When it comes to our health, it's important to take any symptoms that arise seriously. Often, if we ignore warning signs and conditions go untreated, it can end in catastrophe.
One expert has warned that ignoring the symptoms of dry eyes could lead to potential sight loss.
One in two Brits could be dry eye sufferers, according to research by Rohto Dry Aid, which can lead to loss of sight if left untreated.
What's even more worrying is that 51% of people don't know what dry eye is, which means it often goes undetected.
Francesca Marchetti, optometrist from Rohto Dry Aid, explained: "Dry Eye happens when you don't produce enough tears or the consistency of the tear changes. This leads to inadequate lubrication of the tear film with inflammation and likely damage to the eye surface."
Factors such as air con, heating, pollution, hormones and screen time play a huge role in the development of the sight-destroying condition.
According to the optometrist, the most common symptoms are watery, itchy, gritty, or dry eyes for no apparent reason are the most common symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
Francesca Marchetti added that that the potentially serious eye condition has various other symptoms too, which the public need to be aware of.
She shared: "Tired eyes, blurred vision and sensitivity to light are just three other Dry Eye symptoms. Your eyes may also feel sore, irritated, burning or stinging."
Speaking of what can cause dry eyes, she explained: "Dry Eye has many causes from age to the environment, including wind, cold, indoor air pollution and central heating, diet, certain medications and some health conditions."
According to Francesca, it's important to hydrate, lubricate and protect the eyes to combat the decline in hyaluronic acid, which is a common trigger to Dry Eye.
According to NHS, you can teat dry eyes yourself by cleaning your eyelids everyday, taking breaks to rest your eyes when using a computer screen, making sure your computer screen is just below eye level, using a humidifier to stop the air getting dry, and if you wear contact lenses taking glasses breaks to rest them.
You should try not to drink too much alcohol, or smoke, spend too long in dusty places or air conditioned rooms, and don't take any prescribed medicine without getting medical advice first.
You should contact a pharmacist if you suffer from dry eyes, and they should be able to tell you if you need to see a GP.
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