Dry eye symptoms can range from occasional irritation to persistent discomfort. If you're experiencing any of the following, Cristall Opticians can help you find the right solution.

Your eyes frequently feel dry or lack natural moisture, making them uncomfortable throughout the day.

A burning or stinging sensation that may worsen while reading, using a computer or spending time outdoors.

A sensation that something is in your eye, often described as feeling like sand or grit.

Excessive tearing may seem surprising, but it is often a common symptom of dry eye disease.

Your vision may become blurry at times and improve after blinking.

Your eyes feel tired, strained or uncomfortable after using digital devices, reading or driving.

Persistent redness or irritation may indicate that your eyes are not producing enough healthy tears.

Bright lights, sunlight or headlights may become uncomfortable or cause you to squint.

Dry eyes can sometimes cause itching and irritation, especially in dry environments or during allergy season.

At Cristall Opticians, we offer personalized recommendations and a carefully selected range of premium dry eye products to help improve comfort and support long-term eye health. Visit us in downtown Toronto to find the solution that's right for you.

Common causes of dry eyes include: 

Dry eye symptoms can occur when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. Tears are essential for keeping the surface of the eye healthy, comfortable and clear. When the tear film becomes unstable, it can lead to irritation, blurred vision and ongoing discomfort.

Many people experience dry eye due to everyday lifestyle factors, while others may have an underlying medical condition contributing to their symptoms. Identifying the cause is an important step in choosing the most effective treatment.

💻 Digital Screen Use
Spending long hours on computers, tablets and smartphones reduces how often we blink, allowing tears to evaporate more quickly.

👵 Aging
As we age, our eyes naturally produce fewer tears, making dry eye symptoms more common.

🌸 Menopause & Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, can affect tear production and contribute to chronic dry eyes.

👓 Contact Lens Wear
Wearing contact lenses for extended periods may increase dryness and discomfort, especially in dry environments.

❄️ Air Conditioning & Indoor Heating
Dry indoor air can cause tears to evaporate more quickly, leading to irritated, uncomfortable eyes.

🌬️ Wind & Environmental Conditions
Wind, smoke, dust and pollution can all contribute to dry eye symptoms.

💊 Certain Medications
Some medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants and blood pressure medications, may reduce tear production.

👁️ Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
Blocked or poorly functioning oil glands in the eyelids are one of the most common causes of dry eye disease.

😴 Reduced Blinking
People who concentrate for long periods while reading, driving or using digital devices often blink less frequently, causing tears to evaporate.

🏥 Eye Surgery
Temporary dry eye symptoms may occur following procedures such as cataract or laser vision correction surgery.

Our Recommended Dry Eye Products 

Biotrue Hydration Boost® Eye Drops provide preservative-free hydration for dry, tired and irritated eyes. Formulated with naturally inspired ingredients, including hyaluronan, they help restore moisture while supporting the eye's natural tear film. These lubricating eye drops are ideal for people experiencing dryness from prolonged screen use, environmental conditions, contact lens wear and everyday eye fatigue. Gentle enough for frequent use, Biotrue Hydration Boost® helps keep eyes feeling refreshed, comfortable and well hydrated throughout the day.

Systane® Lubricant Eye Drops are one of the most trusted solutions for relieving dry, irritated eyes. Available in a variety of formulations to suit different levels of dryness, Systane products help lubricate the surface of the eye, reduce irritation and provide long-lasting comfort. Whether your symptoms are occasional or persistent, our team can help you choose the Systane product that's best suited to your needs and lifestyle.

Hylo Original® is a preservative-free lubricating eye drop designed for mild to moderate dry eye symptoms. Formulated with sodium hyaluronate, it helps moisturize and stabilize the tear film to relieve dryness, burning, grittiness and tired eyes. It is ideal for discomfort caused by prolonged screen use, air conditioning, heating, wind and everyday environmental conditions. The innovative COMOD® bottle delivers sterile drops without preservatives, making it suitable for frequent daily use.

Hylo Gel® provides intensive, preservative-free lubrication for moderate to severe dry eye symptoms. Its higher concentration of sodium hyaluronate forms a protective, long-lasting moisturizing layer over the eye's surface to relieve persistent dryness, burning, irritation and grittiness. It is an excellent option for people who require more intensive hydration throughout the day or overnight.

Hylo Dual Intense® combines intensive hydration with ingredients that help soothe irritation associated with dry eye. Its preservative-free formula supports a healthy tear film while providing long-lasting relief from burning, redness, grittiness and fluctuating vision. It is an excellent choice for people experiencing more persistent or complex dry eye symptoms.