Harley Street eye clinic shares 3 tips to relieve dry eyes symptoms
Dry eyes may not sound particularly menacing when compared to other eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts. However, dry eyes can pose various issues if left ignored for too long. Over time, dry eye syndrome can increase the risk of long-term damage to the eye. Dry eyes can also increase the risk of styes, conjunctivitis, and other infections. If your eyes are feeling dry or gritty, you can easily visit a trusted Harley Street eye clinic for a check-up. A reputable eye clinic can easily conduct an eye exam and/or Schirmer tests to help diagnose if you have dry eye syndrome.
Don’t despair if you are diagnosed with dry eye syndrome. The condition is fairly easy to treat. Your ophthalmologist may prescribe artificial tears to help manage dryness. If so, make sure you follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions to ensure your eyes are properly lubricated. Of course, simply using artificial tears isn’t the only way to help you find relief from your symptoms. Here are a few more ways to help you better manage the symptoms of dry eye syndrome:
Install an Air Filter
Environmental factors, such as air pollution, can easily contribute to dry eyes. Unfortunately, air pollution in London can be quite bad. Even if you spend time indoors, your air conditioning system can easily introduce pollution into your home. If you live in an area that sees a lot of air pollution, it may be a good idea to have a high-quality air filter installed in your home. This way, dust particles, smoke, and other irritants are unable to enter and circulate throughout the rooms of your home.
Avoid Smoking
Do you need another reason to quit smoking? Cigarette smoke is a well-known irritant and can easily dry out your eyes. Medical research also shows that smokers have an increased risk of developing dry eye syndrome in the first place. If a family member or a friend smokes, politely ask them to avoid doing so when you are around to minimise your exposure to cigarette smoke.
Use a Warm Compress
It isn’t uncommon for your eyes to feel slightly painful if they’ve been drying out for a while. When this happens, the tissue surrounding your eye may also become tender or inflamed. In such cases, try soaking a clean face cloth in warm water. Wring excess water out and place the face cloth over your eyes for 5 to 10 minutes. The heat can help relieve discomfort and swelling. The warmth from the towel can also help stimulate the production of natural oil which helps improve the quality of your tears.
Sources:
Dry eye syndrome, nhs.uk
DRY EYE SYNDROME, aop.org.uk
About the expert
Mr Samer Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon
MD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth I am Samer Hamada, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK. At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands.
