The Hidden Burden of Dry, Irritated Eyes
If you have ever ended a long day with burning, gritty, or watery eyes, you may have brushed it off as simple fatigue from too much screen time. But for many Australians, these symptoms point to something more serious: Dry Eye Disease (DED). This chronic condition is becoming increasingly common, and its effects extend far beyond momentary discomfort.
According to the TFOS DEWS II International Report, Dry Eye Disease is defined as a “multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterised by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, accompanied by ocular symptoms” (TFOS DEWS II, 2017). In Australia, dry eye is one of the leading causes for people to visit an optometrist (Optometry Australia, 2024).
“Dry eye is more than just a problem with tears,” says Gary Rodney, founder and creator of Smart Vision Optometry, Master of Optometry, Behavioural Optometrist and Fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC). “It is a complex, inflammatory condition that can impact daily life, psychological wellbeing, and overall quality of health.”
What Exactly Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry Eye Disease occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are made up of three layers—oil, water, and mucin—and any imbalance can destabilise the tear film.
The two main subtypes are:
- Aqueous-deficient dry eye: when the eyes do not make enough watery tears.
- Evaporative dry eye: when oil gland blockages (meibomian gland dysfunction) cause tears to evaporate too quickly.
Both types often overlap. In fact, research shows that meibomian gland dysfunction is present in up to 86% of dry eye cases (Craig et al., 2017).
Symptoms may include:
- Dryness, burning, or stinging
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Feeling as though something is in the eye
- Difficulty with contact lens wear
“Some patients describe it as constant sand in their eyes, while others report sharp bursts of pain or watering that interferes with reading, driving, and work,” notes Jacquie Gattegno, Orthokeratologist and Principal Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Smart Vision Optometry Bondi.
How Common Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye has been called a “global epidemic” due to its prevalence. The Blue Mountains Eye Study—one of Australia’s most cited population eye health surveys—reported that 16.6% of Australians over 50 years experience moderate to severe dry eye symptoms (Blue Mountains Eye Study, 2003). Internationally, prevalence estimates range from 5% to over 50% of the population, depending on age and diagnostic criteria.
“By age 60, up to half of adults may experience dry eye symptoms,” Rodney explains. “And with longer screen times, indoor lifestyles, and environmental changes, we are seeing younger patients too.”
The Consequences of Untreated Dry Eye
Dry eye is not just uncomfortable—it can affect:
- Daily function: Reading, driving at night, and using digital devices become more challenging.
- Mental health: Studies link persistent dry eye with higher rates of anxiety and depression (Mathews et al., 2017).
- Ocular health: Untreated cases can cause corneal damage, recurrent infections, and even vision loss.
“Patients sometimes dismiss dry eye as a nuisance,” Gattegno says. “But when left untreated, it can progress to chronic pain and reduce overall wellbeing. We want people to take it seriously.”
Diagnosing Dry Eye in 2025: New Tools
Modern optometry has moved far beyond the simple “tear break-up time” test. At Smart Vision Optometry, practitioners use advanced imaging to evaluate meibomian gland structure and tear film dynamics.
- Meibography shows whether glands are healthy or atrophying.
- Tear osmolarity testing identifies unstable tear chemistry.
- Non-invasive tear film analysis provides detailed insight into evaporation rates.
These technologies allow optometrists to differentiate between aqueous deficiency and gland dysfunction, ensuring that treatment plans are precisely tailored.
Treatment Options: From Lifestyle to Advanced Therapies
Lifestyle Adjustments
For mild cases, simple changes can help:
- Avoid direct air conditioning or fans
- Use humidifiers in dry environments
- Increase outdoor time to reduce screen-related strain
- Include omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, shown to improve tear stability (Bhargava et al., 2013)
Medications
For moderate symptoms, anti-inflammatory eye drops such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast may reduce irritation. Lubricating drops or gels can temporarily relieve dryness but do not treat underlying causes.
In-Office Procedures
Smart Vision Optometry offers cutting-edge options including:
- BlephEx®: A gentle exfoliation of the eyelids to reduce bacterial biofilm.
- BlephaSteam®: Heat therapy to unclog meibomian glands.
- Smart IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): A breakthrough treatment available at Eyes InDesign Mosman.
Smart IPL: A Game-Changer in Dry Eye Care
IPL therapy, first developed for dermatology, has now been adapted for eye care. It works by:
- Reducing inflammation: Shrinks abnormal blood vessels fueling chronic irritation.
- Targeting Demodex mites: Common eyelid parasites that worsen blepharitis and dry eye.
- Restoring gland function: Improves oil flow, stabilising the tear film.
The procedure is painless, non-invasive, and requires no drops. Most patients undergo a series of sessions, with benefits lasting months to years.
“The Smart IPL treatment is the first TGA|FDA-approved IPL for dry eye, and it has transformed outcomes for patients who previously struggled with ongoing discomfort,” Rodney explains. “It addresses the root causes, not just the symptoms.”
Why Acting Early Matters
The progressive nature of dry eye means that early intervention leads to better outcomes. Once meibomian glands deteriorate, they cannot regenerate.
“We can prevent further damage if we act promptly,” Gattegno stresses. “Waiting too long means patients may face irreversible changes to their ocular surface.”
Smart Vision Optometry: Personalised Dry Eye Care
At Smart Vision Optometry, patients undergo a Smart Dry Eye Assessment to uncover the exact type and severity of their condition. From there, a tailored wellness plan may include lifestyle strategies, nutritional guidance, in-office therapies, and advanced treatments such as Smart IPL.
“We don’t just prescribe drops and send patients away,” Rodney concludes. “We provide long-term management plans designed to improve quality of life and protect eye health into the future.”
Take Action Today
If you suffer from burning, gritty, or watery eyes, don’t ignore the signs. Book a Smart Dry Eye Assessment at one of our Sydney clinics to explore the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options.Book an appointment, or call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.
