Do I have dry eye?

Are you experiencing gritty or burning eyes?

Do you often feel like there’s something in your eye?

Are your eyes red and irritated?

Are there strings of mucus in your eye?

Do your eyes water excessively?

These are each symptoms of an increasingly common (but easily treatable) condition – dry eye.

The human tear film is a complex combination of three layers that protect and nourish your eyes.

1 | Mucus

This helps the water to spread evenly across the eye’s surface, keeping your eyes comfortably moist. Without it, your tears can’t stay in place.

2| Water

The middle layer of water has three important functions. It cleans the eye, washing away any dust or other particles. It lubricates the eye keeping its movement smooth. And it also prevents infection.

3 | Oils

On the outside of the tear film is an oily layer that stops our tears from drying up too quickly.

Dry eye occurs when you have either the wrong quantity or wrong quality of this mix. If the tear film breaks down, it will irritate your eyes causing the uncomfortable symptoms listed above. In a worst-case scenario, the surface of the eye can become damaged leading to scarring and significant loss of vision.

What causes dry eye?

As you grow older, you are more likely to suffer with dry eye which can be caused by a number of different factors:

• You may be dehydrated.
• There could be something missing in your diet.
• You may be rubbing your eyes too much.
• You may have an infection, such as blepharitis which is a very common infection of the eyelashes left undiagnosed in many people.
• It could be a side effect of another health condition, such as arthritis, diabetes, menopause or Sjogren’s syndrome.

How can I treat dry eyes?

There are many simple remedies you can carry out at home to combat dry eye. But for treatment to work effectively, it’s important to be clear on the cause first. Start by visiting your Optometrist who can accurately diagnose what’s triggering your symptoms.

There are many solutions your Optometrist may recommend that can relieve your eyes very quickly and simply:

Warm compress

Heat can help unblock clogged oil in your glands. Use a reusable medical grade heat mask (available to purchase from Spectacular Opticians) which is heated in the microwave. Close your eyes and gently place this over your lids for 5 minutes.

Lid massage

Gently massaging your eyelids can help to encourage tear production. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly, then using your index finger gently massage your lid in a circular motion for around 30 seconds.

Lid hygiene

Tears are produced from tiny pores at the base of your eyelashes. Wash your eyelashes like you would your hair with a mild baby shampoo and cotton ball to keep these pores clear.

Artificial tears

Available without a prescription, artificial tears are eye drops that lubricate dry eyes and help keep moisture on the surface. You may need to try a few different brands to find one that works best for you.

Omega 3 supplements

Taking these supplements daily can have a large positive effect on dry eye, nourishing the body to provide tears more effectively.

Lifestyle changes

There are a number of things in your day-to-day activity that may be making your dry eyes worse. Your eyes could feel better with some simple changes:

• Avoid smoky, windy or air-conditioned environments
• Use a humidifier to stop the air in your home becoming dry
• Take regular breaks from looking at screens

The symptoms of dry eye shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Many people experience unbearable discomfort and pain, affecting your ability to perform every day activities and impacting your mental health.

If you’re experiencing any unwanted symptoms, book an appointment to see your Optometrist who can recommend a personalised treatment plan that will work for you.