Dry eye symptoms are among the most common complaints of the eyes, and among the most common reasons people visit their optometrist.

Lubricating eye drops are the usual form of treatment. However, lubrication isn’t always the best solution depending on the underlying processes causing the dry eye. There are many forms of dry eye inlcuding;

Aqueous deficient - eyes fail to produce enough 'watery' tear components - feels gritty, stinging, sore, scratchy and you may have sticky eyelids

Meibomian gland dysfunction - glands don't produce enough oil so the tear film over the eye evaporates too quickly - feels stingy, burning, scratchy with rapid blinking

Blepharitis - inflammation of the eyelids - feels itchy, sandy and you often have red eyelids

Often drops only act as a temporary relief for symptoms but do little to treat the underlying problem.

Some treatments range from specific eye drops and ointments to hot compresses and supplements, or in some cases even prescribed medication or specialised procedures such as IPL.

Speak to your optometrist about your symptoms and get the correct treatment for your dry eyes.