Are you suffering from Dry Eyes?
Dry eye is a disease of the ocular surface characterised by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film. It is a multifactorial disease and often chronic and progressive. Causes of dry eye can include tear film instability and hyperosmolarity, ocular surface inflammation and damage and neurosensory abnormalities.
What are the symptoms of Dry Eye?
Dry Eye syndrome can present with many symptoms. Common symptoms include:
Irritation
Redness
Fatigue & tired eyes
Excessive tearing
Burning and stinging sensation
Itching
Light Sensitivity
Grittiness and Foreign Body Sensation
Occasional Blurry Vision
Mucus around the eyelids
What is the main cause of Dry Eye?
There are many causes of dry eye syndrome. The normal ageing of tear glands, as well as extended use of contact lenses, environmental pollutants, prescription drugs, refractive surgery, autoimmune diseases, nutrient deficiencies and other disorders can cause disruption in the tear production and retention of tears.
Dry eye affects 75% of people over the age of 65. This occurs because tear volume decreases from the age of 18. Hormonal changes can contribute to this decrease in tear production most commonly brought on by pregnancy, lactation, menstruation and menopause.
Extended contact lens wear can result in dry eye from the contact lens impeding on oxygen and nutrients to the cornea. Protein build-up on the contact lens can produce a breeding ground for bacterial growth and surface roughness, further contributing to inflammatory changes. Some contact lens solutions contain preservatives that can also cause chemical irritation of the corneal surface and result in dry eye symptoms.
How can I hydrate my eyes? What is the best treatment for dry eyes?
Treatment of dry eye is most successful when we know the cause of dry eye. There are two main types of dry eye - aqueous deficient and evaporative dry eye. Aqueous deficient dry eye is characterised by the reduction in the production of tears by the lacrimal glands. Evaporative dry eye is caused by the loss of the lipid layer from the tear film surface. It is important to note that the two types are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
Following your dry eye assessment, our optometrists will devise a treatment plan according to the severity of signs and symptoms, taking into careful consideration the treatments that were previously unsuccessful. Treatment options include ocular lubricants, gels and/or ointments, environmental modifications, oral supplements, punctal plugs, prescription eye drops and more. If required, we are able to work closely with ophthalmologists in North Sydney and surrounding areas for further treatment.
Book in your dry eye assessment with our optometrists at Northbridge Optical.
Are there any natural remedies for dry eyes?
Yes! There are some simple changes that can help reduce the severity of dry eye.
Limit Screen Time
Digital eye strain can contribute to dry eye symptoms. The average person blinks only 5 times per minute when using a digital device compared to 12 times per minute when not using a digital device. This reduced blinking means that our tear film is not rewetted as frequently and the tear film evaporates faster. Taking frequent breaks from your digital devices can significantly reduce dry eye symptoms. Our optometrists recommend following the 20-20 rule, that is, every 20 minutes take a 20 second break and focus on something in the far distance.
2. Warm Compresses
A warm compress can help in the treatment of dry eye related to meibomian gland dysfunction. The heat from the compress can reduce irritation, inflammation and can help unblock the meibomian glands and as a result produce more tears.
3. Lid hygiene and massage
Keeping your eye area clean can help reduce the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. It helps to prevent bacteria building up along the lashes, commonly causing blepharitis. Blepharitis is the inflammation of eyelids caused by debris build up and clogged glands along the eyelashes. It can cause redness, irritation and other dry eye symptoms. Our optometrists can recommend products that can make lid hygiene simple and lid massage effective.
4. Stay hydrated
Our tears are made up of 98% water with the remaining 2% composed of lipids, salt and other proteins so it is important to maintain hydration levels to reduce the effects of dry eye syndrome. Our optometrists recommend drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to maintain overall hydration levels.
5. Healthy diet of omega-3 fatty acids
A healthy diet of omega-3 fatty acids can significantly reduce chronic dry eye symptoms. Omega-3 can be found in oily fish or alternatively supplements can be added to your diet to reach the recommended omega-3 levels. At Northbridge Optical, we stock Lacritec, a unique blend of Omega-3 acids from fish oil, flaxseed oil and Omega-6 from borage oil that specifically targets dry eye by working from the inside out. In a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-masked study testing the efficacy of Lacritec supplementation, it was demonstrated that the group using Lacritec supplements over 3 months showed improvements in tear volume, tear film evaporation rate and reported dry eye symptoms.
To find out more about Lacritec supplements, call us on (02) 8350 2910 to discuss with one of our friendly optometrists.
6. Protective eyewear
Wearing eyewear can help to protect from environmental irritants such as wind, dust and debris. Sunglasses are a fantastic option as they double as protection from UV damage and can help with light sensitivity caused by dry eyes.
If you’re suffering from Dry Eyes, call us on (02) 8350 2910 to speak with one of our optometrists, we service the following local areas:
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