A guide to dry eyes

In this article, Mr Shakeel Puri, a senior optometrist in Cannock, explains why dry eyes happen, what the symptoms are, and how they can be treated.

What are the main symptoms of dry eye and how can I recognise them?

Dry eye can feel uncomfortable and frustrating, and it affects many people in different ways. Dry eyes occur when the tear film is damaged or dysfunctional. The most common symptoms include:

Burning sensation in the eyes
Redness or bloodshot eyes
Itchiness around the eyes
A constant feeling of dryness in the eyes, as though they are not moist enough

However, dry eyes can also cause other signs that are less obvious. You might experience:

Fluctuating vision that changes from blurry to clear
A feeling of discomfort or heaviness in your eyes
A sensation that something is in your eye, even though nothing is there

These symptoms can make your eyes feel irritated and may occur even if your eyes seem healthy at first glance.

What habits or lifestyle changes can make dry eye symptoms worse?

Certain lifestyle choices can make dry eye symptoms more intense. One of the biggest factors is spending a lot of time looking at screens, especially since more people are working remotely. When we focus on screens—whether on our phones or computers—we tend to blink less often, which reduces the moisture in our eyes. This can make dry eye symptoms more noticeable.

Can dry eye be linked to other health conditions?

Yes, dry eyes can sometimes be a sign of other health issues. Common causes include:

Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect your body’s ability to keep your eyes moist.
Medications such as acne treatments (such as Roaccutane) that can lead to dry eyes, especially in younger people.
Hormonal changes, which is why dry eyes are more common in women, particularly during menopause.

Because dry eye can be related to so many different factors, it’s important to have a full health check-up to understand the cause and find the best treatment.

What treatments are available for dry eyes? Are there any home remedies that help?

There are many ways to treat dry eyes, and it’s important to find the approach that works for you. At our clinic, we use a 3-step treatment plan:

Home remedies:

Take regular breaks from looking at screens to give your eyes a rest.
Try working in areas with better air circulation to reduce dryness.
Use warm eye compresses or heated eye bags to help with oil gland function in your eyes.

While these methods can help, they often provide temporary relief and may not fully solve the problem.

Medical treatments:

We might recommend anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce swelling in the eyes.
Avoiding long-term use of steroid drops is important because they can have side effects.

In-office treatments:

Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment can help reduce inflammation in your eyes. Our clinic is one of the few places that offers this FDA-approved treatment.
We also provide special treatments like probing, which helps open blocked oil glands in the eyelids, and thorough eyelid cleaning to address conditions like blepharitis.
Since early 2024 we have offered an innovative treatment called amniotic membrane therapy. This involves using a natural membrane to promote healing in the cornea of the eye, and it’s a cutting-edge solution for those with chronic dry eye.

Conclusion

Dry eye may seem like a small problem, but it can significantly affect your daily life. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to speak to a doctor. There are many treatments available, from home remedies to advanced in-office procedures, that can help you manage and relieve your dry eye symptoms. Our clinic is here to guide you through the process and help you find the best solution for your eyes.