Do your eyes feel dry? Scratchy? Burning?

Nature has provided your eyes with finely balanced protection. Every time you blink, tears coat the surface of your eyes, providing special protection and nourishment. But if tear production is decreased, your eyes may feel hot and scratchy – dry eye syndrome.

Your eyes may even try to correct the dryness by increasing tear production. If this happens your eyes may feel watery. Unfortunately, these ‘reflex tears’ lack the lubrication qualities to protect and nourish your eyes.

Often as we age, our eyes produce fewer lubricating tears. Certain conditions associated with arthritis or auto-immune diseases can dry out eyes. Antihistamines, oral contraceptives, pain relievers and blood pressure medication can also decrease tear production and secretion.

Artificial tear drops are only a temporary solution for mild dry eye symptoms. Drops can soothe your eyes but have to be used up to four times a day.

Dry eye syndrome can be relieved long-term with a simple non-surgical procedure. Tiny plugs of soft material are inserted into the tear drainage ducts. These ‘punctum plugs’ (also known as ‘punctal plugs’) slow the flow of tears from your eyes. So even though your eyes produce fewer tears, there’s enough protection and lubrication.

Punctum plugs are not for everyone. But if we diagnose dry eye symptom we can advise if you are suitable for a trial.