a severe headache with nausea or an eye injury. See an eye doctor if dryness lasts more than a few weeks despite home care.\"}}]}<\/script><\/section>\n<!-- FAQ (FAQ accordion) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Call to Action (Panel) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel grad cta-panel\" id=\"dry-eyes-that-will-not-settle-or-thinking-about-laser-eye-su\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"cta-panel-inner row\">\n\t<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\"><div class=\"cta-panel-copy\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Dry eyes that will not settle, or thinking about laser eye surgery?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22\" data-reveal>An examination of your tear film, cornea and eyelids shows what is behind your symptoms and whether any treatment, including laser, is right for you. Laser surgery is led by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131 and Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram; corneal conditions are managed by Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer.<\/p>\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-4\"><div class=\"cta-panel-side\"><div class=\"btn-row\" data-reveal><a class=\"pill pill-white\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/free-consultation\/\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">Free online consultation: upload your prescription and scans<\/span><\/a><a class=\"pill pill-line\" href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/4915783739465?text=Hello%20Laser%20Istanbul%20Clinic%2C%20I%20would%20like%20some%20information%20about%20eye%20treatment.%20Sent%20from%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Flaseristanbulclinic.com%2Fen%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">WhatsApp: +49 157 8373 9465<\/span><\/a><\/div><div class=\"links-col\" data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/laser-eye-surgery-turkey\/\">Laser eye surgery in Turkey <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Call to Action (Panel) End -->\n\n\n<!-- List (Related pages) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"related-guides\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t<div class=\"sec-head is-center row\"><div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Related guides<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\t\t<ul class=\"pg-links row row-cols-1 row-cols-sm-2 row-cols-lg-3\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><a class=\"pg-link\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/conditions\/\"><span>Eye conditions &amp; symptoms A-Z<\/span><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow-ur\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><a class=\"pg-link\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-glossary\/\"><span>Eye glossary A\u2013Z<\/span><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow-ur\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><a class=\"pg-link\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/conditions\/lazy-eye-in-children-and-adults\/\"><span>Lazy eye (amblyopia) in children and adults<\/span><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow-ur\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"col\"><a class=\"pg-link\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/conditions\/squint-strabismus-causes\/\"><span>Squint \/ strabismus causes<\/span><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow-ur\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- List (Related pages) End -->\n\n\n<!-- List (Sources and medical review) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad tight\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><details class=\"sources\" data-reveal><summary class=\"t22\">Sources for the facts on this page<\/summary><ol>\n\t\t<li>NHS. Dry eyes (overview, causes, self-care). https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/dry-eyes\/<\/li>\n\t\t<li>NHS. Dry eyes: treatment. https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/dry-eyes\/treatment\/<\/li>\n\t\t<li>National Eye Institute (NIH). Dry Eye. https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/eye-conditions-and-diseases\/dry-eye<\/li>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology. What Is Dry Eye? https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/diseases\/what-is-dry-eye<\/li>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dry Eye Remedies and Treatments. https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/diseases\/dry-eye-treatment<\/li>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology. Eye Strain and Digital Device Use (blink rate, screen distance). https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/tips-prevention\/computer-usage<\/li>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology. Digital devices and your eyes. https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/tips-prevention\/digital-devices-your-eyes<\/li>\n\t\t<li>EyeWiki (AAO). Dry Eye Syndrome. https:\/\/eyewiki.org\/Dry_Eye_Syndrome<\/li>\n\t\t<li>Dry Eye Assessment and Management Study Research Group (Asbell PA et al.). n-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease. <em>New England Journal of Medicine<\/em> 2018;378:1681\u20131690. PMID 29652551. https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29652551\/<\/li>\n\t\t<li>Jones L, et al. TFOS DEWS II Management and Therapy Report. <em>The Ocular Surface<\/em> 2017. PMID 28736343. https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28736343\/<\/li>\n\t<\/ol><\/details><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- List (Sources and medical review) End -->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"parent":1868,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1927","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1927","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1927"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1927\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3072,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1927\/revisions\/3072"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1868"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1927"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}