In the winter months, it’s not unusual for our eyes to suffer from dryness and irritation.
The eye itself and the skin around the eyes can be affected, and it can make the sufferer extremely uncomfortable and self conscious.
RSVP Live spoke to Optometrist Francesca Marchetti from Rohto Dry Aid about the impacts of dry eye disease and what we can do to help our eyes this winter.
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Firstly, in order to combat dry eye disease, we must first find out what exactly it is.
Francesca characterises it as, “Dry Eye Disease, scientifically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when tears are unable to provide enough lubrication for the eyes, so as the name suggests, it results in dry eyes.
“There are two types of dry eye –Evaporative Dry Eye and Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye.”
There is a wide range of impacts that dry eye disease can have on the individual.
“Dry Eye Disease can range from tired and itchy eyes, watery eyes, red eyes and stinging to headaches, gritty eyes and eyes that are light sensitive.
“It can also cause blurred vision and if untreated, infection and damage to the surface of the eye.”
As well as the cold weather, dry eye disease can be caused by several other factors.
“Evaporative Dry Eye, which accounts for 85% of Dry Eye cases, is caused by a damaged tear film lipid layer, allowing tears to evaporate. Evaporative Dry Eye is mainly caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
“Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye occurs when the tear glands don’t produce enough tears. Overall causes include too much screen time, some medications, exposure to cold, dry and wind.”
Dry eye disease can impact the sufferer tremendously, but there is a way to combat the disease, including speaking to your doctor for advice or, in some cases, changing your glasses.
“Speak to your GP about medications you are taking as some may cause dry eye. Wrap around glasses can be helpful if you are exposed to cold and wind. Avoiding air-conditioned places as well as lowering central heating, will also be good to lessen risk.
“Limit screen time too and take a screen break at least once an hour. Dry Eye, however, can still be a problem, and if prolonged can lead to more serious eye damage like corneal abrasion.”
However, some people are more prone to suffering from dry eye disease, due to their genetic makeup.
“Menopausal and post-menopausal women (due to fall in oestrogen) who are twice as likely as men to suffer dry eye.
“People taking certain medications (e.g. antidepressants, antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications) are also at risk as are people who spend a lot of time at screens. Simply getting older is also a factor.
“Genetics do play a role and it is possible to inherit dry eye from parents or grandparents. Certain ethnic groups are also more susceptible.”
If you suffer from dry eye disease and have followed all the steps that experts have laid out, yet your condition continues to worsen, please seek medical advice from your doctor.
Francesca suggests visiting your doctor if you have any concerns with your dry eyes, or you feel your condition is not improving.
“See your GP if you have prolonged (more than a week after trying to treat it) symptoms of dry eyes like redness, dryness, soreness, itching and blurred vision. Like an optometrist, the GP can check to see if you have dry eyes.”
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