Relief for sore eyes
ARE your eyes often sore, dry and gritty? Dry eye disease is a common condition affecting up to one in three people over the age of 65, particularly women. It occurs when the eyes don’t make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to the eyes drying out and becoming red, swollen and irritated. Glands in our eyelids should produce a thin oil that keeps them moist. But this smooth oil can thicken to a buttery consistency, due to ageing. Factors can also include wearing contact lenses, underlying conditions such as blepharitis, side-effects of certain medicines, including antihistamines, hormonal changes, smoking and a diet that is low in Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Regular use of a warm eyelid compress, combined with gentle massage, has been shown in research to be an effective way to relieve dry eye disease. Lynda Aitken, 68, from Sussex, has suffered from dry eye since 2011. She says: ‘When the dryness is bad, it feels as though I have sand in my eyes. I can’t use eye make-up and I am less likely to go out socially if my eyes are painful. It’s not very glamorous going about life with red inflamed eyes and eyelids.’ An eye consultant recommended hourly eye drops to prevent corneal abrasion. Lynda finds that preservative-free drops do help, but they quickly drain away. ‘I discovered a hot compress which I have been using for ten minutes, twice a day for a month now and it has really made a difference to my life. I find it empowering as I am now able to do something to help myself lessen the misery of living with dry eye. This process is without any side-effects and helps the body to heal itself. Every day I use the time to relax and even meditate, which feels healing in itself. I find that I can watch more TV and read for longer. I’ve even managed to wear some mascara. ‘My eyes feel so much more comfortable, and I will continue to use the compress every day.’ Recommended by Dr Hilary Jones, the hot eye compress is available from Boots. You microwave it for 30 seconds and place it over the eyes for seven to ten minutes. Use it twice a day for two weeks, then as required. The compress retains heat long enough to melt the buttery oil so that it becomes liquid again. Once glands are unblocked, healthy oil is produced.