The effect of alcohol on eye health
Many people in the UK indulge frequently indulge in alcohol and so more and more we are beginning to hear encouragement to reduce our intake.
Dry Eye
What is dry eye?
Dry eye is, in fact, a fairly common condition that happens when your eyes are unable to receive proper lubrication from your tears.
There are a number of reasons why your tears might not be effective enough, such as the tears themselves being of poor quality or not producing enough tears. If you are suffering from dry eyes then you will find that your eyes are stinging or burning and the whole experience is generally rather uncomfortable.
Many sufferers of dry eyes find that it occurs when they are in certain environments, like sitting on an aeroplane, riding a bike, staring extensively at a computer screen or sitting in an airconditioned room.
There are ways to treat dry eyes, such as using eye drops or even making certain lifestyle changes. In order to control your dry eyes in the long term, you would need to continue to follow the prescribed treatment.
What causes dry eye?
1. Lack of suitable tears
Tears are made up of mucus, oil and water. If your tear composition is imbalanced in any way then it could make them less effective, leading to dry eyes.
2. Creating fewer tears
The medical term for this problem is keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It can happen as you get older, if you have certain medical conditions, if you've had laser eye surgery or your tear glands have been damaged by radiation or inflammation.
3. Increased level of tear evaporation
You will find this happens when you blink more often, have eyelid problems or spend a lot of time in windy, smokey or dry air.
Symptoms of dry eye
Symptoms of dry eyes include the following:
- Stringy mucus around or in your eyes
- Difficulty with driving at night
- Eye fatigue or blurred vision
- Eye redness
- Feeling like there’s something in your eyes
- A burning, scratchy or stinging sensation in the eyes
- Watery eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Having difficulty wearing contact lenses.
- Itchy eyes
It is best to consult with your GP if you believe you have dry eyes.
Will pregnancy affect my eyesight?
When a woman falls pregnant she may anticipate certain symptoms such as food cravings, morning sickness and an altering body shape, but did you know
The connection between dry eyes and blepharitis
Watery eyes? Tired eyes? Red eyes? Itchy eyes? Blurry eyes? Dry eye can present with many different symptoms but is one of the most common
Many people attend an eye examination complaining of watery eyes, only to be told at the end of the appointment that their eyes are actually
The DIY process to dry eye management
One of the most frequent tasks a Dispensing Optician performs is the routine management of Dry Eye Syndrome or Blepharitis. The ‘Big Umbrella’ with which
Do dry eyes get worse in winter?
As the humidity drops, it’s not just chapped lips, extra clothing and flu we have to worry about. Dry eyes can be at their worst
4 dry eye health tips: Keeping your eyes healthy
Once your optometrist knows what is causing your dry eye, they can give you advice on how to manage it. There are four main ways
Searching for a look you love?
Discover quality frames and personalised fitting service at your local independent optician.