Dry, gritty, or tired eyes by mid-day? From screen time to ageing and even hormonal shifts, dry eyes can stem from multiple causes. Learn how to recognise the signs and how new treatments like IPL and RF therapy may offer long-lasting relief.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Dry eye syndrome can have multiple underlying causes.
These include:
- Ageing: Tear production naturally declines as we get older, especially in those over 50.
- Hormonal changes: Women, particularly during menopause, are more likely to experience dry eyes.
- Screen time: Staring at screens reduces blinking, which can lead to faster tear evaporation.
- Contact lens use: Long-term use of contact lenses may increase dryness or discomfort.
- Environmental factors: Air conditioning, dry climates, smoke, and wind can contribute to dry eye symptoms.
- Medications: Certain medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs can affect tear production.
- Medical conditions: Autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus are linked to chronic dry eyes.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eyes
If you are experiencing dry eyes, you might notice:
- A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in the eyes
- Redness or irritation
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
- A sensation of something in the eye (foreign body feeling)
- Excessive tearing (a response to irritation)
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
These symptoms may come and go, or worsen in certain situations, such as during long flights, or after extended screen use.
Modern Treatments: IPL and RF with Envision
For those with dry eyes linked to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), newer treatment options like intense pulsed light (IPL) and radiofrequency (RF) therapies have shown promising results.
At Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery, devices like Envision combine both IPL and RF technologies to address inflammation, improve gland function, and stimulate collagen production around the eyelids.
IPL helps to reduce abnormal blood vessels and inflammation around the eyes, while RF uses gentle heat to unblock and revitalise the meibomian glands – important for producing the oily layer of tears. The procedure is non-invasive, well-tolerated, and typically performed in a series of sessions for best results.
Managing Dry Eyes Effectively
Mild dry eyes can often be managed with artificial tears or lifestyle changes, but persistent symptoms may require medical attention.
A tailored treatment plan may include:
- Lubricating eye drops or ointments
- Prescription anti-inflammatory drops
- Punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage
- In-office procedures, including heat therapy, expression, or light-based treatments
- Environmental changes like using humidifiers or limiting screen exposure
Tired of relying on eye drops every few hours? From conservative care to device-based therapies like Envision, there are now more options than ever to treat dry eyes at the root.
Speak to our team at Eagle Aesthetics and Surgery and we will be able to provide a personalised guidance tailored to your treatment plan after a thorough consultation with our dry eye doctors.
Speak to us to know more.
