Overcome Irritating Dry Eye Problems

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Do you frequently notice a slightly scratchy sensation or a feeling that something is in your eye? You may have also observed that your eyes tire quite quickly. If this happens on a regular basis, it is quite likely that you are suffering from dry eye syndrome.  This aggravating condition can prevent you from doing some everyday and necessary tasks such as computer work and reading.

Here's what you need to know about this irritating condition and ways to relieve those annoying symptoms.

Realize the Prevalence of Dry Eye

Statistics show that one in five Australians have experienced dry eye, and long hours of exposure to air-conditioning and screen-based work has led to a considerable increase in the number of sufferers.

Understand What Is Meant by Dry Eye

The dry eye syndrome occurs when there are not have enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep the eye surface moist and comfortable. Tears are composed a complex mixture of water, oily compounds, mucus and proteins to protect the eye surface from irritants and pathogens in the environment.

The correct  lubrication of the eye depends on a precise procedure:

  • Every time we blink a slight film of tears sweeps over the surface of the eye.
  • A very thin coating of lipids or fatty compounds sit on top of the watery film to preserve it.
  • The film needs to stay intact between each blink to maintain eye health and comfort.

Recognize the Causes of Dry Eye

The condition occurs when either tear production is insufficient, tears evaporate too quickly or the composition of the tears is out of balance.

Many factors can contribute to these circumstances:

  • Advancing age - as tear production reduces
  • Medications - antihistamines, diuretics anxiety medications and oral contraceptives
  • Environmental factors - wind, dry air and smoke evaporate tears rapidly
  • Prolonged computer screen time -  which encourages insufficient blinking
  • Medical conditions - such as arthritis
  • Surgery - for cataract removal  and laser corrections

Know Your Treatment Options

It is vital to consult with a professional who can determine the exact cause of your condition and prescribe the correct treatment accordingly.  Your optometrist is qualified to devise a specific treatment strategy which may mean increasing tear production, maintaining the volume of the tear film or preventing excess evaporation of tears.

Symptoms can be successfully managed with a range of options, including:

  • Changing your current medications which may be contributing to the condition
  • Obtaining over the counter eye drop or gels to lubricate the surface of the eye
  • Making environmental changes such as reducing screen time with more frequent breaks, performing eye blinking exercises to replenish tears
  • Inserting plugs in the tear ducts to prevent tears form draining too rapidly

The health of your eyes is vital, so the sooner you can consult with your optometrist, the faster your relief strategy can be put into action.

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23 April 2018

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Thanks for visiting my health blog! My name's Caroline. A few years ago, I started to notice changes in my appearance. My hair was dull, my eyes were circled with dark rings, and my skin was looking like it used to when I was a teenager. When cosmetic treatments didn't fix things, I realised the problem wasn't on the outside of my body—it was on the inside! That's when I started researching how to keep myself healthy. To my surprise, improving my internal health really worked. A few years down the line, I feel and look better than ever, and I'm ready to share what I've learned with all of you.