Dry eye syndrome or dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, and potential damage to the surface of the eyes if left untreated.
Causes of Dry Eye
Several factors can contribute to dry eye syndrome, including:
· Age: As we get older, our tear production tends to decrease.
· Environmental Factors: Exposure to wind, smoke, dry air, and air conditioning can contribute to dry eyes.
· Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants and hormone replacement, can reduce tear production.
· Medical Conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can increase the risk of dry eye.
· Extended Screen Time: Prolonged use of computers, smartphones, and other digital devices can reduce blinking rate and increase the likelihood of dry eyes.
· Gender: females are more likely to suffer from dry eyes than men.
· Contact lens wear: contact lenses can be a risk factor for dry eyes due to their impact on the ocular surface
· Make Up: Some make up products contain harsh ingredients or preservatives that can irritate and damage our eyes and eyelids over time.
Assessment of Dry Eye
· Tear Break Up Time: we time how long your tears take to evaporate, the faster they evaporate, the more dry the eyes surface.
· Meibography: we can assess your oil glands using infrared scanning.
· Symptoms: we will discuss and assess your symptoms, occasionally using the OSDI symptom survery.
· Ocular surface staining: we use special dyes in your tear film to assess your tear surface and corneal health.
· Blink rate: we assess your blink rate and quality.
· Tear volume: we can scan and measure your tear volume.
· Eyelid assessment: we assess your eyelids for the presence of blepharitis or demodex mites. We can assess if your eyelids are in the correct position to secrete and drain away tears.
· Vision: we will assess your vision, as this can be affected by dry eyes. We may delay measuring your spectacle or contact lens prescription until your dry eyes are improved.
At-Home Treatments for Dry Eye
Managing dry eye symptoms often begins with simple lifestyle changes and home remedies:
· Artificial Tears: Artificial tear drops can provide temporary relief by lubricating the eyes. These come in many different types.
· Hydration: Drink plenty of water to maintain overall hydration, which can help keep your eyes moist.
· Blinking Exercises: Take breaks during prolonged screen use to blink more frequently and fully.
· Eye Protection: Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from wind and sun exposure.
· Warm compresses:
· Omega 3 consumption: such as Lacritec supplements or Omega 3 intake such as salmon/ tuna or flax seed oil regularly, decreasing Omega 6 intake is also important.
· Lid Hygeine: keeping eyelids clean & clear, removing makeup at night thoroughly with eye make up remover. Sometimes we may recommended medicated eyelid cleaning foams/wipes.
· Eye Friendly Make up: Such as Eyes are the Story Mascara & Eyeshadow are great for sensitive eyes. Not applying makeup too close to your Meibomian glands and avoiding loose powders is important.
In-Office Treatments for Dry Eye available here
For more severe cases of dry eye, your optometrist may recommend:
· Prescription Eye Drops: Medications such as cyclosporine or anti-inflammatories may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and improve tear production.
· Heat Goggles: Heat goggles apply controlled heat and gentle pressure to the eyelids, helping to unclog blocked oil glands and improve tear film stability. This in-office treatment can provide significant relief for patients with evaporative dry eye. This procedure is followed by manual expression of your oil glands.
Consultation and Treatment Options
If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye, such as stinging, burning, or fluctuating vision, schedule a consultation with our experienced optometrists Abby or Lauren. We will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause of your dry eye and recommend a personalised treatment plan to help restore comfort and preserve eye health. We are dedicated to providing compassionate care and effective treatments to help you achieve optimal eye health.
