Dry Eye

The upcoming sections will provide you with actionable tips and expert advice from our team of eye care professionals to help you adopt the right habits and eliminate dry eye so that you can effectively treat your symptoms and enjoy clear and comfortable vision once again.

We encourage you to take action and follow these guidelines, but should you require additional support or assistance, or are struggling to do it on your own, we are here to guide you. But without your commitment to help yourself, our support can only go so far.

Please be aware that the information provided here is not a substitute for the personalised assessment and guidance you receive in a face-to-face consultation with a qualified professional.

Explore the sections:

Dry Eye Is a ‘Home Treatment’
How your visual habits affect your long-term ocular health.

What Is Dry Eye?
The root cause of dry eye and significance of the meibomian glands.

Symptoms
What to look out for.

How We Conduct a Detailed Evaluation
How we determine the underlying cause of your specific dry eye.

Lifestyle Changes and Home Treatments
Essential habits to safeguard your vision.

Exacerbating Conditions
Pathological conditions known to cause dry eye.

Dry Eye Treatments at AccuVision
Range of available treatments for dry eye patients.

Advanced Clinical Treatments at AccuVision
Specialised in-clinic technology for patients with severe dry eye.

Why Should Dry Eye Be Treated?
How unmanaged dry eye can lead to more serious conditions.

Key Takeaway
Our most important message to you.

Dry Eye is a ‘Home Treatment’

To put it simply, you can treat dry eye from the comfort of your own home.

While topical medications such as eye drops can offer immediate relief, they are merely a short-term solution. To achieve long-term relief from dry eye, it’s crucial to adopt a holistic approach. This involves making a conscious effort to improve your daily habits and lifestyle. By following a nutritious diet rich in vitamins and nutrients, establishing healthy habits around digital screen usage, and reducing the use of makeup and astringents like makeup remover, you can eliminate dry eye at its root cause and achieve lasting relief.

While our clinical advice and treatments are designed to provide you with relief from dry eye symptoms and push back the clock on its progression, you can take greater control of your ocular health by adopting a healthy visual routine and being mindful of habits that may worsen your symptoms.

It’s crucial to recognize that, even with treatment, neglecting your visual health may cause dry eye to return or worsen. And by making lasting changes to your habits and lifestyle, you can better manage your condition and prevent dry eye.

It’s also important to understand that, just like visiting the dental hygienist for regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy ocular routine is crucial for your visual health — Although scaling can help address gum disease, it’s still essential to practice good oral hygiene habits to prevent further deterioration.

Similarly, your ocular health can decline if you do not take regular measures to maintain it. Dry eyes, in this case, are often a symptom of prolonged strain on your visual system. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you prioritize regular ocular upkeep to ensure long-term visual health and well-being.

Your eyes are your personal responsibility, and no treatment can fully address the effects of repeated strain or neglect on one of your most vital organs.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition that can significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to see clearly, focus on daily tasks and can lead to other eye-related complications.

The prevalence of this condition has been on the rise due to lifestyle changes brought on by our digital age, however, with proper care and attention, dry eye can be effectively managed.

Consider your tear film as a protective shield for your eyes — A thin layer of tears that covers your eye’s surface and acts as a barrier against harmful environmental elements, keeping your eyes moist and allowing for smooth and comfortable blinking.

As shown in the image on the right, the tear film consists of three layers: a mucous layer, a watery layer, and an oily layer. These substances are secreted by glands around your eyes, including the meibomian glands that produce the outer oil layer of the tear film.

This oil layer helps to prevent rapid evaporation of your tears, making the meibomian glands crucial in understanding dry eye. Dry eye arises when the tear film is inadequate or insufficient, exposing your eye to the elements and causing irritation, damage and even other, more serious ocular diseases.

There are two main types of dry eye: evaporative dry eye and aqueous deficiency dry eye.

Evaporative dry eye is like a pot of soup that has been left on the stove too long without a lid — the liquid evaporates too quickly, leaving behind a concentrated, thick residue. Similarly, in evaporative dry eye, the oil-producing meibomian glands don’t produce enough oil to keep the tears from evaporating too quickly. Meibomian gland dysfunction is the most common cause of this type of dry eye.

Aqueous deficiency dry eye, on the other hand, is like a garden in a drought — the soil is too dry and there’s not enough water to nourish the plants. In this type of dry eye, the tear glands don’t produce enough water to keep the eyes hydrated.

