The Reason You Should be Embracing Dry January for Your Dry Eye Disease 

When it comes to Dry Eye Disease, many people suffer from the condition but don’t know how to alleviate the symptoms.

You don’t need to suffer in silence. There are many things you can do to avoid the tired, itchy feeling – including lifestyle changes.

While eye drops and dedication can help improve the symptoms of the condition and repair damage to the eyes that can aggravate Dry Eye Disease, lifestyle changes can help you avoid triggers that cause your discomfort. 

One of the largest triggers of many conditions that you might not consider is alcohol. Alcohol has been linked to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease and there’s evidence that a reduction of your alcohol consumption can actually help reduce symptoms of dry eye. 

This January, like the last few years, a national campaign in the UK is taking place to help reduce drinking and aid people in quitting for good. 

Here’s why you should consider taking on Dry January for your Dry Eye Disease. 

A closeup shot of an eye

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease is a condition in which the healthy tear film of your eyes becomes disrupted and damaged, causing symptoms such as: 

Itching 
Burning
A feeling of grit or sand in your eye 
Excessive tear production 
Blurred vision 
Sensitivity to light 
And many others[1]

It occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly.[2] When you don’t have adequate hydrating tears the eyelid scrapes over the desiccated surface instead of gliding over the smooth film of tears, causing irritation and discomfort.[3] It also risks damaging your eyes permanently. 

There are different forms of Dry Eye Disease including Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, Evaporative Dry Eye where your tears evaporate too quickly, and Mixed Dry Eye where patients suffer from both.[4]

There’s no definite cause of Dry Eye as it can be a symptom of many other illnesses, a side effect of medication, or can be related to environmental or lifestyle changes. However, it is very common with up to 32.1% of the UK population reporting the condition.[5] 

How Does Alcohol Affect Dry Eye?

Drinking alcohol has many effects on your body. Studies show a high correlation between alcohol use and symptomatic Dry Eye, especially in females.[6]  It can stimulate your appetite, widen blood vessels, impact your behaviour and brain function, and increase urine production.[7] This is part of the reason you can become thirsty and dehydrated when you consume alcohol.

A lack of hydration has been linked to Dry Eye Disease with experts suggesting increased water intake for sufferers of Dry Eye Disease as drinking more water can help you produce a healthy volume of tears and ensure healthy lacrimal glands.[8]

Furthermore, alcohol use has been linked to premature ageing. Ageing has been known as a factor in the development of Dry Eye Disease and other eye conditions such as cataract formation and macular degeneration.[9] 

Alcohol intake can also increase the sugar level in your blood, causing your eye lenses to swell and resulting in blurring vision, itchy and irritated eyes.[10] While your blood sugar levels will revert within 24 hours of drinking, the symptoms of Dry Eyes may not fade until a week after your alcohol intake. 

What is Dry January?

Dry January was founded by Alcohol Change UK in an effort to aid the UK population to give up or reduce their intake of alcohol for the entire month of January.[11]

There’s a variety of reasons people may choose to partake in the campaign – with 86% of participants saving money and 70% of participants claiming they experienced better sleep.[12] 

Joining Dry January and committing to not drinking for the month can drastically improve your Dry Eye symptoms in the long run and help you build better habits for your overall eye health. 

Damp January 

If completely abstaining from alcohol for January seems like too big of a challenge or you’re not ready to commit to such a drastic change, you can consider attempting damp January instead. It follows a more moderate approach to drinking, allowing the occasionally mindfully chosen drink.[13] In combination with extra hydration and other lifestyle changes, you should be able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage without triggering intense Dry Eye symptoms. 

How to Tackle Dry Eye Symptoms 

Alongside reducing alcohol consumption, there are many things you can do to reduce the severity of your symptoms and fight your Dry Eye Disease. 

Getting enough sleep (around 7 to 8 hours a night is recommended).

Limiting screen time and taking breaks from screens. Using the 20:20:20 rule is ideal, especially when you work in an office.

Avoid smoke, wind, and air conditioning.

Speaking to your doctor about prescription medicines that can help deal with serious Dry Eye Disease.

Implement a three-step daily routine to keep your eyes clean, hydrated, and cared for with products like Naviblef® Daily Care.

Soothe irritation, pain, and burning with eye drops like VisuXL®

If you’d like to find more Dry Eye treatment options, explore VISUshop now. 

While Dry Eye Disease can be uncomfortable, you’re not alone and you don’t have to suffer in silence. Get the help you need today and try Dry January. 

References

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Battling Dry Eye in Bad Weather

When it comes to Dry Eye Disease, many people suffer from the condition but don’t know how to alleviate the symptoms.

You don’t need to suffer in silence. There are many things you can do to avoid the tired, itchy feeling – including lifestyle changes.

While eye drops and dedication can help improve the symptoms of the condition and repair damage to the eyes that can aggravate Dry Eye Disease, lifestyle changes can help you avoid triggers that cause your discomfort. 

One of the largest triggers of many conditions that you might not consider is alcohol. Alcohol has been linked to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease and there’s evidence that a reduction of your alcohol consumption can actually help reduce symptoms of dry eye. 

This January, like the last few years, a national campaign in the UK is taking place to help reduce drinking and aid people in quitting for good. 

Here’s why you should consider taking on Dry January for your Dry Eye Disease. 

