There isn’t much that will get between us and a good book, but if you've ever reached chapter twelve and found your eyes gritty, tired or strangely teary, you're in good company.
Dry, tired eyes are one of those health issues hiding in plain sight. Most of us put it down to a long day and move on. However, understanding what's actually going on can make a real difference to how comfortable your eyes feel, whether you're reading, working or scrolling.
First, what are tears made of?
Tears aren't just water, they’re much more sophisticated (kind of like women). They're made of layers: a watery middle that hydrates the eye's surface, and a thin oily outer layer that slows evaporation. That oil comes from tiny glands along the edge of your eyelids called meibomian glands.
When that oily layer isn't doing its job, tears evaporate faster than they should, and your eyes start to feel dry.
Myth 1: "If my eyes are watering, they can't be dry."
This is one of the most common mix-ups we hear. When your eyes are irritated, they can produce a burst of "reflex" tears to protect themselves. These tears are mostly water, so they don't stick around or protect the eye for long. Watery eyes can commonly be a sign of dry eye. Surprise!
Myth 2: "Dry eyes just need more moisture."
Close, but not the whole story. For many people, the bigger issue isn't making enough tears – it's that tears evaporate too quickly. That's why caring for your eyelids and the oily layer of your tears matters, not just adding moisture.
Myth 3: "Dry eye is just an ageing thing."
Age plays a part, but it's far from the only factor. Common contributors include:
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long stretches of reading or screen time, where you blink less and less fully
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air-conditioning, heating and travel
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contact lenses
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makeup and lash extensions sitting along the lash line
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hormonal changes, especially through perimenopause and menopause.
Dry eye is also more common in women. Yet one recent survey found only 14% of women linked menopause with dry eyes.
Myth 4: "Screens are ruining my eyesight."
Screens don't permanently damage your eyes, but they can make them feel dry and tired. When we concentrate on a screen (or a page), we blink less often and less completely, so tears evaporate faster. The fix is more about how we use screens than avoiding them altogether. Remember to take breaks every so often and perform some slow, full blinks to rest your eyes.
Myth 5: "Reading in dim light will damage my eyes."
It might make your eyes feel tired, but reading in low light won't cause lasting damage. Good lighting just makes reading more comfortable.
Myth 6: "The 20-20-20 rule fixes eye strain."
You may have heard the advice to look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. It's a nice reminder to take a break, but a study testing this theory found 20-second breaks didn't reduce eye strain symptoms on their own. Performing full blinks and taking longer breaks away from the screen are more useful.
What else can I do to look after my eye health?
Here’s a few helpful tips:
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Maintain good hygiene: wash your hands before touching or rubbing your eyes or handling contact lenses.
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Remove all eye make-up at the end of each day: Keep your eye lids and eye lashes clean from build-up of makeup and debris by gently cleansing at the end of the day. Clean Eyes Eyelid Cleansing Wipes
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Use a gentle warm compress to soothe dry eyes, improve circulation and unclog blocked meibomian glands to maintain overall eye health Revive Eyes Self Warming Steam Mask
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Use a good quality eye drop or spray to maintain eye lubrication and the eye’s natural lipid layer TearsAgain Dry Eye Relief Spray
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Take regular breaks from reading or screen time to reduce eye strain and improve eye comfort over the course of the day.
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Schedule regular eye-check appointments with your local optometrist to review your vision and overall eye health.
Happy Reading!
This article was written by the Pretty Proven team in partnership with BioRevive. It’s general information only and not a substitute for advice from your healthcare professional. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
