Our eyes are covered by a film of tears. This is to protect the eyes from outside dust and bacteria, to help it focus the light, and to wash nourishment over the surface of the eyes.
If the tears are not able to do their job, either because not enough tears are being produced by the body or because they are evaporating too fast, the eye can become dry. This can make them feel irritated, uncomfortable, or blurry.
How common is Dry Eye?
Around 1 in 13 people in their fifties experience dry eye syndrome and up to a third of people age 65 or older may have dry eye syndrome.
Hormones help to stimulate the function of our tear film and the imbalance in hormones experienced during menopause may explain why people are more susceptible to dry eye at this time.
Environmental Dry Eye
Dry eye can be made worse by our environment. If you are somewhere with very strong heating or air conditioning, this can cause the tear film to evaporate and therefore exacerbate dry eye. Dusty environments can make Dry Eye symptoms worse.
Overexposure to computer use (which may cut down blinking rates), air conditioning, central heating, air travel, smoking, wind, sun, water sports, and activities such as cycling will make Dry Eye more noticeable.
Tears are good for you
The tear film has three basic layers, each playing a distinctive role in maintaining eye health and clear sight.
- Oil (lipid) layer: The outermost layer of the tear film. It is a dense and oily layer that prevents the tears from evaporating too quickly, allowing for the free flow of the eyelid over the eye, and smooths out the surface.
- Watery (aqueous) layer: The middle layer of the tear film. It is made up of the water and nutrients responsible for moisturising, nourishing, and protecting the eyes from infections.
- Mucous (mucin) layer: The inner layer of the tear film. It allows tears to spread evenly over the surface of the eye, as well as ‘stick’ to the surface of the eye.
Watch out for the symptoms
If your eyes feel dry, irritated, if they water a lot, or feel gritty, you should always contact us to arrange for an eye test.
If you suffer from Dry Eye, we recommend you join our Iris Membership Scheme so we can monitor you regularly.
You will also receive discounts on any products purchased to treat this condition.