Dry eyes are a common eye condition that can affect people of any age. It can occur when the eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. As a result, eyes are left feeling dry, irritated, and uncomfortable.
The symptoms of dry eyes vary from person to person in severity, but can include:
You may also notice a mucous discharge, particularly when you wake up in the morning, which can cause your eyelids to stick together.
The condition tends to affect both eyes, but sometimes one eye may be more affected than the other.
There is also a more severe form of dry eyes, known as dry eye syndrome. This is treated by specific medicines under the supervision of doctors. If you think you may have dry eye syndrome, please contact your doctor for advice.
Many factors can lead to dry eyes. These can be broken down into two primary causes: decreased tear production and evaporative loss.
Physiological:
Illnesses and diseases:
Naturally occurring:
Environmental:
As a result, it can be difficult to narrow down the exact cause of dry eyes – but if you recognise any of the above factors in yourself, it may be worth talking to your doctor.
Usually when we blink, tear film spreads across the cornea and forms a protective coat. This makes the surface of the eye smooth and clear, keeping our eyes lubricated and clearing any debris.
Dry eyes can affect anyone, but women tend to be affected more often than men.
The condition also becomes more common as you get older, with as many as a third of people over 65 estimated to be affected – but symptoms are becoming more frequent in younger people too. A 2015 survey revealed 76% of eye care providers reported an increase in dry eye symptoms in 18 to 34-year-old patients compared to ten years before.
If your condition is severe and having a serious impact on your quality of life, there are treatments available which can alter your tear production. This is something you should discuss with your doctor.
Most of the time, dry eyes can be well controlled with the use of readily available eye care treatments aimed at moisturising and re-lubricating the eye. Vizulize has a specialised range of products tailored to treating dry eyes and relieving the associated symptoms of irritation, grittiness and discomfort:
All Vizulize Dry Eye products are pH balanced to the eye’s tear fluid, so as not to sting on application.
Making changes to your lifestyle can help prevent dry eyes, or minimise the intensity of your symptoms. These include:
Following these guidelines can have a positive impact on the health of your eyes and help them feel more comfortable.
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