Understanding Dry Eye Disease
Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a very common condition affecting people of all ages. Modern lifestyles, working patterns, the increasing use of digital screens, building environments and atmospheric pollution can all contribute to dry eye problems.
Age is also an important factor. The likelihood of developing dry eye symptoms generally increases as we get older. Prolonged use of visual display screens can also contribute, with studies demonstrating a high prevalence of dry eye symptoms among people who regularly work with computers and other digital devices, including younger adults.
What causes Dry Eye Disease?
There are many factors that can contribute to dry eye problems, including:
- Previous refractive surgery.
- Diabetes.
- Other systemic diseases.
- Genetic factors.
- Gender.
- Nutritional factors.
- Contact lens wear.
- Increasing age.
- Prolonged use of computers and digital screens.
What are the symptoms of dry eyes?
Dry eye symptoms can vary considerably from person to person. You may experience one or several of the following:
- A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes, which may be intermittent.
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes, particularly in more severe cases.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Redness or irritation.
- A sensation that something is in your eyes.
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses.
- Difficulty with night-time driving.
- Excessive watering of the eyes, which can be the body’s response to irritation caused by dry eyes.
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue, sometimes occurring intermittently or after prolonged reading.
This list is not exhaustive. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we would encourage you to contact us.
Our Dry Eye Clinic
At Coggeshall Eye Centre, we offer a dedicated assessment for patients experiencing symptoms of dry eye disease.
Your assessment may include:
- Tear film assessment: Examination of the tear film using slit-lamp techniques and fluorescein to help evaluate its stability and identify signs of ocular surface dryness.
- Slit-lamp examination: Detailed examination of the front surface of the eyes to look for signs of irritation and inflammation associated with dry eye disease.
- Treatment advice: Discussion of appropriate management options based on your symptoms and clinical findings.
- Warm compress therapy: Practical treatment to help manage symptoms where appropriate.
Following your assessment, we will discuss our findings and recommend suitable options to help manage your symptoms.
Book an Appointment
If you are experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, contact Coggeshall Eye Centre to arrange an eye examination and discuss whether a more detailed assessment in our Dry Eye Clinic would be appropriate.
We will be happy to discuss your symptoms and help you find a suitable approach to managing them.