Affinity Health Clarifies Dry Eyes

Affinity Health – providers of affordable health care – explains the common symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome and treatment options available. 

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Are your eyes scratchy, red, dry and sore? They might be affected by a common condition called Dry Eye Syndrome.

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) affects a significant proportion of the population, and while it is more common in the elderly, it can affect all ages. 

Did you know that even when you’re happy, your eyes are full of tears? Tears provide your eyes with the moisture and lubrication needed to see comfortably. 

When tears don’t provide enough moisture, your eyes feel gritty, irritated, itchy, and sore. Dry eyes can also affect your vision, making things appear blurry and extra sensitive to light.

Sometimes, dry eyes create too many tears (known as reflex tearing) to make up for the dryness. While reflex tearing helps wash debris away, it doesn’t coat your eye’s surface and, despite the tears, they still feel dry.

Many factors can cause dry eyes, including: 

• Being in the wind or an arid climate
• The natural ageing process, especially menopause
• Certain diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and collagen vascular diseases
• Taking certain medicines, such as diuretics, beta-blockers, cold medication, sleeping pills, anxiety and antidepressant medicines, and heartburn medicines
• Problems that don’t allow your eyelids to close the way they should
• Working frequently with a computer or using a smartphone or other portable digital device
• Smoking has been linked to dry eyes, along with other serious eye problems, including macular degeneration and cataracts

Read More: Dry Eye Syndrome – Everything You Need to Know

“The good news is that there are several treatment options if you suffer from chronic dry eyes,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. 

“Affinity Health members can simply book a visit to their closest Spec-Savers Optometrist, who might recommend prescription eye medications and in-office procedures to help your body create and secrete more tears and to decrease eye irritation and inflammation.”

Continue Reading: How to Tell if You Need Glasses & Signs That You Should See an Optometrist

Access Immediate Eye Care with Telehealth from Affinity Health

You can call Affinity Health’s telehealth line to be assisted by a Primary Healthcare Provider. 

The Primary Healthcare Professionals will assess your symptoms, prescribe acute medication according to Affinity Health benefits, as well as issue a sick note for up to two days.

Affinity Health will also refer you for Basic Eye Tests at Medical Society.

To consult a Primary Healthcare Professional, please call 0861 11 00 33 during the following times:

• Mondays to Fridays: 07:00 to 19:00
• Saturdays: 07:00 to 14:00
• Sundays and Public Holidays: Closed

See How Screens Affect Your Eyes & How You Can Exercise Your Eyes

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health aims to provide premier quality, affordable medical insurance to South Africans. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service when they are faced with injury or illness. We work to deliver innovative solutions that are simple, cost-effective, and proven, so our cover is structured to ensure that you get exactly what you need. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.