A closeup shot of an eye

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease is a condition in which the healthy tear film of your eyes becomes disrupted and damaged, causing symptoms such as: 

Itching 
Burning
A feeling of grit or sand in your eye 
Excessive tear production 
Blurred vision 
Sensitivity to light 
And many others[1]

It occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly.[2] When you don’t have adequate hydrating tears the eyelid scrapes over the desiccated surface instead of gliding over the smooth film of tears, causing irritation and discomfort.[3] It also risks damaging your eyes permanently. 

There are different forms of Dry Eye Disease including Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, Evaporative Dry Eye where your tears evaporate too quickly, and Mixed Dry Eye where patients suffer from both.[4]

There’s no definite cause of Dry Eye as it can be a symptom of many other illnesses, a side effect of medication, or can be related to environmental or lifestyle changes. However, it is very common with up to 32.1% of the UK population reporting the condition.[5] 

How Does Alcohol Affect Dry Eye?

Drinking alcohol has many effects on your body. Studies show a high correlation between alcohol use and symptomatic Dry Eye, especially in females.[6]  It can stimulate your appetite, widen blood vessels, impact your behaviour and brain function, and increase urine production.[7] This is part of the reason you can become thirsty and dehydrated when you consume alcohol.

A lack of hydration has been linked to Dry Eye Disease with experts suggesting increased water intake for sufferers of Dry Eye Disease as drinking more water can help you produce a healthy volume of tears and ensure healthy lacrimal glands.[8]

Furthermore, alcohol use has been linked to premature ageing. Ageing has been known as a factor in the development of Dry Eye Disease and other eye conditions such as cataract formation and macular degeneration.[9] 

Alcohol intake can also increase the sugar level in your blood, causing your eye lenses to swell and resulting in blurring vision, itchy and irritated eyes.[10] While your blood sugar levels will revert within 24 hours of drinking, the symptoms of Dry Eyes may not fade until a week after your alcohol intake. 

What is Dry January?

Dry January was founded by Alcohol Change UK in an effort to aid the UK population to give up or reduce their intake of alcohol for the entire month of January.[11]

There’s a variety of reasons people may choose to partake in the campaign – with 86% of participants saving money and 70% of participants claiming they experienced better sleep.[12] 

Joining Dry January and committing to not drinking for the month can drastically improve your Dry Eye symptoms in the long run and help you build better habits for your overall eye health. 

Damp January 

If completely abstaining from alcohol for January seems like too big of a challenge or you’re not ready to commit to such a drastic change, you can consider attempting damp January instead. It follows a more moderate approach to drinking, allowing the occasionally mindfully chosen drink.[13] In combination with extra hydration and other lifestyle changes, you should be able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage without triggering intense Dry Eye symptoms. 

How to Tackle Dry Eye Symptoms 

Alongside reducing alcohol consumption, there are many things you can do to reduce the severity of your symptoms and fight your Dry Eye Disease. 

Getting enough sleep (around 7 to 8 hours a night is recommended).

Limiting screen time and taking breaks from screens. Using the 20:20:20 rule is ideal, especially when you work in an office.

Avoid smoke, wind, and air conditioning.

Speaking to your doctor about prescription medicines that can help deal with serious Dry Eye Disease.

Implement a three-step daily routine to keep your eyes clean, hydrated, and cared for with products like Naviblef® Daily Care.

Soothe irritation, pain, and burning with eye drops like VisuXL®

If you’d like to find more Dry Eye treatment options, explore VISUshop now. 

While Dry Eye Disease can be uncomfortable, you’re not alone and you don’t have to suffer in silence. Get the help you need today and try Dry January. 

References

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Makeup Tips for Dry Eye: Can you wear eyelash extensions? 

When it comes to Dry Eye Disease, many people suffer from the condition but don’t know how to alleviate the symptoms.

You don’t need to suffer in silence. There are many things you can do to avoid the tired, itchy feeling – including lifestyle changes.

While eye drops and dedication can help improve the symptoms of the condition and repair damage to the eyes that can aggravate Dry Eye Disease, lifestyle changes can help you avoid triggers that cause your discomfort. 

One of the largest triggers of many conditions that you might not consider is alcohol. Alcohol has been linked to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease and there’s evidence that a reduction of your alcohol consumption can actually help reduce symptoms of dry eye. 

This January, like the last few years, a national campaign in the UK is taking place to help reduce drinking and aid people in quitting for good. 

Here’s why you should consider taking on Dry January for your Dry Eye Disease. 

A closeup shot of an eye

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease is a condition in which the healthy tear film of your eyes becomes disrupted and damaged, causing symptoms such as: 

Itching 
Burning
A feeling of grit or sand in your eye 
Excessive tear production 
Blurred vision 
Sensitivity to light 
And many others[1]

It occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly.[2] When you don’t have adequate hydrating tears the eyelid scrapes over the desiccated surface instead of gliding over the smooth film of tears, causing irritation and discomfort.[3] It also risks damaging your eyes permanently. 

There are different forms of Dry Eye Disease including Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, Evaporative Dry Eye where your tears evaporate too quickly, and Mixed Dry Eye where patients suffer from both.[4]

There’s no definite cause of Dry Eye as it can be a symptom of many other illnesses, a side effect of medication, or can be related to environmental or lifestyle changes. However, it is very common with up to 32.1% of the UK population reporting the condition.[5] 

How Does Alcohol Affect Dry Eye?

