I was diagnosed with dry eye (which was really bad in one eye in particular); was prescribed eye drops and used a heated eye pad, all to no avail. After 5 years the problem was getting worse and I was suffering from continual eye infections. Finally I was referred to an eye specialist. After tests it turned out I actually had a blocked tear duct. I had surgery, which completely solved the problem. To be fair to my GP and optician (who both diagnosed dry eye) I think I do have dry eye too; both eyes run in very cold weather and when I wakeup in the morning. But it is mild and nothing like as uncomfortable as the blocked tear duct was.
Retiring and living frugally in money from downsizing after years of stress



