Our resident optometrist Anne O’Donnell specialises in the treatment and management of dry eye syndrome.
Dry eye syndrome, is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly.
This leads to the eyes drying out and becoming inflamed and irritated. The symptoms of dry eye syndrome are mild for most people, although more severe cases can be painful and lead to complications. Diagnosis of dry eye syndrome can be made from the symptoms and an examination of the front of the eye.
Symptoms usually affect both eyes and often include:
- Feelings of dryness, grittiness or soreness that get worse throughout the day
- Red eyes
- Eyelids that stick together when you wake up
- Temporarily blurred vision, which usually improves when you blink
Some people may also have episodes of watering eyes, which can occur if the eye tries to relieve the irritation by producing more tears
More severe symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:
- Extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Very red and painful eyes
- A deterioration in your vision
Contact lens wearers
If your eyes are uncomfortable and feel dry when wearing contact lenses then we advise you to seek specialist advise immediately and book in a Contact lens aftercare.
There may be other lens types that are more suitable for you or may be due to the solution type you are using.