Drinking alcohol has many effects on your body. Studies show a high correlation between alcohol use and symptomatic Dry Eye, especially in females.[6]  It can stimulate your appetite, widen blood vessels, impact your behaviour and brain function, and increase urine production.[7] This is part of the reason you can become thirsty and dehydrated when you consume alcohol.

A lack of hydration has been linked to Dry Eye Disease with experts suggesting increased water intake for sufferers of Dry Eye Disease as drinking more water can help you produce a healthy volume of tears and ensure healthy lacrimal glands.[8]

Furthermore, alcohol use has been linked to premature ageing. Ageing has been known as a factor in the development of Dry Eye Disease and other eye conditions such as cataract formation and macular degeneration.[9] 

Alcohol intake can also increase the sugar level in your blood, causing your eye lenses to swell and resulting in blurring vision, itchy and irritated eyes.[10] While your blood sugar levels will revert within 24 hours of drinking, the symptoms of Dry Eyes may not fade until a week after your alcohol intake. 

What is Dry January?

Dry January was founded by Alcohol Change UK in an effort to aid the UK population to give up or reduce their intake of alcohol for the entire month of January.[11]

There’s a variety of reasons people may choose to partake in the campaign – with 86% of participants saving money and 70% of participants claiming they experienced better sleep.[12] 

Joining Dry January and committing to not drinking for the month can drastically improve your Dry Eye symptoms in the long run and help you build better habits for your overall eye health. 

Damp January 

If completely abstaining from alcohol for January seems like too big of a challenge or you’re not ready to commit to such a drastic change, you can consider attempting damp January instead. It follows a more moderate approach to drinking, allowing the occasionally mindfully chosen drink.[13] In combination with extra hydration and other lifestyle changes, you should be able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage without triggering intense Dry Eye symptoms. 

How to Tackle Dry Eye Symptoms 

Alongside reducing alcohol consumption, there are many things you can do to reduce the severity of your symptoms and fight your Dry Eye Disease. 

Getting enough sleep (around 7 to 8 hours a night is recommended).

Limiting screen time and taking breaks from screens. Using the 20:20:20 rule is ideal, especially when you work in an office.

Avoid smoke, wind, and air conditioning.

Speaking to your doctor about prescription medicines that can help deal with serious Dry Eye Disease.

Implement a three-step daily routine to keep your eyes clean, hydrated, and cared for with products like Naviblef® Daily Care.

Soothe irritation, pain, and burning with eye drops like VisuXL®

If you’d like to find more Dry Eye treatment options, explore VISUshop now. 

While Dry Eye Disease can be uncomfortable, you’re not alone and you don’t have to suffer in silence. Get the help you need today and try Dry January. 

References

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Dry Eyes: The Unexpected Symptom of Menopause

When it comes to Dry Eye Disease, many people suffer from the condition but don’t know how to alleviate the symptoms.

You don’t need to suffer in silence. There are many things you can do to avoid the tired, itchy feeling – including lifestyle changes.

While eye drops and dedication can help improve the symptoms of the condition and repair damage to the eyes that can aggravate Dry Eye Disease, lifestyle changes can help you avoid triggers that cause your discomfort. 

One of the largest triggers of many conditions that you might not consider is alcohol. Alcohol has been linked to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease and there’s evidence that a reduction of your alcohol consumption can actually help reduce symptoms of dry eye. 

This January, like the last few years, a national campaign in the UK is taking place to help reduce drinking and aid people in quitting for good. 

Here’s why you should consider taking on Dry January for your Dry Eye Disease. 

A closeup shot of an eye

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease is a condition in which the healthy tear film of your eyes becomes disrupted and damaged, causing symptoms such as: 

Itching 
Burning
A feeling of grit or sand in your eye 
Excessive tear production 
Blurred vision 
Sensitivity to light 
And many others[1]

It occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly.[2] When you don’t have adequate hydrating tears the eyelid scrapes over the desiccated surface instead of gliding over the smooth film of tears, causing irritation and discomfort.[3] It also risks damaging your eyes permanently. 

There are different forms of Dry Eye Disease including Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, Evaporative Dry Eye where your tears evaporate too quickly, and Mixed Dry Eye where patients suffer from both.[4]

There’s no definite cause of Dry Eye as it can be a symptom of many other illnesses, a side effect of medication, or can be related to environmental or lifestyle changes. However, it is very common with up to 32.1% of the UK population reporting the condition.[5] 

How Does Alcohol Affect Dry Eye?

Drinking alcohol has many effects on your body. Studies show a high correlation between alcohol use and symptomatic Dry Eye, especially in females.[6]  It can stimulate your appetite, widen blood vessels, impact your behaviour and brain function, and increase urine production.[7] This is part of the reason you can become thirsty and dehydrated when you consume alcohol.

A lack of hydration has been linked to Dry Eye Disease with experts suggesting increased water intake for sufferers of Dry Eye Disease as drinking more water can help you produce a healthy volume of tears and ensure healthy lacrimal glands.[8]

Furthermore, alcohol use has been linked to premature ageing. Ageing has been known as a factor in the development of Dry Eye Disease and other eye conditions such as cataract formation and macular degeneration.[9] 

Alcohol intake can also increase the sugar level in your blood, causing your eye lenses to swell and resulting in blurring vision, itchy and irritated eyes.[10] While your blood sugar levels will revert within 24 hours of drinking, the symptoms of Dry Eyes may not fade until a week after your alcohol intake. 

