Dry Eye Syndrome

What you see?

If your vision is normal but you experience dry eyes is it due to the loss or reduction of your eye’s ability to produce normal tears, it may be age-related, or due to the environment. It is a common and treatable condition.

Diagram showing the difference between a healthy eye and dry eye

click image to enlarge

Who experiences Dry Eye

A common and treatable condition
Age related (especially in women going through menopause)
People in low humidity environments (e.g. air-conditioned offices)
People who wear contact lenses
Age-related – your eyes ability to function normally reduces with age
People in low humidity environments ( e.g. air-conditioned offices, extensive computer work, travelling)
People who wear contact lenses
People on certain medication (anti-histamines, acne treatment, anti-depressants, blood pressure medication)
People with certain medical conditions (diabetes, menopause, Sjögrens syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis)

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Eye redness
Eye irritation
Blurry vision
Tired eyes
Eye stinging or burning
Watery eyes
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Scratchy, gritty, stinging and dry sensation
Sensitivity to light

Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye is the loss or reduction of the eye’s ability to produce normal tears – the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evorate too quickly
Some causes are age-related, some are related to the environment
Tear quality – there are three components in a normal tear: water, mucous and oil. These three components work together to provide the proper amount of moisture, distribute moisture evenly across the cornea, and prevent evaporation that can cause eyes to become dry. If any of the three components is compromised, the eye may not get the nourishment and protection it needs. Most commonly, there is not enough oil in the tears, leading to the evaporation that causes dry eye.
Dry eye syndrome can also cause watery eyes, due to dryness on the eye’s surface that overstimulates production of the watery component of your tears as a protective mechanism
Diminished tear production may be associated with:
- certain medications – such as antihistamines, birth control pills, diuretics, cardiovascular medications, pain relievers and anti-inflammatories
- certain medical conditions – such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid problems

What to do for Dry Eye

One of the most frequent causes of visits to an eye care professional
Your eye care professional will evaluate your eye condition to determine if it is dry eye and a variety of underlying conditions that may be causing dry eye
Regardless of the cause of dry eye, the signs and symptoms are similar, a diagnosis can be made by a comprehensive exam, observing tear flow and quality, as well as examining the cornea and eyelids for the symptoms mentioned above
Dry eye is treated by soothing the symptoms (subtle but constant irritation), and treating the underlying cause (inflammation of the fontal eye tissues)

How thirsty are your eyes?

Did you know?

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a strong lubricant that is naturally found throughout the human body especially in the eyes and joints and has been used for decades in many products throughout the world.^1-3 This water-loving molecule carries 1000 times its own weight in water, thus creating a reservoir of moisture on the surface of your eyes and slowly releases it, to ensure your eyes (and contact lenses) stay hydrated as nature intended.^1,2,4 Look out for the Bausch + Lomb products that have the blue droplet so you can rest assure that it contains the powerful, natural lubricant for happy & healthy eyes!