Dry Eyes: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition where eyes lack tears, causing discomfort and blurry vision. It can affect anyone, especially older adults. Find out more about this common condition.

Recommended Actions

Maintain eye health by using over-the-counter artificial tears, gels, gel inserts, and ointments, adopting good eye care habits such as taking breaks from screen time and protecting your eyes from wind and sun, and incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids into your diet.

Recommended Avoidances

Protect your eyes from dryness by limiting screen time with regular breaks, avoiding direct airflow from sources like hair dryers or fans, and introducing moisture to dry environments with a portable humidifier at home or in the office.

Prevention Tips

Safeguard your eyes by wearing sunglasses outdoors to reduce wind and sun exposure, maintain eye moisture with artificial tears, and steer clear of smoke, as smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke can worsen dry eye symptoms.

Condition 101

Dry eye syndrome, often simply referred to as dry eyes, is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears for adequate lubrication, or when tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, and if left untreated, potentially some level of visual impairment. The condition is prevalent, especially among older adults, but can affect individuals of any age.

Stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
Red eyes
Sensitivity to light
A feeling of something being in the eyes
Difficulty with nighttime driving
Blurry vision or eye fatigue
Watery eyes, which is the body's response to the irritation of dry eyes
Discomfort wearing contact lenses
Age: Dry eyes are a part of the natural aging process, most commonly affecting people over the age of 50.
Gender: Women are more likely to develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause or the use of oral contraceptives.
Medications: Certain medicines, including antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapies, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production.
Medical conditions: People with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid problems are more likely to have symptoms of dry eyes. Also, problems with inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis), inflammation of the surfaces of the eye, or the inward or outward turning of eyelids can cause dry eyes.
Certain factors increase the risk of developing dry eyes:

Being older than 50
Being female
Consuming a diet low in vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids
Wearing contact lenses
Regularly using a computer
Seek medical attention if you've experienced prolonged symptoms of dry eyes, such as red, irritated, fatigued, or painful eyes. If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks and over-the-counter eye drops aren't providing relief, consult your healthcare provider.

Diagnosing dry eyes involves a comprehensive examination of your eye and your health history. Tests may include:

Tear function tests, such as Schirmer's test
Determination of tear film stability, measured via tear break-up time
Ocular surface staining to reveal damage to the eye's surface
Use of special dyes in eye drops to identify corneal and conjunctival changes
Tear osmolarity test for determining tear film imbalance
Meibomian gland imaging, capturing detailed images of the oil glands in your eyelids
Diagnosing dry eyes involves a comprehensive examination of your eye and your health history. Tests may include:

Tear function tests, such as Schirmer's test
Determination of tear film stability, measured via tear break-up time
Ocular surface staining to reveal damage to the eye's surface
Use of special dyes in eye drops to identify corneal and conjunctival changes
Tear osmolarity test for determining tear film imbalance
Meibomian gland imaging, capturing detailed images of the oil glands in your eyelids
One common misconception about dry eyes is that it’s merely a minor inconvenience and cannot escalate into a severe condition. In reality, chronic dry eye can lead to complications if not properly managed, making it crucial to follow your doctor's advice and recommendations.
Conditions that may resemble dry eye syndrome include allergic conjunctivitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and certain systemic diseases such as Sjogren's syndrome. Distinguishing these conditions requires a thorough examination and tests conducted by an eye care professional.

CONTACT US

Treatment Options

Need more information about Dry Eyes, contact us for more help on treatment or advise.

Artificial tears
Ointments or drops containing antihistamines for allergic conjunctivitis

Antibiotic eye drops or ointments for bacterial conjunctivitis
Antiviral medications for conjunctivitis caused by certain viruses

Call Now

Visit us

Our Boutique Pharmacies

Knightsbridge Branch

Mon-Sat: 10:00 - 01:00
Sun: 11:00 - 01:00

40 Knightsbridge
London
SW1X 7JN

Directions

Call Branch

Marble Arch Branch

Mon-Sat: 10:00 - 00:00
Sun: 11:00 - 00:00

99 Edgware Road
London
W2 2HX

Directions

Call Branch

Edgware Road Branch

Mon-Sat: 09:00 - 01:00
Sun: 10:00 - 01:00

160 Edgware Road
London
W2 2DS

Directions

Call Branch

Kensington Branch

Mon-Sat: 10:00 - 01:00
Sun: 11:00 - 01:00

19 High Street Kensington
London
W8 5NP

Directions

Call Branch

Cart0 items