The Dry Eye Chronicles

Welcome to the world of dry eye, where your eyes transform into mini Saharas. You get a burning sensation that makes you look like you've been chopping onions in a wind tunnel. Streaming constantly! Yes, the irony of dry eye is that your eyes often water excessively. They may feel gritty and inflamed. Contact lenses start to feel like tiny pieces of sandpaper. This is the untamed beast that we call dry eye. Dry eye sounds deceptively simple-your eyes are dry, right? Really it's more of a constant battle between your tear film, the environment, and your poor unsuspecting eyes. Your tears are supposed to be a well-oiled machine, with a perfect balance of oil, water and mucus. But sometimes, they go rogue. Suddenly, your tear glands are as unpredictable as a teenager’s mood swings, and you’re blinking erratically trying to tame the beast. What causes such a thing? It could be aging (just another perk of getting older...), certain medications, or environmental factors such as staring at screens for too long. Ah, technology, the gift that keeps on giving. And let’s not forget the other culprits: contact lenses, which can turn your eyeballs into parched prunes, especially if you aren’t sticking to the rules of wear! Fear not! There are many potential solutions. Start by giving your eyes regular breaks from screen time. Remember to blink. Hydrate like you’re training for a marathon. Use good quality eye drops to keep your eyes from going full sand storm. Those little bottles of relief will help you win the day. But, if all else fails, consult an Optometrist who can offer more advanced solutions and get on top of those pesky symptoms. If you have been putting up with any of these dry eye indicators, for any length of time, get in touch with us. Our Optometrists will have your eyes feeling like well-oiled machines in no time! Visit our website, www.blureyecare.co.nzto book online. And for the folk who don’t like the interweb, just give us a call, or pop in and see us!! Our team is here to answer any questions you may have, and find a solution best suited to you. - By Kayla of Blur Eyecare