Causes of Cataracts

Do your eyes itch, scratch or burn?  Do they feel dry?  Maybe you feel like you have some dust or grit in them that you can’t get rid of?   Maybe you’re having some problems with your contact lenses feeling a bit uncomfortable?

Well, if you’ve got any of these symptoms, then you may well be one of millions of people around the world who suffer from dry eye syndrome.

What are the reasons for dry eye syndrome?   Several factors can cause dry eyes, including the side effects of some medications, some diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis), eye strain, a dehydrating environment (eg places with airconditioners or heaters in use), windy or dusty climates, ageing and menopause (women are more prone to dry eye than men).  Dry eyes are also a very common complaint from contact lens wearers, with some studies showing that around half of people who wear soft contacts experience dryness in their eyes.  It can even be preservatives contained in some contact lens solutions that is the root of the problem.

In most cases, dry eyes can be sorted out fairly quickly and easily, but if the symptoms persist, it’s always advisable to see a professional eye doctor.

The first thing to try is rest and lubrication of the eye.  Not all eye drops will solve the problem however, and even if over-the-counter medication claims to ‘brighten eyes and reduce redness’ – they may not be appropriate.  Prescription eye drops may be necessary.  Many eyedrops can’t be used when contact lenses are on the eyes - so it’s best to check with the manufacturer first eg Johnson and Johnson contact lenses.  Rewetting drops may also provide some relief from dry eyes.

Always take great care with contact lenses, cleaning them properly and using them only as directed, say a leading supplier of lenses in Perth, Austalia - Student Contact Lenses.  Give eyes plenty of rest – particularly if you are spending hours on the computer, reading, writing etc.  If you wear contact lenses, or your work requires lots of computer work, the 20/20/20 rule from the Acuvue website is worth noting.  For every twenty minutes of work, eyes should be rested for 20 seconds by fixing them on an object that is at least 20 feet away and staring at it.

Ensuring you eat well is also a good ploy for healthy eyes.  You need to eat foods rich in vitamins A, C and E as well as foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids (eg salmon, sardines).

If you think you may suffer from dry eyes, it’s best to see your eye doctor.  It may be that you need a change of contact lenses, or some other type of medication to sort out the issue.  

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