Understanding your eyes
A proper dry eye assessment can help you understand what your eyes are trying to tell you.
Dry, gritty, watery or irritated eyes are often brushed off as something people simply have to live with.
- You may have been told it is your age.
- You may have blamed your screen time.
You may have put it down to allergies, contact lenses, menopause, medication or tiredness.
Sometimes those things do play a part. But the problem is that many people keep buying eye drops without ever being shown why their eyes feel uncomfortable in the first place.
At HAYDENSWAN Eyecare in Haywards Heath, we look at dry eye differently. We do not believe in guessing. We believe in understanding the cause, explaining it clearly, and building a plan that fits the person in front of us.
That is why we have created our Dry Eye Clarity Assessment.
Promotional Offer
From 1st August to 15th September 2026, our Dry Eye Clarity Assessment is available for £95, with a £95 treatment credit when a recommended dry eye treatment plan is booked within 90 days of the assessment.
£95 Assessment
- Personalised diagnosis
- £95 Treatment Credit*
- *when treatment booked within 90 days
Could you have dry eye?
One of the biggest misunderstandings about dry eye is the name.
Dry eye can feel dry, but it can also feel watery. In fact, watering is one of the most common signs that something is not quite right.
This can happen when the surface of the eye feels irritated and the eyes try to compensate by producing more tears. The problem is that those tears may not stay in place long enough or may not have the right balance to keep your eyes comfortable.
So, yes, your eyes can water and still be affected by dry eye.
Signs your eyes may need a dry eye assessment
You may benefit from a Dry Eye Clarity Assessment if you experience:
- Dry, gritty or sandy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Burning or stinging
- Redness
- Tired, heavy or sore eyes
- Blurred vision that comes and goes
- Vision that improves after blinking
- Light sensitivity
- Contact lens discomfort
- Eyes that feel worse later in the day
- Discomfort in wind, heating or air conditioning
- Morning dryness or sticky eyelids
- A feeling that something is in your eye
- Regular use of drops without lasting comfort
These symptoms can be mild at first, but they can become more frustrating over time. Many people do not realise how much their eyes are affecting their concentration, reading, screen use, driving, work and general comfort until they start to understand what is happening.
Why dry eye happens
Dry eye is rarely caused by one thing alone. It is often the result of several small factors building up.
Common causes and triggers include:
Screen use
When we use screens, we blink less. This means the eyes are not refreshed as often as they should be. Long days on a computer, phone or tablet can leave the eyes feeling dry, tired, gritty or strained.
Heating, air conditioning and environment
When we use screens, we blink less. This means the eyes are not refreshed as often as they should be. Long days on a computer, phone or tablet can leave the eyes feeling dry, tired, gritty or strained.
Blocked oil glands in the eyelids
The eyelids contain tiny glands that release oils into the tears. These oils help keep the eyes comfortable. When the glands are blocked or not working well, tears can evaporate too quickly, leaving the eyes dry, watery or irritated.
This is one of the reasons drops alone may not solve the problem.
Menopause and hormonal change
Perimenopause and menopause are often overlooked when it comes to eye comfort. Hormonal changes can affect the eyes, eyelids and tear quality. Many women notice their eyes become drier, more watery, more sensitive, or less comfortable around this stage of life.
It is not “just age”, and it is not something you should have to simply tolerate.
Medication
Certain medications, including antihistamines, blood pressure medication and antidepressants, may contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Any changes to prescribed medication should always be discussed with your GP or prescribing clinician.
Nutrition and hydration
What we eat and drink can also affect eye comfort. Hydration, healthy oils and general nutrition may all play a part.
For some people, omega-3 support may be helpful. For others, the bigger issue may be eyelid health, inflammation, screen use or environment. This is why a personalised approach matters.
Contact lens wear
Dry eye can make contact lenses uncomfortable, even for people who have worn them successfully for years. Sometimes the solution is not simply changing lens brand. The eye surface and eyelids may need support first.
Skincare, make-up and lash treatments
Eye make-up, lash serums, cleansing products and some skincare routines can irritate the eyelids or affect eye comfort. This is especially relevant for people who notice burning, stinging, watering or redness around the eyes.
Why eye drops aren't always enough
Eye drops can be useful. For some people, they are an important part of dry eye management.
