At Look Eyecare we can give advice on the treatment and management of Dry Eye Syndrome and Blepharitis. Dry eye is a common eye condition that affects both eye health and vision. Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not make enough tears, or more commonly, because the tears evaporate.

 

Evaporative dry eye occurs because the meibomian (oil) glands located in the eye lids are blocked or abnormal. The oily tear layer breaks down allowing the watery layer to evaporate. This leads to dryness, inflammation and irritation. If the main problem is a blockage of the oil-secreting glands, then the condition is called Blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction or lid margin disease.

 

Dry eye and Blepharitis can be mild or severe and usually both eyes are affected. Signs and symptoms include:

• Irritation – dry, sore, gritty, burning sensations.

• Redness on the white of the eyes

• Slightly blurred vision from time to time.

• Watery eyes.

• Discharge

• Dandruff like appearance on eyelashes.

• Inflammation of the eyelids

 

Other factors that can cause of Dry Eye can include:

• Medication.

• Smoking.

• Menopause.

• Diet.

• Prolonged driving and computer/mobile/tablet use. 

• Environmental conditions such as air-conditioning.

• Some contact lenses can increase symptoms.

 

In our Dry Eye Clinic we will conduct a series of evaluations and determine the likely cause of your Dry Eye symptoms. First, you will complete a Dry Eye questionnaire – this brief assessment allows us to understand how your eyes feel on a daily basis.

 

There are many treatment options for dry eyes, from lifestyle changes, to eye drops, to surgery.