What is Dry January?

Dry January was founded by Alcohol Change UK in an effort to aid the UK population to give up or reduce their intake of alcohol for the entire month of January.[11]

There’s a variety of reasons people may choose to partake in the campaign – with 86% of participants saving money and 70% of participants claiming they experienced better sleep.[12] 

Joining Dry January and committing to not drinking for the month can drastically improve your Dry Eye symptoms in the long run and help you build better habits for your overall eye health. 

Damp January 

If completely abstaining from alcohol for January seems like too big of a challenge or you’re not ready to commit to such a drastic change, you can consider attempting damp January instead. It follows a more moderate approach to drinking, allowing the occasionally mindfully chosen drink.[13] In combination with extra hydration and other lifestyle changes, you should be able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage without triggering intense Dry Eye symptoms. 

How to Tackle Dry Eye Symptoms 

Alongside reducing alcohol consumption, there are many things you can do to reduce the severity of your symptoms and fight your Dry Eye Disease. 

Getting enough sleep (around 7 to 8 hours a night is recommended).

Limiting screen time and taking breaks from screens. Using the 20:20:20 rule is ideal, especially when you work in an office.

Avoid smoke, wind, and air conditioning.

Speaking to your doctor about prescription medicines that can help deal with serious Dry Eye Disease.

Implement a three-step daily routine to keep your eyes clean, hydrated, and cared for with products like Naviblef® Daily Care.

Soothe irritation, pain, and burning with eye drops like VisuXL®

If you’d like to find more Dry Eye treatment options, explore VISUshop now. 

While Dry Eye Disease can be uncomfortable, you’re not alone and you don’t have to suffer in silence. Get the help you need today and try Dry January. 

References

Back to news

Dry Eye and Menopause Demystified

When it comes to Dry Eye Disease, many people suffer from the condition but don’t know how to alleviate the symptoms.

You don’t need to suffer in silence. There are many things you can do to avoid the tired, itchy feeling – including lifestyle changes.

While eye drops and dedication can help improve the symptoms of the condition and repair damage to the eyes that can aggravate Dry Eye Disease, lifestyle changes can help you avoid triggers that cause your discomfort. 

One of the largest triggers of many conditions that you might not consider is alcohol. Alcohol has been linked to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease and there’s evidence that a reduction of your alcohol consumption can actually help reduce symptoms of dry eye. 

This January, like the last few years, a national campaign in the UK is taking place to help reduce drinking and aid people in quitting for good. 

Here’s why you should consider taking on Dry January for your Dry Eye Disease. 

A closeup shot of an eye

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease is a condition in which the healthy tear film of your eyes becomes disrupted and damaged, causing symptoms such as: 

Itching 
Burning
A feeling of grit or sand in your eye 
Excessive tear production 
Blurred vision 
Sensitivity to light 
And many others[1]

It occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly.[2] When you don’t have adequate hydrating tears the eyelid scrapes over the desiccated surface instead of gliding over the smooth film of tears, causing irritation and discomfort.[3] It also risks damaging your eyes permanently. 

There are different forms of Dry Eye Disease including Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, Evaporative Dry Eye where your tears evaporate too quickly, and Mixed Dry Eye where patients suffer from both.[4]

There’s no definite cause of Dry Eye as it can be a symptom of many other illnesses, a side effect of medication, or can be related to environmental or lifestyle changes. However, it is very common with up to 32.1% of the UK population reporting the condition.[5] 

How Does Alcohol Affect Dry Eye?

Drinking alcohol has many effects on your body. Studies show a high correlation between alcohol use and symptomatic Dry Eye, especially in females.[6]  It can stimulate your appetite, widen blood vessels, impact your behaviour and brain function, and increase urine production.[7] This is part of the reason you can become thirsty and dehydrated when you consume alcohol.

A lack of hydration has been linked to Dry Eye Disease with experts suggesting increased water intake for sufferers of Dry Eye Disease as drinking more water can help you produce a healthy volume of tears and ensure healthy lacrimal glands.[8]

Furthermore, alcohol use has been linked to premature ageing. Ageing has been known as a factor in the development of Dry Eye Disease and other eye conditions such as cataract formation and macular degeneration.[9] 

Alcohol intake can also increase the sugar level in your blood, causing your eye lenses to swell and resulting in blurring vision, itchy and irritated eyes.[10] While your blood sugar levels will revert within 24 hours of drinking, the symptoms of Dry Eyes may not fade until a week after your alcohol intake. 

What is Dry January?

Dry January was founded by Alcohol Change UK in an effort to aid the UK population to give up or reduce their intake of alcohol for the entire month of January.[11]

There’s a variety of reasons people may choose to partake in the campaign – with 86% of participants saving money and 70% of participants claiming they experienced better sleep.[12] 

Joining Dry January and committing to not drinking for the month can drastically improve your Dry Eye symptoms in the long run and help you build better habits for your overall eye health. 

Damp January 

If completely abstaining from alcohol for January seems like too big of a challenge or you’re not ready to commit to such a drastic change, you can consider attempting damp January instead. It follows a more moderate approach to drinking, allowing the occasionally mindfully chosen drink.[13] In combination with extra hydration and other lifestyle changes, you should be able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage without triggering intense Dry Eye symptoms. 

