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Following your eye examination it may be been found that much of your discomfort is due to the condition “Dry Eye”. This condition can be
related to inadequate secretions from the accessory called meibomian glands. Their secretion can be improved by using a hot compress held against your closed eye every morning and evening. A folded face cloth soaked
in warm water will serve this purpose well. Following the hot compress run your finger along your eye lid just behind your lash
line top and bottom then repeat for the other eye. This will help your accessory tear glands to keep clear and normalise their
secretions. Should your eye lids require further cleansing in the morning this is best done with a paste of baby shampoo and water made in
the palm of the hand. Following this cleansing rinse with water. If you use this morning cleansing and morning & evening hot compress regime
daily your symptoms should improve and be controlled. You will require always to continue this routine to keep your symptoms at
bay. Dry Eye (goblet cells dysfunction) Sometimes dry eye can be due to the absence of tear film adhering cells called goblet cells in the conjunctiva (the clear mucous membrane lining the inner lid pockets and the white of the eye) your optometrist can prescribe particular drops or sprays to alleviate this condition.
Can “dry eye” be cured?
Dry eye cannot be cured, but your eyes’ sensitivity can be lessened and measures taken so your eyes remain healthy. The most frequent treatments
are as described above. For more severe dry eye, ointment can be used, especially at bed-time. In some cases, small plugs may be inserted in the corner of the eyelids to slow drainage and loss of tears.
Will “dry eye” harm my eyes?
If dry eye is untreated, it can harm your eyes. Excessive dry eye can damage tissue and possibly scar the cornea of your eye, impairing vision. Dry eye can make contact
lens wear more difficult due to increased irritation and a greater chance of
eye infection. To keep dry eye symptoms in check, you and your optometrist need to work together. Follow your optometrist’ instructions carefully. If you have increased dryness or redness that is
not relieved by the prescribed treatment, let your optometrist know as soon as possible.
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Christopher Kerr FSMC, FBOA, FAAO, FC.Optom. Cert. in Ocular Therapeutics (City University)
You can read a recent lecture by given by Christopher at the The Royal Society of Medicine here. |
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Christopher Kerr & Associates Tel: 020 8688 5076 / 020 8681 2008 Fax: 020 8688 8005
37 LONDON ROAD, WEST CROYDON, CR0 2RE Website evolved with the help of SCS |
