Dry eye is a common condition from poor tear quality/volume or the tears evaporating too quickly.

Often causing grittiness, blurriness, redness, stinging and burning. The eyes can become watery to try and counteract this.

Modifying your environment, lid hygiene and lubricants go a long way to help. Common management includes:

Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide immediate relief by supplementing your natural tear production.
Environmental Modifications: Using a humidifier, taking regular breaks from screen use, and wearing sunglasses outdoors can help protect your eyes from dryness.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Good lid hygiene, heat packs and a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can support overall eye health.
Consultation with an Optometrist: A professional evaluation at Gardens Optometry can help determine the underlying cause of your dry eyes. They may recommend treatments such as prescription eye drops, lid care or special inserts that help retain moisture.

Allergic eyes occur when the immune system has a hypersensitivity to a normally harmless substance.

Often causing itchiness, stinging, redness, blurriness and foreign body sensation. You might want to rub your eyes… don’t do that.

Over-the-counter and prescription medication are key. Common management includes:

Antihistamine and mast cell stabilisers: over-the counter and prescription eye drops that can be used to prevent allergy.
Steroid eye drops: Prescription steroid eyedrops of variable potency can be used for severe allergy to reduce inflammation and reduce risk of progressive disease.
Lifestyle Adjustments: avoidance of the allergen is easier said than done. Washing hands frequently, avoid touching eyes and a clean house help.
Consultation with an Optometrist: A professional evaluation at Gardens Optometry can tailor a management plan appropriate for you and minimise allergy and risk of progressive disease.