How to Tackle Dry Eye Symptoms 

Alongside reducing alcohol consumption, there are many things you can do to reduce the severity of your symptoms and fight your Dry Eye Disease. 

Getting enough sleep (around 7 to 8 hours a night is recommended).

Limiting screen time and taking breaks from screens. Using the 20:20:20 rule is ideal, especially when you work in an office.

Avoid smoke, wind, and air conditioning.

Speaking to your doctor about prescription medicines that can help deal with serious Dry Eye Disease.

Implement a three-step daily routine to keep your eyes clean, hydrated, and cared for with products like Naviblef® Daily Care.

Soothe irritation, pain, and burning with eye drops like VisuXL®

If you’d like to find more Dry Eye treatment options, explore VISUshop now. 

While Dry Eye Disease can be uncomfortable, you’re not alone and you don’t have to suffer in silence. Get the help you need today and try Dry January. 

References

Back to news

Dealing with Dry Eye and Menopause in the Office

When it comes to Dry Eye Disease, many people suffer from the condition but don’t know how to alleviate the symptoms.

You don’t need to suffer in silence. There are many things you can do to avoid the tired, itchy feeling – including lifestyle changes.

While eye drops and dedication can help improve the symptoms of the condition and repair damage to the eyes that can aggravate Dry Eye Disease, lifestyle changes can help you avoid triggers that cause your discomfort. 

One of the largest triggers of many conditions that you might not consider is alcohol. Alcohol has been linked to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease and there’s evidence that a reduction of your alcohol consumption can actually help reduce symptoms of dry eye. 

This January, like the last few years, a national campaign in the UK is taking place to help reduce drinking and aid people in quitting for good. 

Here’s why you should consider taking on Dry January for your Dry Eye Disease. 

A closeup shot of an eye

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease is a condition in which the healthy tear film of your eyes becomes disrupted and damaged, causing symptoms such as: 

Itching 
Burning
A feeling of grit or sand in your eye 
Excessive tear production 
Blurred vision 
Sensitivity to light 
And many others[1]

It occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly.[2] When you don’t have adequate hydrating tears the eyelid scrapes over the desiccated surface instead of gliding over the smooth film of tears, causing irritation and discomfort.[3] It also risks damaging your eyes permanently. 

There are different forms of Dry Eye Disease including Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, Evaporative Dry Eye where your tears evaporate too quickly, and Mixed Dry Eye where patients suffer from both.[4]

There’s no definite cause of Dry Eye as it can be a symptom of many other illnesses, a side effect of medication, or can be related to environmental or lifestyle changes. However, it is very common with up to 32.1% of the UK population reporting the condition.[5] 

How Does Alcohol Affect Dry Eye?

Drinking alcohol has many effects on your body. Studies show a high correlation between alcohol use and symptomatic Dry Eye, especially in females.[6]  It can stimulate your appetite, widen blood vessels, impact your behaviour and brain function, and increase urine production.[7] This is part of the reason you can become thirsty and dehydrated when you consume alcohol.

A lack of hydration has been linked to Dry Eye Disease with experts suggesting increased water intake for sufferers of Dry Eye Disease as drinking more water can help you produce a healthy volume of tears and ensure healthy lacrimal glands.[8]

Furthermore, alcohol use has been linked to premature ageing. Ageing has been known as a factor in the development of Dry Eye Disease and other eye conditions such as cataract formation and macular degeneration.[9] 

Alcohol intake can also increase the sugar level in your blood, causing your eye lenses to swell and resulting in blurring vision, itchy and irritated eyes.[10] While your blood sugar levels will revert within 24 hours of drinking, the symptoms of Dry Eyes may not fade until a week after your alcohol intake. 

What is Dry January?

Dry January was founded by Alcohol Change UK in an effort to aid the UK population to give up or reduce their intake of alcohol for the entire month of January.[11]

There’s a variety of reasons people may choose to partake in the campaign – with 86% of participants saving money and 70% of participants claiming they experienced better sleep.[12] 

Joining Dry January and committing to not drinking for the month can drastically improve your Dry Eye symptoms in the long run and help you build better habits for your overall eye health. 

Damp January 

If completely abstaining from alcohol for January seems like too big of a challenge or you’re not ready to commit to such a drastic change, you can consider attempting damp January instead. It follows a more moderate approach to drinking, allowing the occasionally mindfully chosen drink.[13] In combination with extra hydration and other lifestyle changes, you should be able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage without triggering intense Dry Eye symptoms. 

How to Tackle Dry Eye Symptoms 

Alongside reducing alcohol consumption, there are many things you can do to reduce the severity of your symptoms and fight your Dry Eye Disease. 

Getting enough sleep (around 7 to 8 hours a night is recommended).

Limiting screen time and taking breaks from screens. Using the 20:20:20 rule is ideal, especially when you work in an office.

Avoid smoke, wind, and air conditioning.

Speaking to your doctor about prescription medicines that can help deal with serious Dry Eye Disease.

Implement a three-step daily routine to keep your eyes clean, hydrated, and cared for with products like Naviblef® Daily Care.

Soothe irritation, pain, and burning with eye drops like VisuXL®

If you’d like to find more Dry Eye treatment options, explore VISUshop now. 