Symptoms

• Grittiness, stinging or burning: Common symptoms caused by a lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the eye.
• Watery eyes: This may seem counterintuitive, but when your eyes are dry, they may overproduce reflex tears which do not provide the same benefits as normal tears.
• Tired eyes: Your vision may look blurry or hazy, so your eyes have to work harder to maintain focus and clarity.
• Tears that feel sticky: When your tear film lacks the proper balance of mucous, water and oil, your tears can become sticky or stringy.
• Blurry vision: The lack of sufficient moisture can distort the light entering your eye. This hazy or blurry vision can be especially noticeable when looking at objects up close, like reading or using a computer.
• Light sensitivity: Inadequate moisture can mean that the cornea is more exposed, making it more sensitive to light and causing discomfort and pain.
• Crusting around the eyelids on waking: When your eyes are dry, they don’t produce enough tears to wash away everyday debris and bacteria. When these materials dry out, they can form a crust.

If you have been experiencing symptoms such as dryness, redness, or a gritty sensation in your eyes, following the advice provided on this page can lead to significant improvement. Nevertheless, if you are concerned about the severity of your symptoms or are experiencing a marked decline in your quality of life, we encourage you to reach out to our specialist eyecare team for assistance.

Our team of optometrists and ophthalmologists will work closely with you to identify the underlying causes of your dry eye and develop a personalised treatment plan to get your tear film back in balance before complications occur. We will also help you find the exact visual habits that you need to amend for your specific condition and prevent dry eye in the future.

How We Conduct a Detailed Evaluation

We conduct a comprehensive clinical examination to gain a complete understanding of your symptoms, medical history and the progression of your dry eye. This involves utilising advanced diagnostic tools for a thorough corneal evaluation, providing precise readings for:

1. Tear meniscus height — the depth of the small pool of tears that accumulates at the edge of your eyelids,
2. Tear film break-up time — or TBUT test, where a special dye is used to determine the quality or quantity of your tears,
3. Tear production — shown in the image on the right, the Schirmer test involves placing a small paper strip under the lower eyelid to measure the amount of tears produced.

Lifestyle Changes and Home Treatments

Lifestyle Changes

Here are several simple lifestyle changes that can help improve the health of your meibomian glands, enhance the quality of oils they produce, and avoid contaminants that can worsen dry eye symptoms:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes.
• Use a humidifier in your home to increase the moisture in the air.
• Avoid rubbing or pulling on your eyelids — the friction can damage your meibomian glands and introduce new bacteria into the eye.
• Wear sunglasses that provide UV protection —cellular injury from prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to decreased tear production.
• Take regular breaks if you work on a computer or use your phone for long periods of time — the irregular blinking and prolonged eye strain from these activities can worsen your symptoms. Follow the 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes of screen time, spend 20 seconds looking into the distance, at least 20 yards away.
• Avoid smoking or vaping, including exposure to second-hand smoke — you introduce harmful chemicals into your blood that cause oxidative stress and inflammation, damaging the ocular tissues.
• 
• Contact Lens Use: Contact lenses can lead to eye irritation and inflammation, particularly when they are not used or cared for properly. Improper use and care increase the likelihood of developing eye infections, which can damage the tissues and result in dry eye symptoms. Remember: wash your hands, wash your lens, rinse your lens case and use fresh solution.
• Avoid makeup around your eyes and choose gentle products —this includes not only eye makeup: mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow, but also full-face makeup like foundations and facial powders. Various chemicals in these products can cause inflammation, make tears evaporate faster by destabilising the tear film, and, the astringents in makeup remover can physically irritate the eye and tear glands. Remove makeup carefully, avoid rubbing your eyes with makeup in, and consider incorporating lubricating eye drops into your makeup removal routine.

Diet, Vitamins & Nutrients

While there are many factors that can contribute to dry eye, including environment, certain medications and underlying health conditions, a poor diet plays a significant role. Here are the foods to avoid and the essential vitamins and nutrients you should incorporate to reduce dry eye and improve your overall eye health:

• Reduce your salt intake — it can dehydrate your body and worsen dry eye symptoms.
• Avoid sugary food and drinks — they can cause blood fluctuations that can lead to inflammation.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine — they dehydrate your body, including your eyes, and make dry eye symptoms worse.
• Avoid fried and processed foods — they are often high in unhealthy fats, such as trans fats and saturated fats, which can lead to inflammation, impact the tear glands and reduce the production of tears.
• Incorporate Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet — they have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve tear quality. You can increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating foods such as oily fish (e.g. salmon, tuna, and sardines), flaxseeds and walnuts. Alternatively, you can take omega-3 supplements in the form of fish oil capsules.

