Dry eye is one of the most common complaints in clinic, worsened by screens, air-conditioning, Riyadh's dry climate and contact lenses. It occurs when the eye produces too little tear film or the tears evaporate too quickly, causing burning, redness and intermittent blur. Treatment starts with identifying the cause. As for contact lenses, the most serious infections we see come from simple habits that are entirely avoidable.
Signs & who it is for
- Burning or a gritty feeling, especially late in the day
- Recurrent redness and blur that clears with blinking
- Inability to wear contact lenses for long hours
- Strain and headache after screen use
- Excess watering as a reaction to dryness
When is it recommended?
See a doctor if symptoms persist despite artificial tears, or with pain, severe light sensitivity or reduced vision — especially contact-lens wearers, because a red eye with lenses may be a corneal infection needing immediate treatment. Dry eye is also assessed before any vision-correction surgery because it affects the choice of technique.
Options & techniques
- Artificial tears matched to the type of dryness and treatment of lid inflammation
- Prescription drops for moderate and severe cases
- Never sleep in contact lenses, never rinse them or their case with tap water, and respect the replacement schedule
- Avoid repeated use of redness-relief drops: hiding redness does not treat its cause
- Screen breaks: the 20-20-20 rule and conscious blinking
Frequently asked questions
Are blue-light glasses necessary?
There is no scientific evidence that they protect the eye or prevent weakening vision. What genuinely helps is less uninterrupted staring, blinking, and regular screen breaks.
Do carrots improve eyesight?
A common myth. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is important for general eye health, but they do not correct short-sight or replace glasses or surgery.
Book your appointment in Riyadh
Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Specialist Hospital – Riyadh · By appointment — call or WhatsApp for the next available slot