Minor Ailments

Dry Eye

Find lasting dry eye relief with pharmacist-recommended drops and helpful guidance from your RxHealthMed team.

Managing Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome happens when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or when tears evaporate before they can do their job, leaving the eye surface unprotected and irritated. It is a common ongoing condition that tends to affect older adults, contact lens wearers, and people who spend a lot of time looking at screens. While dry eye is not usually a serious health concern, it can genuinely affect your comfort and daily functioning. Your RxHealthMed pharmacist can help you find the right products and strategies to keep symptoms manageable.

Common Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye most often shows up as a persistent stinging, burning, or gritty feeling in the eyes, along with sensitivity to light, redness, and occasional blurring of vision. Some people find it harder to wear contact lenses comfortably, and it can feel counterintuitive, but excessive tearing is also common as the eyes try to compensate for the lack of moisture. Symptoms often feel worse after reading, driving, or extended screen use.

How Your RxHealthMed Pharmacist Can Help

Your RxHealthMed pharmacist can help you choose the most suitable artificial tear product based on how severe your symptoms are and how you live your day, whether that means drops, gels, or ointments. They can also share advice on environmental adjustments, eyelid hygiene, and when it makes sense to see an eye care specialist for more targeted treatment.

Find Dry Eye Relief Near You

Find an RxHealthMed pharmacy near you for helpful advice and a wide selection of dry eye treatment products. Our pharmacists are here to help your eyes feel more comfortable.

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about dry eye syndrome? Here you will find helpful answers about causes, the best eye drop choices, and everyday habits that can make a real difference in how your eyes feel.

What causes dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye can be caused by aging, hormonal shifts, prolonged screen use, heating or air conditioning, contact lens wear, certain medications like antihistamines or antidepressants, or underlying conditions such as blepharitis or Sjogren's syndrome.

What is the difference between dry eye drops and regular eye drops?

Artificial tear drops formulated for dry eye work by supplementing your natural tear film and are safe for regular, ongoing use. Standard redness-relief eye drops are not designed for frequent use and can actually make dryness worse over time.

How often can I use artificial tears?

Preservative-free artificial tears can be used as often as you need them throughout the day. Eye drops that contain preservatives are best limited to no more than four times per day to avoid irritation from the preservatives themselves.

Can screen time make dry eye worse?

Yes, screen time is a very common contributor. When we focus on a screen, we tend to blink much less often, which causes tears to evaporate faster. The 20-20-20 rule is a helpful habit: every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away.

When should I see a doctor about dry eye?

It is worth seeing a doctor or optometrist if your symptoms are persistent, noticeably affecting your vision, or not improving with over-the-counter options. There are prescription treatments and in-office therapies available for more significant cases.

Skip the clinic wait, feel better faster

Our pharmacists can assess symptoms and prescribe treatments for minor ailments.