SYMPTOMS OF DRY EYE
Sore, gritty eyes, feeling tired and blurred towards the end of the day, are all symptoms of ocular surface disease, commonly known as: dry eye.
An increasingly common problem, we have a specialist interest in relieving symptoms of dry eye, and preventing long term complications.
At our Dry eye clinic your optometrist will carefully assess and diagnose your needs giving sensible pragmatic solutions to your dry eye problems.
We are constantly looking at our screens, working, socialising, and when resting.
When we look at a screen we blink less. The moisture in our eyes isn’t refreshed, and over time our eyes become dry. We’re also all getting older, meaning that our eyes are gradually producing less moisture.
WHY ARE TEARS IMPORTANT?
Moisture on our eyes keeps our eyes;
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Feeling comfortable.
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Seeing clearly.
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Prevents infections.
The tears have layers, all important, but too much or too little of each one can cause discomfort and dryness.
THE THREE COMPONENTS OF TEARS
Too few tears, or too little of either of the three tear layers, the eyes will begin to feel dry.
With not enough lipid (oily) tears, the eyes will compensate by increasing Aqueous (watery) tear production. Watery tears are salty, and therefore actually increase the dry eye problem in the long run.
WHY ARE OUR EYES BECOMING DRY?
Phones, computers, central heating, contact lenses;
Our eyes get used a lot, and with phones, laptops, Working from home, the demands we put on our eyes are large. The weather and seasons also play a part, from seasonal allergic eye disease to dry eyes in the winter with the heating on.
Just like dry skin in the winter months, the eyes feel it too.
Treating Ocular surface (dry eye).
Sometimes symptoms can be reduced by altering lifestyle influences that are mentioned above. Simple environmental changes can such as air conditioning, breaks from VDU, and protecting the eyes from cold wind with glasses or sunglasses may also help.
At Lambrou we can give you advice on how to best treat your dry eyes. With in-practice procedures, and at home therapies, we have a wealth of knowledge to give.
Meibomian Gland dysfunction (MGD) accounts for 86% of ocular surface disease. Left untreated, this can lead to functional and structural changes that are permanent. Something as simple as regular use of a heat mask, and massage, with eyelid hygiene, can treat MGD.
IN PRACTICE, WE CAN OFFER
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Targeted expression of the Meibomian glands to remove blockages and improve tear production.
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Deep eyelid cleaning to remove all debris and infective material on the eyelids.
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Fitting of dissolvable and permanent punctal plugs to create a reservoir of tears.
We will assess the severity of your dry eye condition, diagnose the cause, and with you decide on the most appropriate treatment plan.