Ballymena optician urges people not to ignore dry eye symptoms as awareness month shines spotlight on common condition

John Broderick, Director and Optometrist, and the team at Fitzsimons Opticians in Ballymena.

Burning, watery or gritty eyes are often dismissed as a minor annoyance, but a Ballymena optician is encouraging people to seek help rather than simply putting up with symptoms that could affect their everyday quality of life.

During Dry Eye Awareness Month, Fitzsimons Opticians is highlighting a condition that affects around one in three adults in the UK and can make everyday activities such as reading, driving, working on a computer and wearing contact lenses uncomfortable.

A common condition that often goes untreated

Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms can include soreness, itching, redness, watering, blurred vision and a persistent gritty sensation.

According to John Broderick, Director and Optometrist at Fitzsimons Opticians, many people mistakenly believe dry eye is something they simply have to live with.

“Many people assume dry eye is just something they have to put up with, but that simply isn’t the case. While occasional irritation is normal, persistent symptoms shouldn’t be ignored, particularly if they’re affecting your comfort, work, or quality of life.

“We’re all spending more time looking at digital screens, working in air-conditioned environments, and wearing contact lenses, all of which can contribute to dry eye symptoms. The good news is that there are now many different ways we can help manage the condition once we’ve identified the underlying cause.”

Simple steps can help

As well as seeking professional advice if symptoms persist, John says there are everyday habits that may help reduce discomfort.

These include taking regular breaks from screens, staying well hydrated and remembering to blink fully. He also recommends following the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something around 20 feet away for 20 seconds—to reduce eye strain and encourage natural blinking.

Treatment tailored to each patient

Rather than relying solely on over-the-counter eye drops, Fitzsimons Opticians offers comprehensive dry eye assessments designed to identify the underlying cause of a patient’s symptoms before recommending an appropriate treatment plan.

Depending on the diagnosis, this may include personalised advice, specialist therapies and clinically recommended products.

John added:

“No two cases of dry eye are exactly the same, which is why it’s so important to understand what’s causing the problem rather than simply treating the symptoms. With the right support, many people experience a significant improvement in both their comfort and their quality of life.”

People who continue to experience dry eye symptoms are encouraged to seek professional advice, as early assessment can help identify the cause and determine the most appropriate long-term treatment.