Common Eye Issues
Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when the eyes don't make enough tears, or because the tears evaporate too quickly.
Dry eye can cause symptoms including:
- Eyes feeling dry / gritty / sore
- Red eyes
- Temporary blurring of vision, which usually improves when you blink
- Watering eyes – this can occur if the eye tries to relieve irritation by producing more tears.
There are many different reasons why dry eye occurs and common causes include:
- Age: dry eye can affect people of any age, but is more common as you grow older
- Gender: dry eye is more common in women than men
- Being in a hot or windy climate
- Wearing contact lenses
- Inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis)
- Side effects of certain medications e.g. antihistamines, antidepressants, beta-blockers and diuretics
- Hormonal changes in women e.g. during the menopause, pregnancy, or while using the contraceptive pill
As there are a variety of causes of dry eye, your Optometrist will recommend the treatment most suitable for your eyes. Common methods of managing dry eye include:
- Environmental changes e.g. reducing the temperature of central heating, avoiding drafts and air conditioning.
- Wearing glasses or sunglasses to protect your eyes from the wind.
- Eye lubricants, which lubricate the eyes and provide extra moisture.
- Keeping your eyelids clean and treating any inflammation (blepharitis)
- Improved diet and/or nutritional supplements e.g. omega-3 fats.
