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If you find yourself rubbing your eyes a lot, that they're feeling gritty or you have to blink to clear blurriness, then you could well be suffering from dry eye syndrome, otherwise known as Tear Film Deficiency, writes Kilcullen-based optometrist Nichola Kennedy.
It's common — 11 percent of people between 30-60, and 15 percent of over 65s are likely to suffer from it, according to expert studies — and it's treatable.
The causes can be environmental, especially if you work in dusty conditions or, contrarily, in air-conditioning for a lot of the time. The problem can be made worse by spending long periods working at computer screens or watching TV, because these activities reduce blinking, which normally stimulates the tear film. Smoking doesn't help, either.
Age can be a factor, with the body producing less oils, and therefore the tear film can evaporate from the surface of the eyes more quickly. Other contributors can be the side effects of medications like diuretics and antihistamines, while contact lenses can absorb moisture too.
A number of other conditions can have some or all of the symptoms associated with TFD, so it's worth while having your eyes checked up first by your optometrist if you're experiencing dry or itchy eye feelings. The tests are straightforward, and a number of treatments are available.
Our eyes are the windows to our world. We look after windows in our homes, keeping them clear. We ought to do the same with our eyes.
(This is a sponsored post from Nichola Kennedy FAOI, based at the crossroads on Kilcullen's Main Street. Though the building she occupies is for sale, her practice will be remaining there. She can be contacted at 045 484643.)
