Say goodbye to DRY EYE
Sore, gritty, watery eyes? You don’t need to suffer if you know where to look
Dry eye is a common condition which affects around one in three of us, causing red and irritated eyes. Each time we blink, a film of tears spreads across the surface of our eyes, helping keep them hydrated and healthy. People with dry eye disease, however, fail to produce enough tears or tears of good enough quality, leaving their eyes sore, gritty, red and irritated.
THE CAUSES
Dry eye has many triggers, including age and certain medications, but lifestyle choices and environmental conditions play a part too, many of which we are exposed to around the home, and that we can do something about. Home office Too much time in front of a computer can have a negative impact on eye health because when we’re looking at a screen, we tend to blink less, so our eyes don’t get the moisture and protection needed to stay healthy. In the kitchen Heat and smoke are major eye irritators, as Margaret Norton, 53, from Carrickfergus, County Antrim, has discovered. She eased her symptoms by using drops before and after cooking. She says, ‘Whether I’m using the oven or hob, Thealoz Duo Dry Eye Drops are my go-to.’ Living room Relaxing in front of the TV can be anything other than relaxing for your eyes, especially in the winter.
‘My dry eyes are always worse indoors and when the heating is on,’ says Margaret. She also struggles when cleaning. ‘When I suffer with dry-eye flare-ups, it has a knock-on effect on my self-confidence,’ she explains, ‘so I use my Thealoz Duo Dry Eye Drops before and after cleaning.’ Bathroom Many cosmetics contain chemicals which trigger dry eye symptoms, but Margaret has found solutions after years of suffering. She says, ‘I make sure I use oil-based products, and always use the Blephaclean Eyelid Cleansing Wipes and Blepha Eyebag Warming Eye Mask. This ensures my eye glands are clear and can lubricate my eyes properly.’
EXPERT ADVICE
Sarah Farrant, optometrist and dry eye expert, says, ‘It’s important to understand the lifestyle factors and areas around the house that can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. There are simple swaps and tips that can help relieve symptoms, and make dry eyes more manageable.’