What are dry eyes?

If you don't produce enough tear fluid, you might experience dry eyes. While dry eyes are usually harmless, they can eventually lead to damage to the cornea and conjunctiva.

How do I recognise dry eyes?

Dry eyes often come with the following symptoms:

• Itchy eyes
• Tired eyes
• Red eyes
• Burning eyes
• A "gritty feeling"
• Sensitivity to light
• Sticky eyelids
• Sore eyes

What causes dry eyes?

Dry eyes occur when too little tear fluid is produced or when it evaporates too quickly. Several factors influence the production or evaporation of tear fluid:

• Getting older

• Laser treatment

• Certain medications, such as antidepressants and blood pressure medication. Some medicines can have a negative impact on the tear film

• Conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome

• Hormonal changes or fluctuations

• Not blinking enough, for example when working at a computer

• Blepharitis

• Environmental factors: air conditioning, smoke, dust, wind

• Wearing the wrong contact lenses. If your eye and lens aren't a perfect team, they might feel less comfortable.

• Vitamin D deficiency. Although there is little convincing evidence yet, vitamin D deficiency is often mentioned as a cause of dry eyes. If you have other symptoms that match a vitamin D deficiency, it certainly wouldn't hurt to visit your GP.

The list above isn't exhaustive and is mainly intended to show common causes. If symptoms persist, it’s a good idea to contact one of our boutiques.

What can I do about dry eyes?

Some causes of dry eyes are relatively easy to fix. However, we advise against living with the discomfort. If symptoms persist, always reach out to one of our boutiques near you.

• Drink enough water, at least 1.5 litres a day.

• Make sure you get enough exercise

• Give your eyes regular breaks. Because we ask a lot of our eyes, it’s important to use the 20-20-2 rule. This means that after 20 minutes of looking at something close by (like a screen), you should look into the distance for 20 seconds. It’s also important to spend 2 hours a day outside. This helps your eyes rest after a day full of digital screens.

• Try to avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can cause extra irritation.

• Blink regularly to keep your eyes moist. This is especially important while reading, driving, or looking at a screen.

• Protect your eyes with sunglasses with UV protection or multimedia glasses to prevent irritation and dehydration.

• Avoid drafty areas or rooms with smoke and air conditioning.

• Ask for advice about using new contact lenses.

Contact lenses for dry eyes

Many contact lens wearers deal with dry eyes at some point, whether they wear hard or soft lenses. This affects comfort and can even cause blurry vision. There are no special lenses for (extremely) dry eyes. The best lenses for dry eyes are the ones—and the lens solution—that suit your eyes best. At Oogwereld, we know exactly which type of lenses those are.

Dry eyes: treatment after an eye exam

Luckily, it’s usually possible to treat dry eyes. Many people think of eye drops or sprays, but the treatment depends on the cause. That’s why we always start with an investigation at Oogwereld. Using special equipment, our optometrist researches the source of your symptoms to provide the right advice.

We are here for you

Are you still suffering from dry eyes? Get in touch with one of our boutiques near you.

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-Checked by an Optometrist-