What is dry eye?
WHAT IS DRY EYE?
Dry eye usually fluctuates with severity and variable durations depending on the underlying cause.1 It occurs when the eyes do not produce sufficient tears or when the tear film becomes unstable and evaporates too quickly.1 This results in dryness, irritation and inflammation of the surface of the eye, which can significantly affect comfort, vision and quality of life.1
Many sufferers may not recognise their symptoms as dry eye and often present in the pharmacy seeking advice for red, sore or irritated eyes. Pharmacy teams therefore play a vital role in early identification, education and ongoing management of dry eye.
Common dry eye symptoms include:1-3
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ITCHING OR BURNING SENSATIONS
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SORENESS, DISCOMFORT, OR IRRITATION
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A GRITTY, SANDY OR FOREIGN BODY SENSATION
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RED EYES
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TRANSIENT BLURRING OF VISION
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SENSITIVITY TO LIGHT
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WATERY EYES,
which may be a reflex response to dryness
Symptoms typically tend to worsen towards the end of the day.3
DIGITAL EYE STRAIN & DRY EYES
Some customers may be suffering with similar symptoms that can be caused by Digital Eye Strain (DES). Many people may suffer from DES with increased use of digital devices, but gamers are found to spend more than a third of their day on screens. Symptoms such as eye strain, headaches, blurred vision and dry eyes were worse in those who played video games for longer than three hours. You should advise your customer to follow the 20-20-20 rule.
EVERY 20 MINUTES, LOOK AT SOMETHING 20 FEET AWAY FOR 20 SECONDS.4
Many patients may be unaware that lifestyle habits or medicines could be contributing to their symptoms, or that effective treatments are available without having to see their optician or GP. Pharmacy teams are uniquely placed to support customers by being easily accessible to their communities.
As well as identifying the symptoms and potential causes of your customers’ dry eye, you should assess them by asking about symptom onset, severity, duration and fluctuation, and the impact on their quality of life.1
Some examples of questions you could ask include:
DO YOUR EYES FEEL PARTICULARLY DRY AT CERTAIN TIMES?
PERHAPS WHEN YOU ARE WORKING ON A COMPUTER?
HOW DO YOUR DRY EYES AFFECT YOUR DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES?
HOW OFTEN DO YOU SUFFER WITH DRY EYES?
ARE THERE PARTICULAR SEASONS WHEN THE SYMPTOMS SEEM WORSE?
PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO ANY POTENTIAL RED FLAGS THAT WOULD REQUIRE REFERRAL.1
> Click below to see what red flags to look out for.
Your customer should ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if their eye is:2
Painful and red
Red and they wear contact lenses as they may have an eye infection
Your customer should call 999 or go to A&E if:2
They have changes to their sight, see wavy lines, flashing or experience loss of vision
It hurts to look at light
They have a red eye, severe headache and feel nauseous
Their eye/eyes are very dark red
They have injured or pierced their eye
Something is stuck in their eye, e.g. glass