Our comprehensive guide to Dry Eye Syndrome
Are your eyes constantly tearing up or do you often experience a stinging sensation in your eyes? You may have dry eye syndrome. Don’t worry – this common condition affects millions worldwide and is manageable with the right solutions.
In our comprehensive guide, we’ll cover what it is, its signs and symptoms, related conditions, treatments available, and lifestyle tips that can help protect against developing this condition.
Understanding dry eye syndrome
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes fail to produce enough tears or the tears produced are of poor quality. Tears are crucial for maintaining comfortable vision and eye health as they lubricate the eye’s surface and protect it against infections.
What causes dry eye syndrome
Dry eyes can be a frustrating and uncomfortable eye problem to deal with daily, and our modern lifestyles don’t help either! Various factors can contribute to dry eye syndrome, including hormonal changes, contact lens wear, excessive digital device use, medication side effects, and underlying health conditions. Certain environmental factors like hot and windy climates, exposure to cigarette smoke, and dry indoor air can also worsen dry eye symptoms.
Common symptoms of dry eye syndrome
Many people experience dry eye symptoms, which can include feeling like there is something gritty in the eye, as well as itchy, sore, and red eyes. At times, dry eyes can even cause blurry vision and sensitivity to light. It’s also not uncommon for those with dry eyes to experience more watery eyes than usual in response to the irritation. With the right care and management, it is possible to alleviate dry eye symptoms and make them more manageable.
Diagnosis and treatments
If you’re in the Finchley Central, Potters Bar or Temple Fortune areas and wondering ‘where can I find dry eye treatment near me?’, look no further than Optikal Opticians. We have invested in advanced technology, such as the Idra device, which allows us to analyse a patient’s tear film to diagnose the specific type of dry eye disease accurately. From there, we can tailor a treatment plan that’s perfect for you.
Our two treatments, Activa and TearStim, are both highly effective. Using heating and massage technology, Activa helps to naturally increase tear production by relieving tension symptoms and swelling of the eyes. TearStim follows on from Activa and stimulates the production of tears using regulated pulse light technology, promoting a healthy and balanced tear film.
Taking care of your eyes at home
Dry eyes can be uncomfortable and even painful, and while professional treatments can help, there are also steps you can take at home to manage them. Keeping your eyelids clean daily helps prevent build-up of debris, while taking regular breaks from screens can reduce eye strain.
Positioning your screen at arms length and remembering to blink frequently to spread moisture across your eyes will help keep dry eyes caused by digital eye strain at bay, and using a humidifier can prevent the air indoors from becoming too dry.
Additionally, regularly using artificial tears can help lubricate your eyes and reduce dryness throughout the day. By incorporating these simple habits into your routine, you can help keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms or want to learn more about our dry eye treatments, don’t hesitate to contact our opticians in Potters Bar, Finchley Central, or Temple Fortune – we’re here to help you find relief from dry eye syndrome!