DRY EYE SYNDROME
Do your eyes feel dry, gritty or irritated? Do they water excessively? Do you experience a burning or stinging sensation in your eyes? These are all symptoms of a medical condition called Dry Eye. Although there is no cure, we have the products that can help you find relief.
Every time you blink, a thin layer of tears is spread across the cornea. This thin layer of moisture, known as the tear film, forms a protective coat that lubricates your eyes and washes away any debris that might harm or obscure your vision.
Dry eye is a condition where one or more layers of the tear film break down when the tear glands stop making enough tears, produce poor-quality tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, causing your eyes to feel dry and irritated.
Symptoms of dry eye
A feeling of dryness is the most common symptom, but some symptoms are not as straightforward. Other symptoms include:
- Eye irritation
- Burning or stinging sensation in your eyes
- Scratchy eyes
- Gritty eyes
- Tired Eyes
- Fluctuating or blurry vision
- Excessive tearing
- Eye redness
If you experience one or more of the above symptoms, you may have dry eye. Without treatment, chronic dry eye can lead to eye infection, scarring or possibly impaired vision. To find out more, visit one of our friendly Vision Works Optometrists.
What causes dry eye?
- Ageing
- Hormonal changes
- Environmental factors (Pollution levels and altitude)
- Sjögren syndrome
- Certain types of medication
- LASIK and other refractive surgeries
- Reduced blinking
- Contact lens wear
Prevention
- Avoid air blowing in your eyes, like hairdryers and heaters
- Use a humidifier which adds moisture in the air
- Take breaks when working for prolonged periods of time
- Be aware of your environment
- Position your computer below eye level
- Use artificial tears
Treatments for dry eyes may make you more comfortable and improve your quality of life. These treatments can include lifestyle changes and eyedrops.
Click here to view our Systane product range. The Systane family of lubricant eye drops is well-tolerated; has an intelligent delivery system; provides long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms; improves the signs associated with dry eye, and enhances the environment for ocular surface protection.
