What is Dry Eye?
Dry Eye
Dry eye is a common eye condition that causes your eyes to feel dry, scratchy and uncomfortable. In some cases they may even become red and swollen.
In most cases the symptoms of dry eye are fairly mild and can be easily treated. But in some cases the symptoms are severe enough to cause discomfort and blur your vision.
Dry eye occurs when not enough tears are produced or when tears dissolve too quickly. This can happen when the tear glands stop working correctly or become blocked. Without treatment it can become worse over time and in rare cases lead to visual impairment.
What are the symptoms of Dry Eye?
- Dry, gritty or sore eyes throughout the day
- Red or swollen eyes
- Burning sensation in the eye or eyelids
- Itchy eyes
- Eyelids sticking when you wake up
- Blurred vision
- Watery eyes, particular in windy conditions
What are the causes of Dry Eye?
- Wearing contact lenses
- Dry, hot or windy environment
- Medical conditions
- Side effects of certain medications
- Hormonal changes, particularly in women
- Ageing
- Smoky or dusty environments
How do you treat Dry Eye?
- Changing your environment or lifestyle
- Changing your diet
- Warm compress and eyelid massaging
- Artificial tear drops, gels or ointments
- Prescription medications
- Punctal plugs
- Eyelid Surgery
- LipiFlow Treatment (as offered by Optical Express)
A-Z of eye conditions
A-C
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Aniridia
- Astigmatism
- Blepharitis
- Blepharoplasty
- Blue Light
- Cataract
- Central Serous Retinopathy
- Chalazion
- Choroidal Nevus
- Computer Vision Syndrome
- Conjunctivitis
- Corneal Abrasion
- Cryotherapy
K-M
- Keratitis
- Keratoconus
- Lattice Degeneration
- Lid Hygiene
- Macular Degeneration
- Macular Hole
- Macular Oedema
- Macular Pucker
- Myopia (short-sightedness)
N-R
S-Z
- Scleral Bucking
- Strabismus
- Stye
- Subconjunctival Haemorrhage
- Uveitis