Dry Eye Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Effective Treatment Options in Melbourne
Dry, irritated or gritty eyes are becoming increasingly common an for many people, this no longer just an occasional inconvenience.
Dry eye disease affects more than 4 million Australians and it’s on the rise. In January 2020, Optometry Australia reported 77% of Australians have suffered dry eye, yet only 26% have seen an optometrist about the plethora of new treatment options available.
Dry Eye Disease is a chronic condition that affects vision comfort, eye health & a person’s quality of life. We see this particularly with adults who either spend long hours on their screens or for those who live in air-conditioned environments.
At A Plus Optometry, our Melbourne optometrists regularly see patients who have been using eye drops for years without real relief.
So – what is the reason? The answer – dry eye is often misunderstood and often under-treated.
In this article we explain what dry eye really is, what causes it, how to recognise the symptoms and also importantly, the modern treatment options that are available and that we would discuss with you.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry Eye Disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears – or when tears evaporate too quickly.
Healthy tears are essential for:
- Clear vision
- Eye comfort
- Protecting the surface of the eye
- Tears aren’t just water – they’re made up of three layers:
- Oil layer – prevents evaporation
- Water layer – provides moisture
- Mucus layer – helps tears spread evenly
If any of these layers are disrupted, dry eye symptoms can develop.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
If you have Dry Eye, you will know these symptoms well – and they can vary from mild irritation to persistent discomfort.
Common signs include:
- Gritty, scratchy or burning eyes
- Redness or irritation
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Watery eyes (often a reflex response to dryness)
- Sensitivity to light
- Tired or sore eyes, especially after screen use
It may seem like a contradiction, but watery eyes can still be a sign of dry eye, as the eye tries to compensate for irritation.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye rarely has just one cause. It’s often the result of a few contributing factors which can include:
1. Screen Use & Digital Eye Strain
Prolonged computer and device use reduces blink rate, leading to faster tear evaporation. This is one of the most common causes we see in our Melbourne patients whose work requires hours of screen time.
2. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
The meibomian glands produce the oil layer of tears. When these glands become blocked or inflamed, tears evaporate too quickly. This is a major cause of chronic dry eye.
3. Air Conditioning & Heating
Dry indoor air, common in homes, offices and cars, accelerates tear evaporation.
4. Contact Lens Wear
Contact lenses can disrupt tear film stability, particularly if worn for long periods of time.
5. Hormonal Changes & Ageing
Dry eye is more common as we age and during hormonal changes, especially in women going through menopause.
6. Medical Conditions & Medications
Conditions such as arthritis, thyroid disease and diabetes — as well as some medications — can increase dry eye risk.
Why Eye Drops Alone Often Aren’t Enough
Over-the-counter eye drops can provide short-term relief, but often don’t address the underlying cause of dry eye.
Many patients rely on drops several times a day, only to find symptoms return quickly – this is usually because:
- Drops don’t unblock oil glands
- They don’t improve tear quality
- Some preservatives can worsen irritation over time
A proper dry eye assessment with an optometrist is essential to identify the type and cause of your dry eye before effective treatment can begin.
How Dry Eye Is Diagnosed at A Plus Optometry
At A Plus Optometry, dry eye assessments go beyond a basic eye check.
Depending on your symptoms, we may assess:
- Tear quality and stability
- Oil gland function
- Eyelid health
- Inflammation of the eye surface
- Lifestyle and environmental factors
This allows our Melbourne optometrists to create a personalised dry eye management plan, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Effective Dry Eye Treatment Options
Modern dry eye management focuses on long-term improvement, not just temporary relief. Treatment options may include:
- Targeted Eye Drops
- Preservative-free drops tailored to your specific tear deficiency.
- Warm Compress & Lid Therapy
- Improves oil gland function and tear stability.
- Eyelid Hygiene Programs
- Reduces inflammation and bacterial build-up around the eyelids.
Lifestyle & Screen Habits
Simple changes such as blink exercises, screen positioning and regular breaks can significantly reduce symptoms.
- Nutritional Support
- Omega-3 supplements may help improve tear quality for some patients.
Your optometrist at A Plus Optometry will recommend the most appropriate combination based on your symptoms, lifestyle & eye health.
Can Dry Eye Affect Vision?
Yes is the answer.
Dry eye can cause blurred or fluctuating vision, especially during reading or screen use. Over time, untreated dry eye can affect the surface of the eye and reduce visual clarity.
Managing dry eye properly not only improves comfort but can also lead to clearer, more stable vision.
When Should you make an Appointment at A Plus Optometry for Dry Eye?
You should book an eye exam if:
- Symptoms persist despite using eye drops
- Your eyes feel worse at the end of the day
- Vision becomes blurry with screen use
- You wear contact lenses and experience discomfort
- Dry eye symptoms interfere with daily activities
Early treatment can prevent symptoms from becoming chronic & harder to manage.
Dry Eye Treatment in Melbourne: Ringwood & Mornington
If you’re experiencing dry, irritated or uncomfortable eyes, a comprehensive eye exam is the first step toward lasting relief.
At A Plus Optometry, we provide professional dry eye assessments and tailored treatment plans for patients across Melbourne, Ringwood and Mornington. Our goal is to help you achieve comfortable eyes and clear vision- not just temporary relief.
Book an eye test today to find out what’s really causing your dry eye symptoms.
Book an appointment today
