Dry eyes can manifest in a variety of symptoms beyond just discomfort. From fluctuations in vision to heavy eyelids, the signs of dry eyes can be subtle yet impactful on daily life.
Dry eyes are highly prevalent, with an estimated global impact on up to 100 million individuals, including 1 in 4 people in the UK.
Watch our world-class optician Dr Patel discussing everything you need to know about dry eyes in the video below. This blogpost will be summarising his expert insight and discussions on the topic.
Main symptoms of dry eyes & how to recognise them
While dryness is a prime symptom of dry eyes, individuals who are suffering from dry eyes may experience a range of other symptoms.
These can include:
- Dryness
- Burning sensation
- Red eyes
- Itchiness
- Fluctuations in vision
- Heavy eyelids
- Discomfort in eyes
- Watery eyes
Some people may not immediately associate these symptoms with dry eyes, especially if their vision seems unaffected or if they don’t wear corrective lenses. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to book an eye test.
Lifestyle habits that can worsen dry eyes
With the prevalence of digital devices, many of us find ourselves staring at screens for extended periods, blinking less frequently, and moving our eyes less than recommended. These subtle changes can exacerbate dry eye symptoms and contribute to what some term the “dry eye epidemic”.
So what should you do if your job requires long periods of screentime to prevent dry eyes?
- Take regular breaks from screen time.
- Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Ensure proper lighting and screen brightness to reduce eye strain.
- Blink frequently to keep eyes moisturised.
- Adjust screen settings to reduce glare and blue light emission.
- Consider using lubricating eye drops recommended by a healthcare professional.
- Use a humidifier to maintain a comfortable level of moisture in the air.
- Practise good posture to minimise strain on your eyes and neck.
Can causes dry eyes be a symptom of underlying health conditions?
Dry eyes can also stem from various underlying causes within the body. Autoimmune disorders and inflammation, for instance, are known contributors to dry eye syndrome.
Additionally, certain medications, such as those used to treat acne, can lead to dry eyes as a side effect. Hormonal changes, more common in women, may also play a role, highlighting the importance of comprehensive evaluations during eye examinations to identify potential causes.
Women are twice as prone to experiencing dry eye compared to men, with approximately 60% of postmenopausal women affected by this condition.
Treatments to alleviate dry eye discomfort
Managing dry eyes typically involves a multi-faceted approach aimed at alleviating symptoms and addressing underlying issues. Home remedies, such as taking breaks from screens and using warm compresses, can provide temporary relief for itchy eyelids. However, these methods may have limited effectiveness in the long term.
Medical management, including prescription eye drops with anti-inflammatory properties, offers another avenue for treatment. These drops help reduce inflammation, a key factor in dry eye syndrome.
Additionally, in-practice treatments like intense pulse light (IPL) therapy and eyelid cleaning procedures can target specific underlying causes of dry eyes, providing more comprehensive relief.
At Safarian and Simon, our expert professionals provide top-tier IPL treatment for dry eyes, ensuring optimal care and effective relief for our patients.
Innovative treatment options
Looking ahead, advancements in dry eye treatment continue to emerge. For instance, the use of amniotic membrane derived from placental tissue, shows promise in promoting natural healing of the cornea.
Such innovative approaches underscore the ongoing research and development in the field of dry eye management, with practitioners striving to stay at the forefront of these developments to offer patients the most effective treatments available.
These advanced treatments are exclusively available at select few clinics like Safarian & Simon, distinguishing us from services offered by high street opticians.
Book an appointment with London’s best opticians
Ready to find relief for your dry eyes?
Book your appointment with Safarian and Simon today and start your journey towards improved eye health and comfort.
