Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a common complaint

Dry eye is a sore, gritty sensation caused by not enough tears being produced or something affecting the quality of tears to form a protective tear film.

Dry eye is common with ageing and is more common in women than men. It is associated with some conditions and medications, and with computer use (not blinking enough).

Tears are made up of three separate secretions: a sticky base layer, a watery mid layer and an oily top layer (which slows tear evaporation). Dry eye is a sore, gritty sensation caused by too little tear production or poor quality tears that form an inadequate film.

Normally tears form a protective film over the surface of the eye, lubricating movement and washing away debris and any toxins. Dry eye can be painful and cause sensitivity to bright light or open air and wind.

Despite the name, the irritation of dry eye may trigger excessive tears. Dry eye may also redden the eyes, but it requires different treatment from allergic conjunctivitis and 'red eye'.

What are the symptoms of dry eye?

Symptoms of dry eye may include any of the following:
stinging or burning of the eye
a sandy or gritty feeling as if something is in the eye
episodes of excess tears following very dry eye periods
a stringy discharge from the eye
pain and redness of the eye
episodes of blurred vision
heavy eyelids
inability to cry when emotionally stressed
uncomfortable contact lenses
decreased tolerance of reading, working on the computer, or any activity that requires sustained visual attention
eye fatigue.

You should seek medical advice if:

the eye is painful or red
it is harder to see well or your vision is blurred
the eye has a coloured discharge or your eyelids are stuck together on waking
you have glaucoma
you have rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes
the dry eye persists for seven to 10 days, despite treatment.

What is the treatment for dry eye?
Blinking more often and using a warm compress to stimulate healthy operation of the eye’s lubricating glands are good self-help measures.

Eye drops containing artificial tears can help.

HYLO-FORTE EYE DROPS
HYLO-FORTE® lubricating eye drops for severe or chronic dry eye and post operative use.