How to treat dry and irritated eyes

Find out why and how wearing a mask is making it worse…

Yes, you’re not imagining it. Masks can make your eyes feel dry and ‘mask-associated dry eye’ is an emerging phenomenon. As you breathe out, the air is channeled up and out of the top of your mask and over the surface of your eyes and the air moving over the eyes causes tears to evaporate, leaving your eyes dry.

Your eyes may feel dry, gritty, irritated, watery and looking red and you may experience blurred vison.

“Dry eyes should not be a reason to stop wearing face coverings,” said Zelda van Coller, optometrist at Dynamic Vision Zelda van Coller Optometrists.

Solution

• Wear a mask that fits tight over your nose.
• Get lubricating eye drops to alleviate symptoms.
• Limit time in air-conditioned environments.
• Take regular breaks from computer screens. When looking at screens we tend to blink less which causes dry, irritated eyes.
• Instead of simply treating the symptoms, it is best to get to the root cause.

“Teardrops offer relief but it can’t cure dry eyes. Dry eyes, or ocular surface disease, if left untreated can lead to chronic inflammation. It is prudent to find the cause for the benefit of long-term eye health, especially if you have been suffering from dry eye symptoms for some time.”

An expert

Zelda did post graduate studies in dry eye syndrome and frequently attends workshops and lectures to stay up to date with the developments. At her practice they use a topographer and specialised software to conduct comprehensive dry eye tests.

These non-invasive tests are able to test the water-oil balance in the eyes to get to the cause of dry eye syndrome.

“We are able to examine the tear film chemistry, volume and stability in much detail. We closely look at the meibomian glands to determine if they are healthy and if we can treat it as the cause of the dry eye. Our focus is on finding the underlying problem and we won’t just prescribe teardrops as a solution,”  Zelda said.

Factors that can contribute to dry eyes

• Medications including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.
• Advancing age, with people over 50 more at risk.
• Disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and Vitamin A deficiency.
• Hormonal changes in women during pregnancy and after menopause.
• Windy, smoky or dry environments.
• Seasonal allergies.
• Extensive use of computers and other screen devices.
• Chemotherapy.
• Contact lenses.

If severe inflammation cannot be treated at the practice, you will be referred to an eye specialist.

Relief for dry eyes

Zelda’s practice has a Blephasteam system for steam-treatment. Blephasteam is a patented medical device that harnesses the power of moisture and heat. This helps to increase blood flow to the eyes and melt away waxy meibum to relieve dry eyes.

After a few sessions, oil flow and tear quality will improve dramatically.

The Blephasteam is also used to warm up the eye lid before using other specialised equipment that is able to open the meibomian glands if they are blocked.

“Blephasteam works well for most patients. This includes patients with meibomian gland dysfunction and associated conditions. We definitely advocate this treatment for patients who have chronic dry eyes. Nobody should have to rely on using teardrops daily in order to cope with the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eyes,” she said.

Tips for dealing with periodic dry eyes

• Use a humidifier or quality air filter to keep air around you moist.
• Cut back on time spent staring at your computer screen and other devices.
• Make an effort to blink more often while working at the computer.
• Check your medications for any side effects causing dry eyes.
• Gently massage your lower and upper eyelids.
• If you are often in a windy area, wear a pair of wraparound sunglasses to reduce the chance of wind blowing directly into your eyes.
• Avoid cigarette smoke.
• Ask your optometrist about available treatments such as gland evacuation and debridement and blephasteam treatments.

Remember, it is important to consult your eye care practitioner if you continue to experience symptoms of dry eyes,” Zelda concluded.

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