PRODUCT SELECTOR
Find the product that is right for you
BYE BYE TO DRY EYE
Frequently asked questions about Dry Eye and The Clinitas Range.
What is Dry Eye?
Have you ever had that feeling of something in your eye when you knew they were clear? Do your eyes ever feel itchy or gritty or tired, particularly at the end of the day? You may have Dry Eye.
Dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis is common. In fact, studies estimate up to 30% of people may experience dry eye at some point in their lives. It is more common in people over 60 – particularly menopausal women. Whilst dry eye is not normally serious, in extreme cases it can damage the eye and vision. Whilst there is no cure, most people can be kept comfortable using eye drops.
Every blink spreads tears across the surface of the eye and these tears form a tear film which hydrates, lubricates and protects the surface of the eye so that vision stays clear and comfortable. When the tears produced are insufficient to replenish the tear film, or the tear film is unstable, eyes can feel gritty, scratchy and irritated, an issue more commonly known as Dry Eye.
In simplistic terms there are two forms of dry eye:
- Tear deficient dry eye (poor tear film quantity) – not enough tear film is produced or it is poorly distributed across the surface of the eye.
- Tear sufficient or evaporative eye (poor tear film quality) - enough tears are produced but evaporation of moisture from the surface of the eye causes dry eye symptoms.
Dry eye is common, studies estimate that up to 30% of people may experience it at some point in their life. It is more common in people over 60 - particularly women. Dry eye is not normally serious, there is no cure but most people can be kept comfortable using eye drops. In extreme cases dry eye can damage the eye and vision.
Symptoms of dry eye
- itchy or scratchy sensations in or around the eyes
- dryness, grittiness, stinging or soreness in the eyes that worsens through the day
- red eyes
- watery eyes, particularly when exposed to wind
- ocassional blurred vision and sensitivity to normal light
The Tear Film
A healthy tear layer consists of three distinct layers each one works differently and together keep your eye moist and lubricated.
AQUEOUS (WATERY) LAYER
is produced by the lacrymal gland. It is the central component of the tear film and accounts for about 98% of tear volume. It consists mainly of water but also contains other substances such as electrolytes and proteins, which nourish the eye. This layer also washes away irritants, keeping the eye healthy.
MUCIN (BASE) LAYER
is the inner and foundation layer of the tear film which anchors the film to the cornea. It is produced from goblet cells within the conjunctiva. Its key functions are to facilitate film distribution evenly over the corneal surface and adherence to the corneal epithelium.
LIPID (PROTECTIVE) LAYER
is composed of oils secreted by the meibomian glands. This is the outermost layer of the tear film covering the aqueous and mucin layers and providing a barrier which delays tear evaporation and retains moisture. The lipid layer also protects the eye surface from contamination.
CLINITAS FROM YOUR DOCTOR
Clinitas and Clinitas Gel are available on prescription from your GP or consultant.
ASK IRIS
Have a question about The Clinitas Range or Dry Eye problems?
