Dry eye: Dedicated clinics pay off

Although by no means a new problem, anecdotal evidence suggests eye examinations where patients mention or present with dry eye symptoms are on the increase.

‘Twenty years ago, when we first started in practice, it wasn’t on our radar at all, says Lynne Fernandes, optometrist and director of Lynne Fernandes Optometrists, a group of three practices in the Bristol area.

‘Today, patients attend and tell us “I’ve got really dry eyes” or “my eyes are really watery.” Our lifestyles are changing, with longer periods of time at computers, more time spent in air-conditioned spaces and a greater awareness of the health of our eyes.’