Do YOU suffer from dry eyes? Our expert reveals the nine best solutions to tackle the problem – and they won’t break the bank

 Let’s be honest, at some stage most of us will have slept in our make-up. After a late night, the two minutes it takes to remove it suddenly seems too arduous a task when we’re desperate to flop into bed.

As twentysomethings it’s unlikely to result in anything more serious than morning panda eyes and dirty pillowcases but, as we get older, there are greater risks.

Dry eyes are something that one in four of us experience after the age of 50.

A condition characterised by insufficient tear production or excessive tear evaporation, it’s uncomfortable and can compromise vision.

‘Dry eyes can result from a variety of factors, both environmental and medical,’ explains Dr Konstantinos Bouras, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Moorfields Eye Hospital. ‘Environmental triggers include air conditioning, low humidity, wind and exposure to dust or pollen. 

On the medical side, a very common cause is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, also known as blepharitis, where the oil-producing glands in the eyelids become blocked, leading to an unstable or compromised tear film.’

However, sufferers shouldn’t despair because, from changing your make-up routine to sunglasses and hot compresses, there are plenty of ways to reduce the symptoms…

Dry eyes are something that one in four of us experience after the age of 50

1. MAKE-UP MATTERS

Applying white pencil to the waterline to brighten tired eyes has become a popular make-up trick, but it’s a bad idea for anyone with dry eyes since it’s likely to cause irritation. 

Celebrity make-up artist Wendy Rowe says: ‘eyeliners are best used around the lash line rather than in the waterline, then blended out and set with a bit of powder – but always ensure you’re using clean brushes. 

Use cream eyeshadows too and be sure to stay away from anything too greasy as this will get into the eyes.- look to M.A.C’s Pro Longwear Paint Pot (£22), Charlotte Tilbury’s Eyes to Mesmerise (£26), and the RMS Beauty Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow (£29; spacenk.com) .

When it comes to mascara, tubing varieties are best avoided. Wendy recommends, ‘use a waterproof one instead – just apply it to the tips of the lashes and don’t take it to the lash base.’ 

Try Bobbi Brown No Smudge mascara (£24.80), Max Factor 2000 Calorie (£9.99; superdrug.com), or Victoria Beckham Beauty Vast Lash Mascara (£32; victoriabeckhambeauty.com)

2. CLEANSING

Amanda Lacey, one of the best facialists in the business, emphasises the importance of cleansing eyes properly and gently. ‘Wash hands first then use a clean flannel for the face each time and pure cotton wool circle pads for eyes – run them under warm water, squeeze them out, then apply Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Eye Makeup Remover to them (£10.20, boots.com). 

‘Hold the pads against the eyes for five seconds and then remove make-up in downward strokes, turn the pads around and repeat, use a separate pad for each eye.’ 

Remember: clean flannels (and reusable cotton pads, if you’re opting for them) thoroughly to kill germs.

3. HOT COMPRESSES

The Peep Club’s Heated Eye Wand LED+ is a high-tech modern version of a compress (£85, peepclub.co.uk). 

The small, hand-held device heats up to 45C. Simply dab some eye cream around the eye area and use the wand to massage it in. 

The heat produced will help to unblock the Meibomium glands, therefore improving the quality of your tears and providing relief from dry eyes and irritation. 

Nicola Alexander-Cross, Optometrist & founder of Peep Club says: ‘The major benefit of our Heated Eye Wand is that you can safely control the temperature. 

It’s clinically proven to hold temperature better than the best alternative hot compress and you don’t have to have your eyes closed or be lying down. 

Some customers use it on the way to work or watching TV.’

4. SHUT EYE AND SUNNIES

Poor sleep affects eye lubrication and repair so try to get a good night’s rest. Quit smoking, avoid smoke exposure and ditch high sugar and processed foods which can lead to systemic inflammation and worsening dry eyes, recommends oculoplastic surgeon, Dr Maryam Zamani. 

She also suggests using a humidifier and wearing sunglasses outdoors to protect eyes from wind, dust, and UV rays which can worsen symptoms. 

Contact lenses can exasperate the condition, so wearers should consider daily disposable versions and switching to glasses when possible.

5. SCREEN BREAKS

‘Prolonged screen time significantly reduces blink rate, sometimes by as much as 50%, leading to an uneven tear distribution and increased evaporation,’ explains Dr Bouras. ‘Since blinking is essential for maintaining a stable tear film, insufficient blinking can quickly lead to dryness and discomfort.’ 

Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce blinking from screen time.

6. DROPS

For mild to moderate dry eye Zamani and Bouras recommend Systane Ultra Preservative-Free (£11.99, boots.com). Zamani also likes Refresh Relieva PF and Bouras mentions Optive Plus Eye Drops.

7. SPF CARE

Chemical sun protection can be irritating – particularly around the eye and especially in allergy season. 

Try a good mineral option instead: Ultra Violette’s new Future Fluid SPF50 is an incredibly lightweight serum texture and delivers a subtle skin glow too (£38, spacenk.com)

8. SUPPLEMENTS

Zamani highlights studies linking vitamin D deficiency and dry eye syndrome. 

She also recommends increasing Omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce eye inflammation and improve oil production. 

Many beauty insiders are seeing great benefits from Sea Buckhorn oil: they swear by Pharm Nord Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn Oil (£21.49 for 60 capsules, hollandandbarrett.com)

9. EYE CREAMS AND PATCHES

Joanna Ellner founder of Reome Skincare says:‘ The eye area is incredibly fine and prone to dryness and irritation. It can quickly become a subconscious habit to rub dry eyes which puts additional mechanical strain on this fragile skin.’ 

Her Firming Eye Treatment with DHK-3 uses biotech to strengthen the skin barrier, support microcirculation, and build skin resilience whilst smoothing and firming fine lines (£115, reome.com). 

For a more affordable option, Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Eye soothes dry skin (£8, boots.com). 

Zamani’s MZ Skin Hydra-Bright Gold Eye Masks hydrate, reduce puffiness and minimise the looks of lines (£80 for 5; mzskin.com). 

And Katherine Daniel’s recently launched Anti Fatigue Eye Mask was an instant sell-out hit (£12, katherinedanielscosmetics.com). 

With two parts, one for the eyelid and brow area and one for the under eye, these are like a spa trip for the eye and hydrate, sooth, lift and smooth.