Dry Eyes in Australia: 6 Simple Ways to Soothe Tired, Irritated Eyes

Dry, gritty or irritated eyes are something many Aussies deal with, especially after long days on screens, wearing contact lenses, sitting in air conditioning or being out in the sun and wind.

Dry eye can happen every now and then, or it can become a recurring issue. The good news is there are simple things you can do at home to help your eyes feel more comfortable.

Here are six easy ways to help manage dry eyes.

What Is Dry Eye?

Your eyes need a healthy tear layer to stay comfortable, clear and protected. Every time you blink, your eyelids spread tears across the surface of your eyes, helping to wash away dust and keep your eyes moist.

Dry eye happens when your eyes do not make enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. This can leave your eyes feeling scratchy, sore, tired, watery, red or like there is something stuck in them.

Dry eyes can be caused by a range of things, including ageing, certain medications, contact lens wear, screen time, air conditioning, wind, smoke, health conditions or dry indoor environments.

1. Try Lubricating Eye Drops

For mild dry eye symptoms, lubricating eye drops, often called artificial tears, can be a helpful first step. These are available from most Australian pharmacies and are usually easy to use at home.

Preservative-free eye drops are often a good choice, especially if you use drops regularly or have sensitive eyes. These usually come in small single-use vials.

Some eye drops, gels or ointments are thicker and may provide longer-lasting relief. However, they can blur your vision for a little while, so they are often better used at night before bed.

2. Choose Contact Lenses That Support Comfort

If you wear contact lenses, your lenses may be contributing to dryness or irritation. The material, replacement schedule and how long you wear them each day can all affect comfort.

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses are often more comfortable for people who experience dry eyes. They are flexible and allow oxygen to reach the eye, helping support comfort during wear.

Silicone Hydrogel Lenses

Silicone hydrogel lenses are designed to let more oxygen reach the eye, helping them feel breathable and comfortable throughout the day. They can be a good option for people who wear their lenses for longer periods, as the added oxygen flow supports overall eye comfort.

For dry eyes, low-water-content contact lenses may also be recommended. Because they contain less water, they tend to draw less moisture from the eye’s natural tear film, which can help the eyes feel hydrated for longer. Combined with the breathability of silicone hydrogel, this lens type may offer a more comfortable option for people prone to dryness.

Daily Disposable Lenses

Daily disposable lenses can be a great option for people with dry or sensitive eyes. Because you use a fresh pair each day, there is less build-up from deposits, dust or allergens compared with fortnightly or monthly lenses.

If your lenses often feel dry, uncomfortable or gritty, it’s worth speaking with your optometrist about a lens option that may better suit your eyes.

3. Add More Omega-3 to Your Diet

Dry eye can sometimes be linked with inflammation around the eyes. Omega-3 fatty acids may help support tear quality and overall eye comfort.

You can find omega-3 in foods such as:

• Salmon, tuna, sardines and other oily fish
• Chia seeds
• Flaxseeds
• Walnuts
• Omega-3 enriched eggs

Some people also take omega-3 supplements such as fish oil tablets, but it’s best to check with a healthcare professional first, especially if you take medication or have any health conditions.

4. Blink More and Take Screen Breaks

When you’re focused on a phone, laptop, tablet or TV, you usually blink less often. This means your tears are not being spread across your eyes as regularly, which can make them feel dry and tired.

A simple habit to try is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something around 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

It can also help to blink fully and often, especially during long workdays or study sessions.

5. Use a Warm Compress and Gentle Lid Massage

A warm compress can help loosen the natural oils in the glands around your eyelids. These oils help slow down tear evaporation, keeping your eyes feeling more comfortable.

To try a warm compress:

1. Use a clean cloth or heated eye mask.
2. Make sure it is warm, not hot.
3. Place it over your closed eyelids for a few minutes.
4. Follow with a gentle eyelid massage if comfortable.

Avoid pressing too hard or rubbing your eyes, as this can make irritation worse.

6. Reduce Common Dry Eye Triggers

Australia’s climate can be tough on the eyes. Sun, wind, dry air, air conditioning and smoke can all make dry eye symptoms worse.

To help protect your eyes:

• Wear sunglasses outdoors, especially on windy or sunny days.
• Avoid sitting directly under air conditioning or fans.
• Use a humidifier if your home or office feels dry.
• Take regular screen breaks.
• Avoid cigarette smoke and vaping smoke.
• Keep hydrated throughout the day.

When Should You See an Optometrist?

Mild dry eye symptoms can often improve with small changes at home. However, it’s best to see an optometrist if your symptoms are painful, ongoing, severe, keep coming back or affect your vision.

Dry eyes can sometimes be linked to other eye conditions, so getting checked is always a good idea if something does not feel right.

With the right care, a few simple daily habits can make a big difference to tired, dry or irritated eyes.