Tears are very important for the health of the eye. They wash away foreign substances and keep the eye moist and lubricated. Dry eye occurs when there is reduced production of tears or the quality of the tears produced is poor. Dry eye is very common affecting 10% of the Australian population and usually develops into a chronic problem.
Reduced Tear Production – associated with age
Dry, windy or dusty environments
Systemic Disease – including rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, eczema & lupus
Medication – including anti-depressants, anti-histamines, sleeping pills &cold and flu medication
Reduced blinking – common in office or computer based occupations
Contact lens wear
Smoking
Previous laser refractive surgery
Often the eyes are also very watery as tears flood the eyes to try to reduce the dryness.
It is important to understand that dry eye cannot be cured but it can be managed. The management for dry eye varies greatly depending on the severity of the condition. Simple lifestyle factors such as wearing sunglasses while outside, avoiding dry, dusty environments and blinking frequently when using computers and other screen devices may manage mild cases. There is a wide variety of lubricating eye substances available over the counter at pharmacies to relieve dry eyes. These range from watery eye drops to thick, creamy lubricating ointments. Your doctor may also decide to alter your medication if they believe these are contributing. Other supplements such as fish oil and flaxseed oil are beneficial. In more severe cases medicated eye drops may be prescribed or punctal plugs may be inserted to block tear drainage.
Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids that is often very irritating. It is caused by a build-up of bacteria on the eyelid margins and blockage of the oil glands that produce the coating over tears that stops them evaporating out of the eye. Therefore it not onlycreates inflammation but also results in dry eye. The blocked glands also commonly lead to eye lid styes and cysts.
Treatment of blepharitis, like dry eye, is ongoing. The main treatments are lid cleansers and shampoos such as Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo, Lid Care or diluted baking soda which helps to clear away the excessive bacteria and debris along the lid margins. Warm compresses also help to unblock the eyelid oil glands. Lubricating eye drops and creams are used to make the eye more comfortable and reduce dryness. Depending on the severity the ophthalmologist may also prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops as well as anti-bacterial tablets.
LIVERPOOL CLINIC
Level 2
5 - 7 Secant Street
Liverpool NSW 2170
T: 9821 2993
F: 9822 4987
LIVERPOOL EYE SURGERY
1 Moore Street
Corner Bigge Street
Liverpool NSW 2170
T: 9734 7000
F: 9734 7001
CAMPBELLTOWN CLINIC
1 Warby Street
Campbelltown NSW 2560
T: 9821 2993
F: 9822 4987