Understanding Dry Eyes
At Shire Optometrists, we know how important eye health is to your overall well-being. Dry eye syndrome, or simply “dry eyes,” is a common condition affecting many Australians, particularly in our hot and dry climate. If you’ve ever experienced persistent eye irritation, redness, or the sensation that something is in your eye, you might be experiencing dry eyes.
Dry eyes occur when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are crucial for maintaining healthy eyes, providing lubrication, reducing the risk of infection, and clearing away particles. When your tear production is compromised, you may experience symptoms such as:
A gritty or burning sensation
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Redness
Sensitivity to light
Eye fatigue
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Several factors can contribute to dry eyes, and understanding these can help in managing the condition effectively:
Environmental Factors
Climate: Australia’s dry, hot climate, particularly in the summer months, can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Wind and low humidity can accelerate tear evaporation, leaving your eyes feeling parched. In the winter the cold and dry air can make dry eyes worse.
Indoor Conditions: Air conditioning, heaters, and fans, commonly used in homes, workplaces and cars, can decrease humidity levels indoors, leading to dry eyes.
Screen Time: Staring at screens reduces your blink rate, reducing your tear film replenishment with subsequent drying of the eyes surface.
Age and Gender
Aging: Tear production tends to decrease with age, making dry eyes more common in people over 50.
Gender: Women are more prone to dry eyes due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, and menopause.
Medical Conditions
Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid abnormalities, and lupus can affect tear production.
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves responsible for tear production.
Medications: Some medications, including blood pressure medications, glaucoma drops, antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production.
Contact Lenses
Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can irritate the eyes and contribute to dryness. The lenses absorb the tears, further aggravating the problem.
Managing dry eyes involves a combination of lifestyle changes, environmental adjustments, and medical treatment. Here are some effective strategies to alleviate dry eye symptoms:
Lifestyle and Environmental Adjustments
Use a humidifier at home or in your office to add moisture to the air, especially during winter when indoor heating is prevalent.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to give your eyes a break from screens.
Protect your eyes from wind and sun exposure by wearing sunglasses when outdoors.
Drinking plenty of water helps maintain overall body hydration, which is essential for tear production.
Artificial Tears and Lubricating Eye Drops
Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide temporary relief by lubricating the eyes and replenishing moisture. For chronic dry eyes, preservative-free options are often recommended to avoid irritation.
Warm Compresses and Eyelid Hygiene
Applying a warm compress to your eyes can help unclog oil glands and improve tear quality. Additionally, maintaining eyelid hygiene by gently cleaning your eyelids with a mild cleanser can prevent gland blockages.
Omega-3 Supplements
Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet through supplements or foods like fish oil, flaxseed oil, and walnuts may improve tear production and reduce inflammation.
Prescription Medications
If over-the-counter treatments aren’t sufficient, medication may be required to help increase tear production.
While mild cases of dry eyes can often be managed with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments, persistent or severe symptoms require professional evaluation.
At Shire Optometrists, we are experts in treating Dry Eyes, so if you are experiencing ongoing discomfort, schedule an appointment with us to explore treatment options and regain the comfort and clarity your eyes deserve.
