Dry eyes? Wear sunglasses even when it's overcast and chilly! - Daily Mail

Should you regularly find yourself wiping away tears, you might not think to blame dry eyes — but that’s the most likely cause, and the remedy may be as simple as wearing sunglasses, even on a cloudy, wintry day.

There has been a 19 per cent increase in the numbers diagnosed with dry eyes in the previous 12 months, according to a recent survey of 2,000 people by eyecare specialist firm Thea UK.

There has been a 19 per cent increase in the numbers diagnosed with dry eyes in the previous 12 months, according to a recent survey of 2,000 people by eyecare specialist firm Thea UK

The condition is also common during the menopause, adds Nigel Kirkpatrick, a consultant ophthalmologist at Newmedica, a chain of NHS and private ophthalmology clinics.

‘Contact lenses float semi-submerged in the tear film, which can disrupt the careful moisture balance, leading to increased evaporation,’ says Mr Ionides.

‘During periods of intense concentration, the eyes subconsciously avoid blinking to prevent losing sight of the intricate task in hand,’ says Mr Ionides.