What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when the eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. The most common cause is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) — blocked oil glands in the eyelids that destabilise the tear film. Contributing factors include prolonged screen use, contact lenses, air-conditioning, ageing, certain medications, and conditions like Sjögren's syndrome.
Symptoms include grittiness, burning, redness, watery eyes (paradoxically), blurred vision that clears on blinking, and tired eyes.
Treatment Options
- Artificial tears & lubricants: First-line; preservative-free drops for frequent use.
- Lid hygiene & warm compresses: Unblock the oil glands in MGD.
- Anti-inflammatory drops: Such as ciclosporin for moderate-to-severe dry eye.
- Punctal plugs: Tiny plugs that conserve tears.
- IPL (intense pulsed light) & LipiFlow: In-clinic treatments targeting meibomian gland dysfunction.
Lifestyle Measures
Take regular screen breaks (the 20-20-20 rule), blink consciously, reduce direct air-con airflow to the eyes, stay hydrated, and consider omega-3 intake. These reduce symptoms and support medical treatment.
When to See a Specialist
See an ophthalmologist if symptoms persist despite artificial tears, vision is affected, or there is significant pain or redness — to identify the underlying cause (e.g. MGD or an autoimmune condition) and tailor treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
See who practises in this field: subspecialty focus, credentials and clinic websites, checked against public records.
Browse eye specialists →A consultation costs roughly S$80–S$250. Artificial tears are an ongoing low cost. In-clinic treatments are higher: IPL is roughly S$200–S$500 per session (a course is usual) and LipiFlow is roughly S$700–S$1,500. Costs vary by clinic.
Dry eye is often a chronic condition that's managed rather than cured, especially when due to meibomian gland dysfunction or ageing. Consistent treatment and lifestyle measures usually control symptoms well.
Yes. Prolonged screen use reduces blink rate, worsening tear-film stability — a common contributor in Singapore. The 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds) and conscious blinking help.
Mild dry eye often responds to over-the-counter artificial tears and lifestyle changes. See an ophthalmologist if symptoms persist, vision is affected, or there's significant discomfort, to treat the underlying cause.
General information only — not medical advice. Always verify a doctor’s SMC registration and discuss your individual circumstances with a qualified specialist.