I have been a Perth Optometrist for 20 years and in that time I have seen what our very harsh environment can do to the eyes. Hot summers, low humidity and constant winds. Almost everyone who has grown up in Perth has got some signs of sun damage in their eyes.
Those lumps in the corners of your eyes are due to heat, wind, dust and to much UV light. While they can be a bit unsightly they also make you more prone to dry eyes
Are these lifestyle factors causing your dry eyes?
Dry eye cases have nearly doubled over the last seven years and the list of lifestyle factors is huge.
Reverse cycle heating, air conditioning, hairdryers, car windscreen demisting, altitude; air travel, dry climates, wind, air pollution, saunas, spicy foods, alcohol, contact lenses; and activities that decrease blink rate, such as driving, watching TV, computers and reading, all increase tear evaporation as well.
These lifestyle factors are very wide spread in Perth.
Could these medications be causing dry eye?
Antidepressants, decongestants, antihistamines, blood pressure medication, diuretics, ulcer medication, tranquillisers, beta blockers, oral contraceptives can all dry out your eyes.
Is your maturity a factor?
Although dry eyes can be a side effect of disease, the most common cause is normal ageing. In fact the volume of lubricating background tears is less than half at age 65 than at age 18. Not surprisingly then, dry eyes affects one in five people over 55, but some more than others. People with wider eyes; those with larger than average tear duct openings are worse off.
For women, hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy, lactation, oral contraceptives, menstruation, and post-menopause can cause dry eye conditions.
Laser Eye Surgery
This is becoming a more common procedure and dry eyes are a confirmed side effect in 30% of cases. Fortunately this mostly recovers as the nerves regenerate, but this can take up to 6 months
Several diseases result in secondary Dry Eye Syndrome
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Thyroid Abnormalities, Asthma, Sjogren's Syndrome, and Lupus.
The good news is that you can help your dry eyes with a home based management program. We have been using it very successfully on our clients in Armadale which is in the foothills of Perth.
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