While Dry Eye Disease can be uncomfortable, you’re not alone and you don’t have to suffer in silence. Get the help you need today and try Dry January. 

References

Back to news

Unexpected Dry Eye Symptoms to Watch Out For

When it comes to Dry Eye Disease, many people suffer from the condition but don’t know how to alleviate the symptoms.

You don’t need to suffer in silence. There are many things you can do to avoid the tired, itchy feeling – including lifestyle changes.

While eye drops and dedication can help improve the symptoms of the condition and repair damage to the eyes that can aggravate Dry Eye Disease, lifestyle changes can help you avoid triggers that cause your discomfort. 

One of the largest triggers of many conditions that you might not consider is alcohol. Alcohol has been linked to the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease and there’s evidence that a reduction of your alcohol consumption can actually help reduce symptoms of dry eye. 

This January, like the last few years, a national campaign in the UK is taking place to help reduce drinking and aid people in quitting for good. 

Here’s why you should consider taking on Dry January for your Dry Eye Disease. 

A closeup shot of an eye

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease is a condition in which the healthy tear film of your eyes becomes disrupted and damaged, causing symptoms such as: 

Itching 
Burning
A feeling of grit or sand in your eye 
Excessive tear production 
Blurred vision 
Sensitivity to light 
And many others[1]

It occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly.[2] When you don’t have adequate hydrating tears the eyelid scrapes over the desiccated surface instead of gliding over the smooth film of tears, causing irritation and discomfort.[3] It also risks damaging your eyes permanently. 

There are different forms of Dry Eye Disease including Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, Evaporative Dry Eye where your tears evaporate too quickly, and Mixed Dry Eye where patients suffer from both.[4]

There’s no definite cause of Dry Eye as it can be a symptom of many other illnesses, a side effect of medication, or can be related to environmental or lifestyle changes. However, it is very common with up to 32.1% of the UK population reporting the condition.[5] 

How Does Alcohol Affect Dry Eye?

Drinking alcohol has many effects on your body. Studies show a high correlation between alcohol use and symptomatic Dry Eye, especially in females.[6]  It can stimulate your appetite, widen blood vessels, impact your behaviour and brain function, and increase urine production.[7] This is part of the reason you can become thirsty and dehydrated when you consume alcohol.

A lack of hydration has been linked to Dry Eye Disease with experts suggesting increased water intake for sufferers of Dry Eye Disease as drinking more water can help you produce a healthy volume of tears and ensure healthy lacrimal glands.[8]

Furthermore, alcohol use has been linked to premature ageing. Ageing has been known as a factor in the development of Dry Eye Disease and other eye conditions such as cataract formation and macular degeneration.[9] 

Alcohol intake can also increase the sugar level in your blood, causing your eye lenses to swell and resulting in blurring vision, itchy and irritated eyes.[10] While your blood sugar levels will revert within 24 hours of drinking, the symptoms of Dry Eyes may not fade until a week after your alcohol intake. 

What is Dry January?

Dry January was founded by Alcohol Change UK in an effort to aid the UK population to give up or reduce their intake of alcohol for the entire month of January.[11]

There’s a variety of reasons people may choose to partake in the campaign – with 86% of participants saving money and 70% of participants claiming they experienced better sleep.[12] 

Joining Dry January and committing to not drinking for the month can drastically improve your Dry Eye symptoms in the long run and help you build better habits for your overall eye health. 

Damp January 

If completely abstaining from alcohol for January seems like too big of a challenge or you’re not ready to commit to such a drastic change, you can consider attempting damp January instead. It follows a more moderate approach to drinking, allowing the occasionally mindfully chosen drink.[13] In combination with extra hydration and other lifestyle changes, you should be able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage without triggering intense Dry Eye symptoms. 

How to Tackle Dry Eye Symptoms 

Alongside reducing alcohol consumption, there are many things you can do to reduce the severity of your symptoms and fight your Dry Eye Disease. 

Getting enough sleep (around 7 to 8 hours a night is recommended).

Limiting screen time and taking breaks from screens. Using the 20:20:20 rule is ideal, especially when you work in an office.

Avoid smoke, wind, and air conditioning.

Speaking to your doctor about prescription medicines that can help deal with serious Dry Eye Disease.

Implement a three-step daily routine to keep your eyes clean, hydrated, and cared for with products like Naviblef® Daily Care.

Soothe irritation, pain, and burning with eye drops like VisuXL®

If you’d like to find more Dry Eye treatment options, explore VISUshop now. 

While Dry Eye Disease can be uncomfortable, you’re not alone and you don’t have to suffer in silence. Get the help you need today and try Dry January. 

References

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Dry Eye and Menopause: What’s the Link?

During menopause, have you noticed that you’re struggling more with your vision or experiencing a lot of discomfort around your eyes? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. In fact, there’s a link between menopause and Dry Eye disease.

Some studies suggest that around 61% of perimenopausal and menopausal women are affected by Dry Eye syndrome [1] , while a survey of 6,000 women revealed that one in four women said they experienced dry eyes, making it the second most common hidden menopause symptom. [2]

Woman with dry eye drinking water

What is Dry Eye?

