Dry eye means that your eyes do not produce enough tears or that you produce tears which do not have the proper chemical composition. Dry eye is part of the natural aging process. It may also be caused by blinking or eyelid problems, or medications like antihistamines, oral contraceptives and antidepressants, a dry climate, wind and dust, general health problems like arthritis or Sjogren's syndrome and chemical or thermal burns to your eyes.

If you do indeed have dry eye, your symptoms may include scratchy, irritated, dry, uncomfortable or red eyes, a burning sensation or feeling of something foreign in your eyes and blurred vision. Excessive dry eyes can damage eye tissue, scar your cornea (the front covering of your eyes) and impair vision and make contact lens wear difficult.

If you have the symptoms of dry eye, you should call in and see us, your optometrists, for a complete eye examination. Dry eye cannot be cured, but, as your optometrist we can help by prescribing treatment so your eyes remain healthy and your vision is unaffected.

Some of the treatments that we might prescribe include blinking more frequently, increasing humidity at home or work, using artificial tears and using a moisturising ointment. Also, in some cases, small plugs are inserted in the corner of the eyes to slow tear drainage, and sometimes a surgical closure of the drainage ducts may be recommended.