Dry Eye

Women and people over the age of 50 seem to be more predisposed to dry eye.

• Age: As you age, your eyelids become less effective at spreading your tears across your eye as you blink. In addition, the glands in your eyes that make the oily part of your tears becomes less effective. Sometimes these glands can be blocked and your eyelids red and irritated, leading to a condition called blepharitis.
• Drugs and health problems: Changes in hormone levels, during the menopause or while using the contraceptive pill, can increase the chances of dry eye in women. If this is the case, speak to your doctor or contact Taank for advice. Autoimmune diseases can also result in dry eye.
• Smokers: Smoking has been linked to dry eye, both as a potential cause and something that aggravates the condition.

If you have been diagnosed with dry eye or you have symptoms, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several ways to regain comfort and manage this frustrating condition.

• Keep your eyelids clean: Gently clean your eyelids to remove bacteria that can lead to dry eye symptoms.
• Avoid make-up: Eyeliner, particularly when applied to the rim of the eyelids, can block the glands that produce the oily, lubricating component of your tears.
• Review your environment: Central heating, draughts and air conditioning can all accelerate evaporation of tears and make your eyes feel drier than ever. Turn down your central heating, redirect car air vents away from your face, and consider using a humidifier to slow down evaporation.
• Use ocular lubricants: Eye lubricants come in the form of drops, gels, ointments or a spray, and are available over the counter. The best don’t contain preservatives, or at least very gentle preservatives, which helps to reduce irritation.
  • If drops wash out of your eye too quickly, choose a gel, which is thicker so stays in your eye longer.
  • Ointment is best if your eyes dry out at night because you don’t fully close your eyelids. Since ointments can also blur your vision they’re best used at night while you sleep.
  • Sprays help replenish the oily layer of your tears so they’re great if you know that your tears evaporate too quickly. Apply onto the edges of your eyelids when your eyes are shut and when you open your eyes the solution will spread across the surface of your eye.
  • Use an eye bag, a heat pad that unblocks the glands in your eyelids and helps produce more of the oily part of the tears. Ask your optician for more information.
• Regular eye exams: Stay on top of your condition and look out for any related eye problems such as blepharitis.
• Punctum plugs: Tears drain away into your nose via small drainage channels in your eyelids. Small punctum plugs can be inserted into the holes in your lower eyelids to prevent drainage. Ask your Cambridge optician for more information.
• Take screen breaks: There’s no evidence that looking at screens does damage to your eyes, but it can make you blink less often. When you use a computer, remember to look away regularly, even for a few seconds, to give your eyes a break.

The Taank team regularly treats patients with dry eye. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have any questions concerning eye health, book an eye exam today.