Dry Eye syndrome is an extremely common eye condition affecting one in four people in the UK. [3] When your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes, you may notice inflammation in the eye which is related to a wide range of symptoms. You may experience red eyes, itching, a burning sensation, sensitivity to light, and even fatigue. Symptoms are wide-ranging, so if you’re experiencing discomfort and irritation in your eyes, it may be Dry Eye. [4]

Why Dry Eye?

There are several reasons you might start to show symptoms of Dry Eye disease. From smoking to aging, there are a lot of factors to consider but one you may not have thought about is your hormone levels.

During menopause your androgen hormones (which include testosterone) decrease. This hormone change affects the meibomian and lacrimal glands in the eyelids that provide the essential oils for tears. Tears moisten the eyes so you will see increased tear evaporation and drier eyes as a result.

Recent research shows that testosterone helps to manage the balance of tear production which you need to lubricate your eye. Without enough tear film, you may end up feeling an itchy, gritty, or stinging sensation – otherwise known as Dry Eye.

There is also some evidence that estrogen levels changing during this phase can also lead to Dry Eye disease. More research needs to be done to solidify this link but it would explain the increase in Dry Eye symptoms at different points of a woman’s monthly fertility cycle. [5]

One thing that’s clear, however, is that dry eyes can be a result of a sex hormone deficiency, meaning it’s a common side effect of menopause, when your hormone levels will drop.

couple laughing together

Is Dry Eye Disease a Common Menopause Symptom?

That gritty feeling in your eyes might make you feel like you’re all alone but don’t worry. Many people deal with Dry Eye disease every day and during menopause, it’s a very common symptom.

Menopausal symptoms vary depending on the person and their age, so you could end up facing very different symptoms and experiences from your friends. However, if you are noticing redder eyes, blurred vision, and excessive tearing then you might be dealing with hormonally-induced Dry Eye disease.

How do Hormones Play a Role?

During perimenopause and menopause, there’s a variety of changes in hormones that can be related to dry eye symptoms. We see a decrease in both estrogen and testosterone. Sex hormones are incredibly important to keep the ocular surface of the eye stable, which means they’ll affect producing tears, evaporating tears, draining tears, maintaining nerves behind the cornea, and maintaining the immune system of the eye. When it comes to Dry Eye the ability to keep the eyes moist (usually by tears) plays a large role. When the eyelid becomes dry and irritated , it causes pain, a burning sensation, and red eyes. [6]

During perimenopause, your sex hormone levels begin to drop and eventually, you’ll find you no longer have periods (the process we call the menopause).

After this your body entirely stops making progesterone and the production of estrogen and androgens decreases at a quicker rate, which is why we see the onset of these symptoms around this period of a woman’s life. [7]

Higher Risk Factors

One thing of note is that women who experience premature or early menopause (when the final menstrual period happens before the age of forty) are more at risk for androgen deficiency. [8]

Additionally, it may be worth considering the increased risk factor if you’ve been on estrogen tablets or the pill, have had surgical removal of the ovaries, or have suffered from an eating disorder that’s placed stress on the body. You can get tested for this deficiency, however, due to the levels naturally being so low in women, it’s difficult to do so.

If you’re looking into testing your levels to work out the cause of your Dry Eye disease then make sure you get your blood taken in the morning when testosterone levels are at their highest.

Hormone Replacement Therapy and Dry Eye Disease

Most doctors would recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for alleviating particularly troublesome symptoms of menopause. Traditionally HRT replaces estrogen and progesterone which will fall during this period of a woman’s life. [9] However, HRT usually treats hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep issues rather than Dry Eye disease. You may be considering this treatment to soothe your dry eyes but unfortunately, research hasn’t yet proven the benefits of it.

While some studies show a small amount of improvement in the alleviation of symptoms, the largest cross-sectional study to date found that long-term use of HRT increases the risk of Dry Eye symptoms. Essentially the longer women stayed on hormone replacement therapy the worse and more frequent their Dry Eye symptoms became. [10]

So even if you were only experiencing mild Dry Eye symptoms during perimenopause, you may find that once you start treatment, you experience the onset of Dry Eye disease.

Woman rubbing her eyes

Treating Dry Eye During Menopause

With the effects of HRT in mind, it’s important to consider how your treatments of Dry Eye symptoms will impact your treatment of other menopausal symptoms, and visa versa. HRT can help alleviate some menopausal symptoms but research shows that the treatment can make Dry Eye Disease worse.

However, many usual recommendations for Dry Eye are lifestyle suggestions that may boost your overall health. Eating well, drinking enough water, and getting enough sleep can all help battle that dry, itchy feeling while decreasing screen time can boost your mood as well!

If you’re usually a fan of contact lenses, make sure you’re also grabbing those glasses every now and then to give your eyes a break. Hydrating eye drops in the mornings and evening can help soothe your eyes, and make sure you’re limiting stress where you can. [11]

If your dry eyes are chronic or causing large problems in your life the VISUshop site has a wide range of products for treatment and prevention you can check out here .

For more information on Dry Eye and Menopause, take a look at our other blog s on the subject, and what you can do to alleviate your dry, itchy eyes.

References

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Hay Fever Season: How to Fight Dry Eye When You Step Outside

Hay Fever, dry eye disease, or something else entirely?

Are dry eyes ruining your morning run? Do you struggle on your commute? Scared to wear makeup now for fear of it streaming down your face by the time you step into the office? Don’t worry, you’re not alone – and this doesn’t need to be a constant battle.

