Dry Eye Syndrome

It may sound like a contradiction but those with dry eye syndrome may notice their eyes water more than normal. This is their eyes’ response to the irritation caused by the condition. Another common symptom is the inability to keep the eyes open for an extended period of time due to soreness and a stinging sensation, which may be worsened with prolonged reading or watching television.

Usually affecting both eyes, other common symptoms to look out for include:

• Stinging or burning sensations in your eyes
• Mucus in or around your eyes
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Redness of the eyes
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Blurred vision or eye fatigue

If these symptoms begin to interfere with your daily routine or are present to the point of causing pain, we recommend you to book an appointment with a LASERSIGHT Consultant Optometrist.

Your LASERSIGHT doctor will administer a simple, non-invasive eye examination. This includes:

• External eye examination: focusing on the eyelids and cornea, your eye care professional uses a slit lamp microscope to identify how long it takes your tears to evaporate.
• Schimer Test: involves using blotting paper strips under the lower eyelids to gauge the strength of your tear production.
• Determining the Quality of Your Tears: your eye care professional will also use specialised methods, which may include different dyes to stain the cornea, in order to measure the time it takes for your tears to evaporate.

• Increased age. Tear production tends to diminish as you get older. Dry eyes are common in people over 50.
• More common in women, especially if they experience hormonal changes due to pregnancy, using birth control pills or menopause.
• Wearing contact lenses
• Workplaces that operate in low humidity or have poor air quality
• Prolonged periods of time staring at a computer or device
• A diet that is low in vitamin A or low in omega-3 fatty acids.

• Use artificial tears regularly. Eye drops to keep your eyes well-lubricated.
• Add moisture to the air. In winter, a humidifier can add moisture to dry indoor air.
• Sunglasses or protective eyewear. To protect your eyes from sunlight and dry wind.
• Take eye breaks during long tasks. If you're reading or doing another task that requires visual concentration, close your eyes for a few minutes. Or blink repeatedly for a few seconds to help spread your tears evenly over your eyes.
• Position your computer screen below eye level. Position your computer screen below eye level so that you won't open your eyes as wide.
• Stop smoking and avoid smoke.

• Eye infections. Your tears protect the surface of your eyes from infection. Without adequate tears, you may have an increased risk of eye infection.
• Damage to the surface of your eyes. If left untreated, severe dry eyes may lead to eye inflammation, abrasion of the corneal surface, corneal ulcer and vision problems.
• Decreased quality of life. Dry eyes can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as reading.

For the majority of patients, dry eye syndrome can be managed as an ongoing condition with over-the-counter eye drops. If your symptoms are more persistent you may find anti-inflammatory prescription medicine that’s helpful in decreasing cornea damage. They may also help ease symptoms and increase basic tear production.

Your treatment will depend on individual circumstances however, the following methods for treating dry eye syndrome are common.

• Light therapy
• Eye drops to control cornea inflammation
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• The use of artificial tears throughout the day
• Tear stimulating medication