Dry Eye Treatment

What is Dry Eye?

Tears are a normal part of having a healthy eye and clear vision. Each blink allows the tears to efficiently spread across the front surfaces of the eye (cornea and conjunctiva). Multiple parts of the eye anatomy contribute to sustained healthy tear production, secretion, distribution and retention on the eye. Systemic medications or health conditions can also affect healthy tear production.

When there is low tear production, poor quality tears, abnormalities of the eye surface or eye lids, problematic contact lens wear or environmental challenges (windy, heat, dry or dusty air), this causes issues with the lubrication of the eyes, causing a common problem called dry eyes. While dry eyes is more common in adults, they can affect the younger as well.

Dry eyes are a nuisance, and effective treatment options vary depending on the individual. Apart from the constant discomfort. If left untreated, dry eyes can lead to infection and inflammation. In severe instances, the corneas become scarred, which may require more invasive treatment.

Dry eye symptoms can be seriously uncomfortable. That’s why it is crucial to be assessed and receive tailored treatment at an optometrist with additional equipment. E Eye Place is equipped with the Oculus K5M which provides a comprehensive dry eye assessment.

Common Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eyes are uncomfortable and may cause you to feel like your eyes are burning. Some people also complain about having some of the following dry eye symptoms:

Watery or weepy eyes
Stinging eyes
Scratchy eyes or foreign body sensation
Increased sensitivity to light
Mucous around the eyes
Red eyes
Blurry vision
Eye fatigue
Eyelids twitching or spasming

If you often feel there is something in your eyes even when there is nothing there, it may be due to the increased dryness in your eyes. Although the eye surface is dry, irritation can make your eyes water. If you wear contact lenses, having dry eyes can make it difficult to insert, remove, or wear them for a reasonable amount of timebecause of the discomfort.

Untreated dry eye symptoms can cause serious issues, such as corneal abrasions or sores and eye infections. Your day to day activities will also be affected because dry eyes can prevent you from reading and driving efficiently. In extreme cases, untreated dry eyes can result in vision loss. Speak to us to find out more about our dry eye clinic today.

Common Dry Eye Causes

Your tears are not just for expressing emotions; they exist to keep the eyes healthy. In a normal eye, three important components make it easy to produce tears in simple terms:

1.Fatty oil or oily (lipid) component
2.Aqueous or watery fluid from the lacrimal glands
3.Mucous (mucin) component from the goblet cells in your conjunctiva, the tissue that covers the sclera (white of the eye)

Any problem with these layers can lead to dry eyes, which signals a disruption in the tear film. Causes of tear film dysfunction include (not an exhaustive list):

Hormone changes
Eye allergies
Inflammation of the eyelid glands
Autoimmune disease

Some people have dry eyes because their tear production has decreased, which means there is not enough water produced. This condition is known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Certain people are at risk, including those with Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Medications can also increase dry eye occurrence, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and decongestants.

Others experience an increase in tear evaporation caused by clogged meibomian glands or the tiny glands on the eyelids’ edges. It’s a common condition for people with skin disorders, such as rosacea. If you blink less than normal, have a vitamin A deficiency, and are exposed to dry air or smoke, it may be due to increased tear evaporation.

Age is also a risk factor. Research suggests that older people are more prone to getting dry eyes. About 20% of individuals who are over 75 have the condition, according to this study. However, this condition is common in adults who are in their 50s. Women and people who wear contact lenses have a higher risk, as well.

Book Your Appointment Now!

Talk to us. We’re here to help with any of your dry eye symptoms.

How is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

One of the best ways to diagnose dry eye is through a comprehensive eye exam. A comprehensive eye exam, is a complete assessment of your eyes and vision. It includes an entire history of your eye health, as well as your overall health.

Looking for a dry eye clinic near me? E Eye Place is here in Perth. We offer tests and procedures using the Oculus Keratograph 5M (K5) to diagnose and determine dry eye cause. It’s an extremely fast procedure that supports multiple functions and tests, including Meibography (meibomian gland imaging) and TF-Scan for assessing the tear film.

How Is It Managed or Treated?

Dry eye is a condition that progresses as you age. Unfortunately, there are certain cases where dry eye syndrome cannot be cured completely. The good news is that it’s primarily manageable, which leads to fewer symptoms and greater comfort. Some people even say that their vision has improved.

Prior to the treatment, you will be asked several questions, and your answers will serve as a baseline. The effectiveness of the treatment will depend significantly on how you are willing to follow the optometrist’s advice and recommendations.

At E Eye Place, we have a range of optometry-only products to help you manage your dry eyes. We also offer Blephasteam, an eyelid warming device that helps rid meibomian gland dysfunction and other dry eye-related symptoms. Our optometrists are also therapeutically qualified to prescribe the latest dry eye medications, such as Cequa and Ikervis. Moisture chamber glasses may also be recommended. Artificial tears are not the only solution to dry eye syndrome.

There is no need to look up a dry eye clinic near me on Google. Schedule an appointment with E Eye Place today to have your dry eye managed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dry Eye Be Cured?

There is no cure for dry eyes, although with the correct treatment you can improve the symptoms.

Remember dry eye is a chronic condition. It’s important to continue treatment, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

What Can I Use for My Dry Eyes?

Depending on how severe your dry eye symptoms are can depend on the treatment that we recommend. For severe cases we recommend to book an appointment, in light cases we can recommend:

Dry eye drops
Dry eye spray
Belphasteam
Moisture chamber glasses

Are Watery Eyes Related to Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes can lead to watery eyes, which may appear unusual but is a common symptom of this condition. It occurs when your eyes overproduce tears in an attempt to compensate for rapid tear evaporation, often caused by issues with your eyelid glands. Another potential cause of watery eyes is a partial or complete blockage of the tear ducts located in the corners of your eyes, responsible for draining tears from the eye.

What is Blepharitis?

Dry eye sufferers may encounter eyelid inflammation, also known as blepharitis.

In some cases, harmless skin bacteria can lead to infections along the eyelid margins, resulting in crusting on the lashes or lid edges, especially upon waking, and an uncomfortable itch.

When left unaddressed, blepharitis can trigger inflammation, leading to redness, swelling, and irritation of the eyelids. This inflammation can disrupt the usual tear production process, ultimately contributing to dry eye.