But not all drops are the same, and not all dry eye needs the same approach.
- Some people need better daily care at home.
- Some need support for their eyelids.
- Some need treatment to help the oil glands work more effectively.
- Some need nutrition reviewed.
- Some need their environment or screen habits considered.
- Some need regular maintenance.
- Some need a combination.
The point is simple:
The right plan starts with the right assessment.
What happens during a Dry Eye Clarity Assessment?
Our Dry Eye Clarity Assessment is designed to help you understand what may be causing your symptoms.
During the appointment, we look at your symptoms, lifestyle, health background, medication, screen use, eye comfort and the way your eyes behave throughout the day.
The assessment may include:
- A detailed discussion about your symptoms
- A review of your daily routine and lifestyle
- Discussion of current medications, skincare & cosmetics (where applicable)
- Assessment of your eyelids and eye surface
- Imaging to look at the oil glands in your eyelids
- Review of tear quality and stability
- Advice on possible triggers
- Personalised treatment recommendations
- A clear plan for what happens next
We explain everything in plain English. No overwhelm. No rushed handover. No generic “try these drops and see how you get on” approach.
Personalised dry eye treatment at HAYDENSWAN Eyecare
At HAYDENSWAN Eyecare, dry eye care is built around the individual.
For some people, the plan is simple. For others, dry eye has been building for years and needs a more structured approach.
Our role is to help you understand where you are now and what can realistically be done to improve comfort.
Depending on what we find, your personalised treatment plan may include:
Home Care
- Specialist comfort drops or gels
- Preservative-free drops where suitable
- Heated eye mask advice
- Eyelid cleaning routines
In Practice
- Gentle eyelid treatments in practice - Support for blocked oil glands - In-practice expression of the eyelid glands - Light-based therapy
Advanced Treatments
- Tear-saving plugs where appropriate - Amniotic membrane therapy
Long-term Care
- Nutrition and omega-3 guidance - Home care advice - Ongoing review and maintenance appointments
Promotional Offer
From 1st August to 15th September 2026, our Dry Eye Clarity Assessment is available for £95, with a £95 treatment credit when a recommended dry eye treatment plan is booked within 90 days of the assessment.
£95 Assessment
- Personalised diagnosis
- £95 Treatment Credit*
- *when treatment booked within 90 days
When should you book?
Book a Dry Eye Clarity Assessment if your eyes are regularly dry, watery, gritty, tired, irritated or uncomfortable.
It is especially worth booking if:
- You keep buying drops but still have symptoms
- Your eyes water in wind or cold air
- Your eyes feel worse after screen use
- You are struggling with contact lenses
- You are perimenopausal or menopausal
- Your vision fluctuates during the day
- Your eyes feel tired by the afternoon
- You wake with dry or uncomfortable eyes
- You have been told your eyes look fine, but they do not feel fine
You do not have to keep guessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my eyes be watery and still have dry eye?
Yes. Watery eyes can be a sign that the eyes are irritated or that the tears are not staying stable for long enough. This is one of the most common reasons people are surprised when dry eye is discussed.
Is dry eye linked to menopause?
It can be. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect the way the eyes feel and how well the tears work. Many women notice more dryness, watering, irritation or sensitivity during this stage of life.
Can you treat eye infections?
Eye drops may help, but they do not always address the reason your eyes are uncomfortable. Some people need eyelid care, treatment for blocked oil glands, nutrition support, environmental changes or in-practice therapy.
What is included in the Dry Eye Clarity Assessment?
The assessment includes a review of your symptoms, lifestyle and possible triggers, along with checks of your eyelids, eye surface and tear quality. You will receive personalised recommendations and a clear next-step plan.
How much is the Dry Eye Clarity Assessment?
The assessment is £95 during the campaign period, from 1 August to 15 September 2026. You will also receive £95 treatment credit when a recommended dry eye treatment plan is booked within 90 days.
Where is HAYDENSWAN Eyecare?
HAYDENSWAN Eyecare is based at No. 3, 32 Middle Village, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 4GH.
Still not sure whether dry eye is the problem?
If your eyes regularly feel uncomfortable, watery, gritty or tired, we'd be happy to help.
Our Dry Eye Clarity Assessment is designed to identify the cause of your symptoms and create a personalised treatment plan—not just recommend another bottle of eye drops.