Dry, watery eyes
Dry, watery eyes Treatment Brisbane
What is dry eye?
Dry eye is a relatively common, chronic eye condition that affects around one-third of Australian adults and half of those over 50 years old. Dry eye develops when a person’s tears do not provide adequate lubrication for the eyes. Tears can be inadequate for numerous reasons, although they typically occur when there is an insufficient supply of tears or those tears evaporate too quickly. Such tear instability can lead to inflammation or damage to the eye’s surface.
Dry eye can be very uncomfortable, and people with the condition often find their eyes sting or burn. While dry eye can occur at any time, it often worsens when in an air-conditioned room, on an airplane or after looking at a computer screen for several hours.
People with dry eye may experience difficulties reading, driving, using a computer or watching TV. While rare, if left untreated, dry eye may develop into corneal ulcers, corneal scars and even vision loss.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for dry eye, although symptoms can be alleviated through treatment.
What causes dry eye?
The tear film of the eye has three layers (fatty oils, aqueous fluid and mucus) that work together to keep the surface of the eyes lubricated, smooth and clear. Problems with any of these layers can disrupt healthy tear film and cause dry eyes.
There are many factors that could cause or contribute to dry eye. These may include:
- Being older than 50
- Being a woman
- Eating a diet low in vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids
- Hormone changes
- Climactic conditions, for example, wind and dry air
- Irritants, for example, dust, cigarette smoke and chemical exposure
- Medical conditions, such as arthritis and autoimmune diseases
- Certain medications
- Infrequent or incomplete blinking
- Any previous eye trauma
- Prolonged periods spent in front of a computer screen
What are the symptoms of dry eye?
If you are suffering from dry eye, you may experience the following signs and symptoms:
- Stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in the eyes
- Eye itchiness
- Occasional blurred vision or eye fatigue
- Eye redness
- Light sensitivity
- Stringing mucus around the eyes, usually upon waking
- Tired eyes
- Gritty, foreign feeling, like something is in the eye
- Watery eyes
- Difficulties wearing contact lenses
- Difficulties driving at night
If you experience any of these, please talk to your eye doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr Jayne Camuglia can check for dry eye during a routine eye exam. If she does suspect dry eye, she may perform a number of tests, such as examining the eye surface under a specially designed microscope, placing drops into the eye to evaluate tear film or placing strips of filter paper between the lower lid and eye to measure tear production.
While dry eye is not preventable, there are measures you can take to minimise symptoms. For example, do your best to avoid dry environments, such as airplanes, high altitudes and desert areas. Additionally, avoid directing hair dryers, heaters, fans or air conditioners toward your eyes. You can add moisture to dry indoor air by using a humidifier. If you smoke, you should see your GP to gain support to help quit or reduce your smoking. When completing long tasks that require visual concentration, take periodic breaks to rest your eyes. Finally, if you spend long periods on the computer, position the screen below eye level to minimise eye strain.
Keep in mind that dry eye cannot be cured, although symptoms can be relieved through ongoing treatment. Most people experience only occasional or mild dry eye symptoms, which you can alleviate with over-the-counter eye drops. If you have more severe symptoms, Dr Jayne Camuglia may suggest a number of different options.
For example, numerous prescription medications can treat dry eyes. These may include drugs that reduce eyelid inflammation, eye drops that control cornea inflammation, eye inserts or tear-stimulating drugs.
In other cases, Dr Camuglia may recommend alternative methods. For example, closing the tear ducts to reduce tear loss, using warm compresses to clear blocked oil glands, light therapy or prescribing special contact lenses. Ultimately, the right treatment for you will depend on the severity of your dry eye symptoms.
Dr Jayne Camuglia is a General Adult and Paediatric Ophthalmologist with a particular interest in dry eye. If you believe that you may suffer from dry eye, please get in touch to see Dr Camuglia today.