Sydney CBD

EYE CONDITIONS

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes may result with insufficient tear production. It can cause discomfort and a range of symptoms in the eyes.

Symptoms of dry eyes

Typical symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:

  • Stinging or burning eyes
  • Scratchiness
  • Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
  • Irritation from smoke or wind
  • Excess tearing
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses

What causes dry eyes?

There are many causes of dry eye syndrome. Listed below are some of the most common:

  • Natural lessening of tear production as you age
  • Prescription and over-the-counter medications that interfere with tear secretion

How is it treated?

Several treatment options can ease the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Some of the most common treatments include:

  • Artificial tears (available in over-the-counter)
  • Omega 3 Fatty Acid Oils (a dietary supplement
  • Restasis (a prescription medication drop)
  • Punctal Plugs (silicone plugs that reduce the natural drainage of tears out of the eye)
  • LipiFlow

In healthy eyes, a thin layer of tears coats the outside surface of the eye and keeps it moist. Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eye doesn’t make enough tears, produces ineffective tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to dryness, stickiness, and stinging or burning of the eyes. Sometimes the eyes water excessively in an effort to soothe the irritation, but these reflex tears are usually not enough to fix the problem. If you experience dry eye conditions, don’t delay in speaking with your doctor. Dry eye syndrome is more than a nuisance—left untreated, severe cases can lead to inflammation, infection, and scarring of the eye surface that can affect vision. Today, there are many treatment options to help those who sufferer from Dry Eye:

Environmental Treatments :
Often, small adjustments to your daily habits—such as smoking cessation or aiming heating and air-conditioning ducts away from your face—can lead to improvement.

Dietary Treatments :
Diets high in the omega-3 fatty acids found fish, nuts, or supplements can also reduce dry eye symptoms.

Medical Treatments :
For others, tear replacement drops can help re-establish moisture to the eye or small plugs placed in the tear ducts can prevent tears from draining away too quickly. In addition, a new prescription medication called cyclosporin—marketed under the brand name Restasis®—is also available to help your tear glands produce more of your own natural tears.