# Do Not Ignore Dry Eye!

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/do-not-ignore-dry-eye

**Author:** Opr. Dr. Nail Sönmez | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-09

> **Summary:** Dry eye is one of the most common eye complaints in winter, when cold, dry air, wind and indoor heating reduce the eye's moisture. Kudret Eye İstanbul Chief Physician Op. Dr. Nail Sönmez explains its symptoms and causes, warns that severe untreated cases can damage the cornea, and gives advice on prevention.

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## Why Tears Matter
A healthy eye produces tears at a constant level, not only when crying or reflexively. Tears keep the eye moist, let the eyelids move freely, prevent irritation of the cornea, expel dust and foreign substances, kill some microbes and supply oxygen and nutrition to the eye.

## Symptoms
When tears are too few or of poor quality:
- Stinging, burning, redness, itching
- Tearing, sticky discharge
- Difficulty using contact lenses

## Causes and Risk Factors
- Dry air from seasonal change or air conditioning; indoor heating in winter
- Air pollution, cold, dry air and wind outdoors
- Continuous computer screen use, long driving
- Contact lens use (one of the main factors)
- Smoking, allergies
- Age: more common in old age as tear production falls
- More common in women, especially after menopause
- Heart disease, diabetes, some glaucoma drops, some rheumatic disorders and some medications
- Vitamin A deficiency in malnutrition

## Why Early Treatment Matters
Untreated, complaints keep increasing. Too few tears cause friction during blinking, and severe untreated cases can damage the transparent cornea. A specialist ophthalmologist draws up a treatment plan after examinations and tests; the factors causing dry eye are identified and eliminated first, so the patient should give full information about habits, lifestyle and medications.

## Prevention Tips
- At the computer, the blink reflex drops: take short breaks, close your eyes and rest for 1-2 minutes; use reminders.
- Humidify the air at home or work, for example with a container of water.
- Ventilate when air pollution is low, not during heavy traffic or when factories are active.
- Drink at least 2 litres of water a day.
- Contact lens wearers can ask their doctor for suitable eye drops.
- Wear sunglasses in winter against wind and harmful sun rays.

## References
- Dry Eye, NEI
- Dry eyes, NHS
- What Is Dry Eye? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment, AAO