Vision conditions
Dry and Itchy Eyes
Dry or itchy eyes are common and can cause discomfort, tiredness, or blurred vision after reading or screen use. These symptoms may result from tear film imbalance, environmental factors, or eyelid conditions. An eye evaluation helps identify the cause and suitable treatment for lasting comfort.
- 50%
of computer users report dry, tired eyes.
- 40+
Adults over 40 feel dryness more frequently.
- Air‑Con
Dry, cool air can aggravate eye irritation.
Why eyes feel dry or irritated
Understanding tear film imbalance
The eye’s surface is kept healthy by a stable tear film that lubricates and protects it. Reduced tear quality or quantity, allergies, or gland dysfunction may cause dryness, burning, or itching. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause prevents chronic irritation and maintains long‑term eye health.
Adults in Singapore — About 1 in 3
Roughly one‑third of adults in Singapore experience some degree of dry eye symptoms, often linked to prolonged screen time or humid weather.
Women over 50 — Higher prevalence
Hormonal changes make dry eye more common in women over 50, especially those using contact lenses or certain medications.
Key Indicators of Tear Film Dysfunction
When to consider an eye evaluation
Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry and Itchy Eyes
- Burning, stinging, or gritty sensation
- Eyes that water easily after dryness
- Itching or redness, especially around the lids
- Blurred vision during reading or screen work
Dry or itchy eyes may feel irritating but often respond well to targeted care. Common symptoms include:
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, we recommend scheduling an eye examination.
Ways to manage Dry and Itchy Eyes
Relief tailored to your eyes
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. After a detailed eye examination, your ophthalmologist may suggest:
Clarifying Your Concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that vision correction is a significant decision. Here are honest, transparent answers to the questions we hear most often from our patients.
Common causes include reduced tear production, poor tear quality, blocked oil glands, screen use, air-conditioning, allergies, and certain medications.
Most cases are mild, but ongoing dryness can affect comfort, vision clarity, and eye surface health if not properly managed.
Screen use reduces blinking, which increases tear evaporation and can worsen dryness and irritation.
Yes. Tear production and oil gland function can decline with age, making dry eye more common over time.
Yes. Eye allergies can trigger itchiness, redness, and watery or dry sensations. Treatment depends on whether allergy, dryness, or both are present.
Your ophthalmologist may assess tear quality, tear quantity, eyelid glands, and eye surface health using specialised tests and imaging.
Dry eye is often a long-term condition, but symptoms can usually be well controlled with the right treatment plan and lifestyle adjustments.
Singapore’s combination of high air-conditioning usage and digital screen time often leads to Evaporative Dry Eye. AC acts as a “moisture vampire,” while screens reduce your blink rate. If your eyes are also itchy, it may be Allergic Conjunctivitis triggered by indoor dust mites or mold.
Treatment Therapy is targeted at the causes. Therapies include Blephex Lid Margin therapy, IPL Therapy combined with LipiFlow. These treatments cleans up the lid margin surfaces, unblock the Meibomian glands (oil glands) to restore a healthy tear film. Combined with appropriate eye drops and lid cleansing foam to deliver the best restoration.