Warm Compresses

This can be a simple and effective way to relieve dry eye symptoms. Here are 6 simple steps for doing warm compresses safely at home:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes.
2. Soak a clean washcloth or eye mask in warm water. The water should be comfortably warm, but not too hot.
3. Gently wring out the excess water from the washcloth or eye mask.
4. Close your eyes and place the warm compress over your eyelids. Make sure the compress is in contact with your skin, but don’t press or rub too hard.
5. Keep the warm compress in place for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the compress cools down.
6. After you’re finished, gently wipe away any debris or discharge from your eyelids and lashes with a clean, damp cloth.

Exacerbating Conditions

Even though the strategies mentioned will help with dry eye, some pathological conditions can trigger dry eye symptoms or cause damage to the tissues and cause dry eye. So, if you are suffering from any of these conditions, managing them may be what you need to treat your specific dry eye.

• Sjogren’s Syndrome: This autoimmune disease causes inflammation in the glands that produce tears and saliva, leading to decreased tear production and dryness in the eyes. It can also cause damage to the meibomian glands, affecting the protective, oily layer of the tear film.
• Allergies: Allergic reactions cause inflammation in the eyes, leading to redness, itching, and swelling. This inflammation can also affect tear production and lead to dryness.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage in various parts of the body, including the glands in the eye. A combination of medication, lifestyle modifications and supportive therapies are necessary to manage rheumatoid arthritis.
• Diabetes: This chronic condition can contribute to dry eye through a combination of nerve damage, decreased blood flow, and increased risk of infections. Proper management of blood sugar levels and regular eye exams can help prevent and manage dry eye symptoms in people with diabetes.
• Medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines and antidepressants, can cause decreased tear production and dryness as a side effect. It is important to discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor to determine if they may be contributing to your dry eye symptoms.

You can still help alleviate your dry eye symptoms caused by any of these conditions by following the lifestyle changes and home treatments outlined in the section above.

Dry Eye Treatments at AccuVision

Advanced Clinical Treatments at AccuVision

A wide range of treatments are available to alleviate Dry Eye symptoms, with the treatment protocol often tailored to the severity of signs and symptoms. Not all treatments work for all people. You may need to try more than one before finding a treatment that works for you, which is why it is best to consult a professional to discuss treatment options.

Why should dry eye be treated?

In addition to negatively impacting your daily activities and overall quality of life, leaving dry eye untreated can lead to several more severe complications, such as:

• Corneal damage: Severe dry eye can lead to damage to the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of your eye. This can result in scarring, infections, or even vision loss.
• Eye infections: Dry eyes are more susceptible to infections, particularly bacterial infections, which can be painful and cause further damage to the eye.
• Decreased quality of life: Dry eye can cause discomfort, irritation, and even pain, which can affect your quality of life. The symptoms of dry eye can make it difficult to perform daily activities such as reading, driving, or using a computer.
• Vision problems: Chronic dry eye can cause vision problems such as blurred vision, double vision, and sensitivity to light, which can affect your ability to see clearly.
• Conjunctivitis: Dry eye can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin membrane that covers the white part of your eye. This can cause redness, swelling, and discharge from the eyes.

As dry eye symptoms progress, they can result in ocular surface inflammation, infection, and decreased visual performance, which can have a significant impact on your overall quality of life. To avoid these complications, it’s essential to amend your lifestyle now. Remember, timely intervention and management can help alleviate your symptoms and prevent further ocular damage.

If your symptoms are significantly impacting your ability to carry out your daily activities, or if you are finding it challenging to develop good visual habits, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us. Our team of experts can help assess your condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment to alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall eye health. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need any assistance.

Key Takeaway

We cannot stress enough the critical importance of taking care of your eyes. Neglecting your eye health can have serious consequences and impact your quality of life. Just like any other part of your body, your eyes require proper attention and care to function optimally.

Think about all the things you enjoy in life – from reading to watching movies, to driving and seeing the world around you – all of these are dependent on your eyesight. Neglecting your eye health can lead to a range of issues, including vision loss, eye strain, headaches, and other complications that could significantly impact your daily life.

So, we urge you to prioritize your eye health and make it a part of your daily routine starting today. It doesn’t take much — regular eye exams, eating a balanced diet, wearing protective eyewear, and giving your eyes a break from digital devices are simple steps that can go a long way in maintaining good eye health.

Remember, your eyes are a precious gift that deserve the best care possible. Don’t neglect them — take action now to protect your eyes and preserve your vision for years to come.