Does GP consultation treat dry eye?

Dry eye can feel gritty, burning, tired or watery, and vision may blur briefly. A GP will ask about screen use, contact lenses, medicines, allergies, eyelid problems and the pattern of your symptoms. They may check the eye surface and look for redness or inflammation. Watery eyes can still occur because irritation triggers reflex tears. The aim is to identify triggers and make sure pain, light sensitivity or visual change is not pointing to a different eye condition.

Take regular breaks from close screen work, blink fully and avoid smoke, strong wind and direct air conditioning. Do not rub your eyes. A pharmacist or GP can advise on suitable lubricating drops, especially if you wear contact lenses or take several medicines. Use eye products as directed and mention any preserved drops that sting. Arrange a GP consultation if symptoms keep returning, interfere with reading or driving, or do not settle with simple measures. See [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) for what an appointment can cover.

Seek urgent eye care for sudden vision loss, marked eye pain, strong light sensitivity, a very red eye with nausea, an eye injury or a chemical splash. Remove contact lenses if they are easy to take out and do not delay assessment. A sticky discharge, worsening redness or symptoms in one eye also deserve prompt advice, particularly if you use contact lenses.

Ask whether your medicines, contact lenses or environment could be contributing, which lubricants suit you, how long to try them, and whether an optometrist or ophthalmologist should examine the eye surface.