Dry Eye or hay fever?

Often, people find that dry eyes are worse in the morning or before they go to bed. The first step to tackling your health problems is to work out its root cause. It could be dry eye disease causing your troubles, or it could be hay fever and allergy symptoms.

Hay fever and seasonal allergies affect everyone in different ways. When hay fever season starts up (usually late March to September) you’ll see the symptoms worsening. From sneezing fits, to a runny nose and dry itchy eyes, hay fever is caused by an allergy to pollen which is a common pollutant in the air. There is no current cure for hay fever, but you can take a medication called antihistamines to lessen its effect. [1]

Field with butterflies

Some people do experience hay fever in the winter. This can be due to a number of reasons like living in a warmer climate where plants may not go dormant and therefore release pollen all year long. If you suffer from Allergic Rhinitis (which pollen is the most common cause of) you can also experience similar hay fever symptoms due to mould, pet dander, and even dust mites – all of which may feel worse due to being indoors more! Often people will mistake this for a common cold, but if you’re feeling itchy, think hay fever. If you’re feeling achy, think cold.

It can be really tricky to work out if your symptoms are caused by dry eye disease or hay fever, but there are some key distinctions. If your dry eye symptoms improve in autumn and winter, it’s likely caused by a pollen allergy, rather than dry eye disease. Additionally, if you’ve also experienced cold-like symptoms such as a dry throat and runny nose, and you’re not experiencing a sensitivity to light or a gritty feeling in your eyes, it’s more likely to be hay fever and allergy symptoms. [2]

Other conditions that could be causing your dry eye

If your dry eye symptoms hit before you’ve even had a chance to take a step out of the door though, then it’s time to consider other possible causes. Nocturnal Lagophthalmos can make it difficult to close your eye completely at night, leading to air exposure which worsens dry eye symptoms in the morning. [3] This condition has to be treated properly or it can lead to impaired vision. [4]

Another possible explanation for painful, inflamed eyes in the morning is Blepharitis which is an inflammation along the edges of the eyelid. You may find your eyelids are crusty and itchy when you wake up, and you can even have issues opening your eyes. [5]

Other possible explanations for your dry eyes in the mornings

You may even find that certain medications that you take at bedtime can cause dry eye symptoms in the morning. Even antihistamines that you may take to lessen the symptoms of hay fever during the day can cause eyes to feel dry in the morning. [6]

Sleeping with air conditioning and heating units can also affect the way your eyes feel and your dry eye symptoms in the morning, as can your environment. [7] This can be a simple fix that will go a long way to improving your life.

Many factors can cause dry, itchy, and even sore eyes when you wake up. Hormonal fluctuations and age can also contribute, so if you’ve noticed that you’re tearing up in the mornings more often as you approach your 60s, you’re not alone and you don’t need to worry.

Luckily, many of the treatments for dry eye syndrome can soothe these symptoms and leave you feeling ready to start your day.

Treating Dry Eye in the mornings

If your symptoms most closely match dry eye and they worsen in the mornings then there are ways you can take action and treat it. Create a morning and evening routine that will help rather than harm. The hot air from hair dryers can worsen eye dryness so towel dry your hair instead. Use eye drops before bed to moisten your eyes. You can even wash your eyelids and use a warm compress if you’re looking to soothe chronic dry eye symptoms. [8]

Take a look at our 10 Tips To Ease Dry Eye at Night blog, as many of these tips will relieve symptoms the morning after as well. [9]

Whether it’s hay fever and seasonal allergies, or dry eye disease, eye drops can definitely help you feel a little brighter and soothe painful, itchy eyes. VisuXL® Gel eye drops can lubricate your eyes for up to twelve hours using a thicker moisture barrier. Use them day and night!

The best way to fight dry eyes when you step outside is good preparation. That includes working out what’s causing your irritation so you best know how to tackle it. To fight dry eyes in the morning a great routine for the morning and night will help relieve symptoms, as well as to make sure you’re supporting your overall eye health. Follow these tips for the hay fever season and beyond to feel ready to take on the day without dry eye disease bringing you down.

We hope this article has answered your Dry Eye questions. However, if not please reach out to us on our socials, join our community on Facebook and Instagram, and discover more advice to help your eyes.

References

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Why Dry Eye?

Is Dry Eye Disease a Common Menopause Symptom?

How do Hormones Play a Role?

Higher Risk Factors

Hormone Replacement Therapy and Dry Eye Disease

Treating Dry Eye During Menopause

References

Hay Fever Season: How to Fight Dry Eye When You Step Outside

Hay Fever, dry eye disease, or something else entirely?

Dry Eye or hay fever?

Other conditions that could be causing your dry eye

Other possible explanations for your dry eyes in the mornings

Treating Dry Eye in the mornings

References

The Reason You Should be Embracing Dry January for Your Dry Eye Disease 

Damp January 

How to Tackle Dry Eye Symptoms 

Damp January 

How to Tackle Dry Eye Symptoms 

Makeup Tips for Dry Eye: Can you wear eyelash extensions? 

Damp January 

How to Tackle Dry Eye Symptoms 

Damp January 

How to Tackle Dry Eye Symptoms 

Damp January 

How to Tackle Dry Eye Symptoms 

Damp January 

How to Tackle Dry Eye Symptoms 

Damp January 

How to Tackle Dry Eye Symptoms 