Dry eyes
Burning eyes, a gritty feeling or fluctuating vision can be signs of dry eyes. Even if your eyes water a lot, your tear film may not be working properly.
An uneven tear film can disrupt the way light is refracted and make your vision noticeably less clear. Blinking may temporarily make things clearer. An examination helps us understand what is contributing to your symptoms.
A stable tear film. Clearer vision.
Lipid layer: evenly spread
Example of a disrupted lipid layer. Dry eyes can also have other causes. Water and mucins together form one continuous layer.
Examination at Lucid Optiek
We measure how long the tear film remains intact after blinking. Alongside your symptoms and eye examination, this helps us decide what advice to give.
Book an appointmentA closer look at the tear film
A tear film analysis shows where and when the tear film breaks up after blinking. Below is an example of this measurement.
What does a tear film analysis show?
The colours show how quickly the tear film breaks up in different areas after blinking. Red indicates areas where this happens relatively quickly, yellow indicates an intermediate area, and green indicates a tear film that remains stable for longer.
Assessing dry eyes involves more than the amount of red on the map. We also look at the measurements, the distribution of breaks, the amount of tears and how the glands in your eyelids function. Together with your symptoms, these findings form the basis of personal advice.
How can Lucid Optiek help you?
We discuss when your symptoms and fluctuating vision occur, how you wear contact lenses and how your everyday surroundings may affect your eyes. We also consider screen use, heating and air conditioning.
Possible options include suitable artificial tears, more deliberate blinking and screen breaks, or changes to lens material, fit, care and wearing time. Sometimes it is sensible to wear glasses more often for a while.
If you have problems around the eyelid margins, we discuss whether warm compresses and eyelid care are appropriate. The approach depends on the cause; not every option suits every eye.
If needed, we consult a doctor or refer you to an appropriate professional.
Read about our approachQuestions about dry eyes
Why can dry eyes make my vision less clear?
A smooth tear film helps light enter the eye evenly. If this layer becomes thinner or breaks up in places, vision may become blurred and details harder to see. You may notice this when reading, using a screen or driving. Blinking redistributes the tears and can temporarily improve vision, but does not automatically resolve the cause.
Is this related to the refractive index?
The refractive index describes how light travels through a material. The difference between air and tears contributes to refraction at the front of the eye. With dry eyes, the main factors are the stability, thickness distribution and smoothness of the tear film. Attributing less clear vision solely to a change in refractive index would therefore be an oversimplification.
What may help?
Depending on the cause, we discuss lubricating eye drops, blinking habits, screen breaks and reducing exposure to dry air or direct airflow. For eyelid margin problems, targeted eyelid care with warmth may be appropriate. If you wear contact lenses, we also assess wearing time and lens care. Check whether eye drops are suitable for use with your lenses.
If symptoms persist or worsen, assessment by your GP or ophthalmologist is important. Medicines and specialist treatments are provided through a doctor.
Can dry eyes also water?
Yes, excessive watering can also occur with dry eyes. It is not just about the amount of tears, but also how well the tear film protects the eye. Watery eyes can have other causes too.
What does this mean for my contact lenses?
Contact lenses may feel less comfortable if the tear film is not functioning well. We look at the contributing factors. Sometimes changing lenses or wearing time helps; sometimes other support is needed.
When should I call a doctor?
Call your GP or out-of-hours GP service immediately if you have eye pain, a sudden reduction in vision or sensitivity to light. Do not simply assume these symptoms are caused by dry eyes.
More information: Thuisarts: dry eyes (Dutch)