At Earlam and Christopher we are experts at diagnosing and managing the range of diseases that cause dry and watery eyes.
We offer advice and relief for this very common eye problem. Our specialist lead optometrist Sarah Farrant is a national expert and international lecturer in dry eye and watery eye and can diagnose and treat the range of ocular conditions that result in your dry and watery eye symptoms. She also has the prestigious role of Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society UK Ambassador.
We assess your tear profile and develop a tailored management plan to treat and relieve your symptoms and reduce the damage to your eyes caused by the condition.
The typical symptoms you may experience with dry or watery eyes include:
- Burning, stinging or itching
- Gritty feeling
- Irritation from wind or smoke
- Blurred or smeary vision
- Tired eyes
- Red eyes
- Excessive watering
- Light sensitivity
- Contact lens discomfort
The symptoms are often worse first thing in the morning or later in the evening and can be exacerbated by driving, computer use or air conditioning.
There are a wide variety of reasons why you may suffer with dry eyes including:
- Ageing
- Hormonal changes especially in women
- Blepharitis
- Dry environment
- Prolonged computer use
- Systemic conditions such as arthritis
- Certain medications
- Contact lenses
- LASIK surgery
- Diet
There are lots of reasons why your eyes can become dry, and the aim of the dry eye clinic is to establish the main cause for your discomfort. Previous eye injuries or other problems within the body such as arthritis can increase dry eye disease. Disorders of the eyelid can also impair the complex blinking motion required to spread tears.
The first thing we need to resolve dry and watery eyes is to find out what is the cause. This is achieved through your comprehensive consultation. We are also able to scan your glands to review any damage to the internal parts of the eyelids.
Once the root cause of your dry eye is established, our clinicians can devise the most appropriate treatment and management plan based on your symptoms and the clinical findings. We use the latest techniques and equipment to treat the condition, including the new BlephEx technology.