3 Easy Treatment Tips For Dry Eye

Dry eyes can lead to soreness, irritation, or even eye pain - but many of us might be living with this condition without even realising it. Learning to recognise its causes, symptoms, and side effects is crucial to maintaining our eye health and vision. Read on to find out what causes dry eyes, and 3 easy treatment tips if you are experiencing symptoms.

If you are experiencing eye irritation or persistent dry eye symptoms such as eye pain, get in touch with EMME Visioncare today to find out about treatment options.

Causes, Symptoms & Side Effects of Dry Eyes

Dry eye can have various causes, including:

1. Environmental factors: Prolonged exposure to windy, smoky, or dry environments due to work or lifestyle habits can cause dry and sore eyes. This includes smoking or even secondhand smoke. Frequent use of air-conditioning can also contribute to this condition over time as it has a drying effect on our skin and eyes.
   

2. Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, illness, or when taking medications can leave us more susceptible to dry eyes.

3. Ageing: Our eyes naturally produce less tears as we age, leading to drier eyes.
   

4. Illness: Health conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to dry eyes.

You might be experiencing dry eyes if you have any of these common symptoms:

1. Sensitivity, irritation, or a ‘sandy’ feeling in the eye
   

2. Fatigue or eye strain during activities such as reading or using computers
   

3. Blurred or unclear vision (usually temporary)

4. Difficulty or pain when wearing contact lenses

Dry eyes might be irritating or painful the first few times you experience them, but they could lead to severe long-term side effects if they become a chronic or long-term problem. Chronic dry eye can damage the cornea, causing keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). Keratitis can make your eyes more susceptible to irritation and infection, and in the worst cases can lead to a loss in vision.

Here are some simple treatments that can help relieve irritated eyes:

1. Carry around and use eye drops regularly

Thankfully, there are many affordable over-the-counter eye drop options available around us. Make sure to look for eye drops that are meant to rehydrate dry eyes, and follow the use instructions on the packaging such as the use-by date.

2. Make lifestyle or environmental changes

If your work environment is causing your dry eyes, make sure you wear proper protective equipment such as goggles to protect your eyes and frequently re-hydrate your eyes with eye drops throughout the day. Other easy lifestyle changes include wearing contact lenses less frequently, making sure you don’t leave your contact lenses in for too long, and spending less time staring at computer or phone screens.

3. Seek prompt treatment from an eye specialist

If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eyes that do not seem to go away, seek professional help to prevent more severe side effects from occurring. Our optometrists at EMME Visioncare are trained to detect, diagnose, and help you manage dry eye and other common eye conditions and eye health issues. If necessary, we can also provide referrals to opthamologists for further examination.

Protect your eyes and vision with EMME Visioncare

If you suspect you have dry eyes or are experiencing recurring eye irritation, get in touch with EMME Visioncare to book a comprehensive eye exam. Eye examinations are crucial to keeping track of your eye health and vision, and our optometrists and opticians can help to diagnose any issues, and recommend a best course of treatment. Get in touch for more information on our services.