News

One of the most common complaints that we hear from our patients on a daily basis is that they suffer from dry eye. Dry Eye Syndrome can be very uncomfortable and irritating for many sufferers. Although there are many products on the market that claim to relieve the symptoms, most if not all don’t work for many individuals.

Dry Eye Syndrome is typically a progressive condition that tends to worsen with age. It is caused by a lack of tear production which fails to provide adequate moisture to the surface of the eye. Symptoms of dry eye may include; a burning sensation, itchiness, fatigued eyes, red eyes or blurred vision. Others may also complain of ‘grit’ in the eye, the dryness causing a sense of a foreign body being trapt on the surface of the cornea.

Whilst Dry Eye Syndrome is typically an age related condition, we are seeing much younger patients showing early signs of dry eye. With the increased use of smart-phones, computers and tablets in our daily lives we are not blinking as often as we should. This often leads to greater tear evaporation and eye discomfort. We recommend to our patients that they limit the amount of time spent in front of a brightly lit screen and take frequent rest breaks.

Other factors that can lead to dry eye may include; contact lens wear, menopause, arid climates, smoking, frequent flying, medications such as antihistamines, anti-depressants and birth control pills, laser eye surgery and other corneal refractive surgery.

Dry Eye Syndrome is easily diagnosed by an Optometrist during a regular eye examination. Using specially designed microscopes and sodium fluorescein drops, our Optometrists at both Optical World branches are happy to assist in discovering if you too suffer from dry eye. All Our Eye Tests are 100% Bulk Billed. We also have a large range of medicated drops available in-store to relieve symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome.

Recently Optical World has formed a partnership with Lacritec, an Australian owned company which produces supplements to increase tear production and to provide consistent dry eye relief. Samples of this product is now available in-store. So what are you waiting for? Drop in to Optical World or give us a call to find out more about our range of supplements and how we can help improve your overall eye health.

Check Yearly, See Clearly

Optical World Elsternwick – 343 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick VIC 3185

(03) 9532 8033

Optical World Ashburton – 214 High St, Ashburton VIC 3147

(03) 9885 6257