Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are unfortunately a common and bothersome issue that is reported to have affected 77% of Australians at some point in their lifetime. Dry eyes can cause a range of symptoms, including pain, excess tears, redness, itching, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. Several lifestyle and health factors, such as extended screen time, exposure to smoke or dry air, wearing contact lenses, allergies, and ageing, can trigger dry eyes. With nearly one third of Australians staring at a screen for over 7 hours, it is not surprising that the incidence of dry eyes may be on the rise.

Eyes can become dry when not enough tears are produced, tears evaporate too quickly, or the eyes produce poor-quality tears that fail to provide nourishment and moisture to the eyes. This can result in discomfort, and in severe cases, it can lead to damage to the cornea, which is the clear outer layer at the front of the eye. Dry eyes can be caused by several factors, including:

• Age: as we grow older, our eyes can naturally produce fewer tears, leading to dryness.
• Environmental factors: exposure to wind, smoke, dry air, or air conditioning can cause dry eyes.
• Medical conditions: certain medical conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can cause dry eyes.
• Medications: antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can cause dry eyes.
• Eye conditions: blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and other eye conditions can cause dry eyes.
• Contact lenses: wearing contact lenses can cause dry eyes due to reduced tear production.
• Hormonal changes: hormonal changes during menopause or pregnancy can cause dry eyes.

The treatment for dry eyes depends on the underlying cause of the condition. The most common treatment for mild dry eyes is using artificial tears, which can be prescribed by our eye care professionals. Lifestyle changes can also make a big difference, such as avoiding smoke and dry air, using a humidifier, taking breaks from staring at screens, wearing sunglasses outside, staying hydrated, and consuming more omega-3 fatty acids, may also help alleviate dry eye symptoms.

In some cases, optometrists may recommend home remedies or suggest changes to one's environment or medication to protect the eyes and relieve dry eye symptoms. It’s also important to address any underlying causes of eye dryness to help prevent the problem from continuing to recur and cause you ongoing discomfort.

Book an eye test now.