What are dry eyes?

Dry eyes is a common condition that manifests in red, irritated and tired eyes without the presence of inflammation or allergy.
Some people experience stinging, a gravel-like feeling or blurring of the vision.
Strangely enough, dry eyes can make your eyes water more.
This is because the eye tries to compensate for the dryness by producing more tears.
In reality, dry eyes is a symptom of many different conditions.
The tear film on the surface of the eye is disrupted.
If there is unsufficient tear fluid, or the tear fluid evaporates too quickly, wiping out the surface of the eye.
Besides lack of tear fluid, the quality of it may also be affected.
This is seen by some form of inflammation at the edge of the eyelid.
There are multiple reasons why you get dry eyes.
It can come naturally with age, and in women it may be associated with menopause, i.e. it is hormonal.
It may also be due to diseases such as connective tissue disorders.
e.g. rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren’s syndrome, certain skin diseases or eczema.
Contact lenses can also cause dry eyes.
It may also be due to conditions such as poor indoor climates, smoke, screenwork or overexertion during long periods of reading or driving.
Common to most dry eyes is that the condition is quite mild and that in most mild cases you can do something about it yourself.
You can use moisturising eye drops, also called artificial tears.
The eye drops are available at the pharmacy.
If that doesn't help, and the condition worsens...
seek help from your doctor or ophthalmologist.
With the ophthalmologist, you'll have your vision examined.
We examine the tear film using drops that colour the cornea's surface.
We also examine the amount of tears, and the mucosal conditions in the eye.
We'll check to see if there are any other reasons for your symptoms.
For example, whether there are signs of inflammation or allergy.
It may also be that you’re not using your eye drops regularly enough.
When you use artificial tears, it's important...
that you apply the drops regularly and not only as needed.
If you only apply drops when your eye feels dry it's a sign that it's too late.
So it's important to follow the directions.
If you have been told to apply drops 4 x daily it's important that you do.
Other things you can do for yourself are to drink plenty of fluids.
and e.g. eat supplements like fish oil.