Dry eye
Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for lubricating the eyes, removing debris, and maintaining a healthy ocular surface. When your tear production is insufficient, your eyes can become dry, irritated, and uncomfortable.
Symptoms of Dry Eyes​​​​
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Scratchy or burning sensation
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Stinging or itching
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Feeling like something is in your eye
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Redness
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Light sensitivity
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Blurred vision (especially worse during extended screen time)
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Watery eyes (sometimes the body's overcompensation for dry eyes)​​
Causes of Dry Eyes
Dry eyes can be caused by a variety of factors. Environmental elements like dry air, wind, and smoke can irritate the eyes. People with underlying medical conditions (autoimmune and Sjogren’s syndrome) or those taking certain medications may also experience dry eyes. Additionally, dry eyes become more frequent as we age, particularly in women after menopause.
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Dry eye sufferers can find relief through various methods:​
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Increase humidity: Use a humidifier at home and work to add moisture to the air.
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Reduce screen time: Take frequent breaks from computers, phones, and tablets to give your eyes a rest.
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Blink more often: Consciously blinking helps spread tears across your eye surface.​​​
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Avoid irritants: Limit exposure to smoke, dust, and other irritants that can worsen dry eyes.
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Consider artificial tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can help lubricate your eyes and alleviate discomfort.
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Warm compresses: Applying warm compresses to your eyelids can help unblock oil glands and improve tear quality.
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Omega-3 fatty acids: Consuming omega-3 fatty acids may help improve tear quality.

Dry Eye Diagnosis and Treatment Options
If your dry eye symptoms are severe, persistent, or not relieved by self-care measures, it's important to schedule an appointment with your optometrist. We can diagnose the underlying cause utilising various clinical tests to evaluate type and severity of dry eye and recommend appropriate treatment options.
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If your dry eye symptoms are severe or persistent, our optometrist may recommend in-office treatments to target the underlying cause:
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Blephasteam: This treatment uses a specialized device to deliver warm, moist air to your eyelids. The warmth helps loosen and unblock meibomian glands, allowing them to produce healthier tears.​
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Meibomian Gland Expression: During this procedure, your optometrist gently massages your eyelids to express any clogged oils from the meibomian glands. This can help improve tear quality and alleviate dry eye symptoms.
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Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: IPL therapy uses controlled light pulses to reduce inflammation and improve the function of the meibomian glands. This can lead to increased tear production and improved dry eye symptoms.​​
Don't wait for vision problems to impact your child's learning and development. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam today! Early intervention with an optometrist can ensure your child sees the world clearly.
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