Do your eyes burn, itch and feel like tiny grains of sand scraping over your eyes Ilse?

More and more people suffer from dry eyes. However, the condition is more common among older people, as your tear glands tend to become less productive with age. Many people don’t know much about this eye condition known as dry eye syndrome.

What is dry eye syndrome?

When you blink, a tear film inside each eyelid spreads tears over the front of the eyes, keeping them lubricated. Dry eyes can occur if there is a problem with the tear film. The condition does not lead to permanent sight damage.

Common signs you may have:

• Disturbance in vision
• Tearing
• Grittiness
• Itchiness and burning sensation
• Redness
• Contact lenses are likely to feel uncomfortable

Dry eyes are unpleasant and can be painful.

Some possible causes include:

• Some medications may dry the eyes
• Some illnesses, such as arthritis can cause dry eyes
• Wearing contact lenses for extended time periods
• Exposure to air conditioning, central heating or windy conditions can dry the eyes
• Damage to the eyelids due to an eye injury may be a cause
• Dry eyes can result from inflammation of the eyelids

Treating dry eye:

Dry eye syndrome can be treated with artificial tears (eye drops or gel) or eye ointment, available over the counter at pharmacies. Contact lens wearers should check which products they can use with their optician or optometrist.

Complications from dry eye syndrome are unusual, and over-the-counter remedies should resolve it within about a week. If symptoms persist, see a doctor or eye care professional for prescription medication, and to check there is not a more serious condition.

Eye hope your eyes will be moistened more!

If you have more question, please do not hesitate to call me.

Love Your Eyes

Elke Smit

Elke is the owner of Eyestyle Optometrist. Her passion is to promote eye health and eye care but she is even more passionate about the people behind the eyes. The most important factor is good eyesight which gives us the ability to see the beauty in all things around us.

Your eyes are the window to your soul and most spectacle wearers wear their glasses for the better part of the day.

Choosing the appropriate eyewear is not always easy! Eyewear should feel comfortable, and suitable for everyday challenges.