Dry Eye Disease

what is dry eye disease (ded)?

Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a common condition whereby your tears fail to provide adequate lubrication for the surface of your eyes.1

This occurs due to your tears either evaporating too quickly or that your tear volume is reduced. 1

When your tears fail to properly hydrate your eye, it leads to dryness and inflammation of your eye’s surface, resulting in an uncomfortable sensation, redness and even visual disturbances. 1,2

tears - the eyes' natural lubricant

The tear film has 3 layers.3,4

1.  Protective barrier that slows down evaporation of tears

2. Provides moisture, nourishment and protects the surface of the eye

3. Helps spread the tears evenly over the surface of the eye and protects corneal cells.

The Main Symptoms 5-7

If you are experiencing one or more of the below symptoms, you may have Dry Eyes.

These symptoms often worsen as the day progresses.5,7

Scratchy

Stinging

Gritty

Dry

Worsens throughout the day

You may also experience one or more other symptoms 5-7

Irritation

Burning

Tearing

Light Sensitvity

Redness

Blurred Vision

Sharp Pain

what causes dry eye disease (DED)?

There are a number of factors that can lead to dry eyes. 1,5,7

Your daily environment

  • Dry air / Low humidity
  • Wind / smoke
  • Air conditioning
  • Extreme temperatures (hot/cold)

Your daily activities

  • Reading
  • Working on a computer for long hours
  • Using a digital device for long periods

Your health condition

  • Your age
  • Diabetes
  • Menopause
  • Using certain medication; e.g. for blood pressure, depression, acne, allergies
  • Eye conditions or damage

types and severity

There are two types of dry eyes.2,5

two types of dry eye diagram

Although these types may be caused by different factors, they may have many of the same symptoms, so most people are considered to have a mixture of these types of the condition.2,5

You may be classified to have mild, moderate or severe disease, based on the symptoms you have and how much it impacts your daily life.8

scale severity of dry eye
  • Symptoms experienced now and then
  • Symptoms have some impact on your daily life
  • Symptoms experienced recurrently
  • Symptoms have a noticeable impact on daily life
  • Symptoms experienced most of the time
  • Symptoms have a significant impact on most daily activities

Your doctor will also look at how your tears perform in keeping your eyes hydrated, and the health of your eye’s surface.8

PROTECTING YOUR EYES BEFORE AND AFTER SURGERY

Some of the most common eye surgeries are cataract surgeries and LASIK surgery (LASIK is lasersurgery used to correct your vision).1,22

Minor, short term damage and changes to the eye itself may cause your eyes to produce less tears, but this usually resolve largely by itself as the eye heals.23,24

Most patients experience dry eye symptoms shortly after eye surgery, and this may continue for a few months, even up to a year after surgery. These symptoms can be treated by using hydrating eye drops before and after surgery.23,24

It is as important to use a hydrating eye drop before surgery as it is to use it after surgery to make sure you obtain the best clinical outcome from your surgery and help the eyes heal as quickly as possible.1,23

Find relief with artelac®

Dry, scratchy  or irritated eyes? Whether your symptoms are mild or more persistent, there’s an Artelac® solution for you.

Explore our full range of eye drops and discover the formula that’s right for you. 

view product range