DRY EYES
Dry eyes occur when tears don’t lubricate the surface of the eyes properly. When there is an insufficient quantity or quality of tears to water down the eyes, the surface sustains damage and leads to irritation and inflammation.
What are the symptoms of dry eyes?
- Burning sensation in the eyes
- Foreign body sensation in the eyes
- Redness of the eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Mucosal eye discharge
- Trouble driving at night
- Blurry vision
- Eye tiredness
- Eye watering
What are the causes of dry eyes?
Dry eyes interfere with the tear film. Our tear film comprises of three essential layers: aqueous fluid, oils and mucous. Oils, fluid and mucous keep the surface of the eye clear and wet. Issues with any of these three layers lead to dry eyes.
High tear evaporation, hormones, autoimmune disorders and allergic eye disease increase the risk of dry and watery eyes. Untreated, dry eyes lead to complications like infection, damage to the corneal surface, ocular ulcers, vision loss and a poor quality of life.
How do you diagnose dry eyes?
A detailed eye exam will determine the cause of dry eyes. The production of tears can be assessed using a slit lamp examination with fluorescein height testing or Schirmer testing. For a Schirmer test, strips of paper beneath the lower lids soak up tears and test its production rate.
There are also tests to measure the quality of tears. Specific dyes within drops test the condition of the eye’s surface. Corneal staining patterns and the time it takes for tears to evaporate showcase tear quality.
How do you treat dry eyes?
There are various treatments for dry Eye drops to reduce inflammation and stop the secretion of oils into tears. Some drugs stimulate tear production. These medicines arrive in the form of gels, pills and drops.
New contact lenses minimise the effects of dry and watery eyes. A special bandage or scleral lenses capture moisture and safeguard the eye's surface. Also, light therapy relieves symptoms of dry eyes within hours after a treatment session.
FAQ
Your Questions Answered
We have compile a list of some of our most frequently asked questions to give you more information on the conditions we treat and the procedures we perform.
TESTIMONIALS
What our Patients have to say
"There was never a shadow of doubt in my mind that I had chosen the right specialist. I can honestly say my eyesight can now be compared with that of a teenager. For those of you, regardless of your age, that need any sort of eye treatment, I have no hesitation in saying - look no further."
- John Wittstock, Cataract