Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Common causes include aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, air conditioning, and prolonged screen time. Symptoms typically include persistent irritation, a burning or stinging sensation, blurred vision, and a gritty feeling as though something is in your eye.
We stock a comprehensive range of lubricating eye drops to provide effective relief:
Preservative-free drops are recommended for frequent use throughout the day. Gel drops provide longer-lasting relief but may temporarily blur vision, making them suitable for evening use. Overnight ointments offer maximum protection during sleep when natural tear production decreases.
Eye allergies affect millions across the UK, triggered by seasonal allergens like pollen or perennial irritants such as dust mites and pet dander. Allergic conjunctivitis causes uncomfortable symptoms including intense itching, redness, excessive watering, and eyelid swelling that can significantly impact daily activities.
Our pharmacy offers effective antihistamine eye drops including Opticrom (sodium cromoglicate), Otrivine-Antistin, and Pollenshield for targeted relief. For comprehensive allergy management, oral antihistamines like Loratadine and Cetirizine can also help reduce eye symptoms alongside other allergic reactions.
Start treatment 2-4 weeks before your typical allergy season begins for optimal protection. Keep windows closed during high pollen days, wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors, and consider using air purifiers indoors. Apply eye drops before exposure to known allergens for preventive relief.
Eye infections are amongst the most common ocular complaints, with conjunctivitis (pink eye), styes, and blepharitis being the most frequently encountered conditions. Understanding the difference between bacterial, viral, and allergic conjunctivitis is crucial for proper treatment selection.
For bacterial conjunctivitis, chloramphenicol eye drops and ointment provide effective antibiotic treatment available without prescription. Golden Eye antibiotic ointment offers another reliable option for minor bacterial eye infections. These treatments should be used as directed, typically for 5-7 days.
Proper eye hygiene plays a vital role in infection management and prevention:
Consult your pharmacist for guidance on treatment selection, or see your GP if symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen significantly.
Proper contact lens care is essential for maintaining eye health and preventing infections. Whether you wear daily, weekly, or monthly disposable lenses, using the correct care products and following proper hygiene protocols ensures comfortable, safe lens wearing.
Multipurpose solutions and daily cleaners form the foundation of lens care. Leading brands including Biotrue, OptiFree, ReNu, and Acuvue offer comprehensive cleaning, disinfecting, and storage solutions specifically formulated for different lens types.
Contact lens-compatible eye drops can provide additional comfort throughout the day. Remove lenses immediately if you experience persistent redness, pain, vision changes, or unusual discharge, and consult your optometrist or pharmacist promptly.
Supporting your eye health through proper nutrition is essential for maintaining good vision throughout life. Nutritional supplements specifically formulated for eye health can help fill gaps in your diet and provide targeted support for various eye conditions.
Several key nutrients play crucial roles in maintaining optimal eye health and protecting against age-related vision problems:
Research has shown that specific combinations of vitamins and minerals can help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The AREDS2 formula, containing lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and copper, has been clinically proven to reduce the risk of advanced AMD in high-risk individuals.
Several trusted brands offer comprehensive eye health supplements available in UK pharmacies. Macushield provides a concentrated source of macular carotenoids, whilst Viteyes offers targeted formulations for various eye conditions. Ocuvite supplements contain the AREDS2 formula and are widely recommended by eye care professionals for those at risk of macular degeneration.
These powerful carotenoids are naturally found in the macula and act as a protective filter against harmful blue light. Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation can help maintain macular pigment density, which may reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases and improve visual performance in low-contrast situations.
Whilst a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, fish, and colourful fruits provides many eye-healthy nutrients, supplements can ensure adequate intake of specific compounds. Those with dietary restrictions, older adults, or individuals at higher risk for eye diseases may particularly benefit from targeted supplementation alongside a healthy diet.
Proper eye care extends beyond medications and treatments to include various accessories and tools designed to protect, comfort, and support your eyes in different situations. From emergency care to daily comfort solutions, these products play an important role in comprehensive eye health management.
Eye wash stations and emergency irrigation solutions are essential for workplace and home safety. Sterile saline solutions can quickly flush foreign particles or chemicals from the eyes, whilst portable eye wash bottles provide immediate relief when accidents occur. These products are particularly important for those working in dusty environments or handling chemicals.
Eye patches serve multiple purposes in eye care, from protecting healing tissue after surgery to covering injured eyes during recovery. Modern eye patches are designed for comfort during extended wear, with breathable materials and secure adhesion that won't irritate sensitive skin around the eyes.
Heated eye masks provide gentle, consistent warmth that can help relieve dry eye symptoms and manage blepharitis. These reusable masks help unblock meibomian glands, improve tear quality, and provide soothing relief for tired, strained eyes. Many heated masks can be used multiple times and are designed for convenient microwave heating.
Specialised eye makeup removers formulated for sensitive eyes help maintain eye health whilst removing cosmetics thoroughly. These products are typically fragrance-free, ophthalmologist-tested, and designed to remove even waterproof makeup without harsh rubbing that could irritate delicate eye area skin.
Reading glasses and magnifiers available without prescription can help those experiencing presbyopia or requiring additional magnification for detailed tasks. These accessories come in various strengths and styles, including lightweight options for extended wear and compact designs for portability.
Blue light filtering glasses and screen protectors help reduce eye strain from digital devices. With increasing screen time in modern life, these protective accessories can help minimise symptoms of computer vision syndrome, including dry eyes, headaches, and visual fatigue. Safety glasses for workplace protection ensure compliance with health and safety regulations whilst protecting against flying debris and harmful radiation.
