They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, but what happens when those windows show signs of wear and tear?
As we age, it’s not uncommon to notice changes in our skin, especially around the eyes. A loss of elasticity in this delicate area can lead to the dreaded droopy eyelids. However, many may not realise that droopy eyelids can have an unexpected companion: dry eyes.
Why do our eyelids begin to droop?
Before we explore the relationship between droopy eyelids and dry eyes, it’s important to first understand the natural ageing process and how it affects our skin. As we grow older, the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for maintaining skin elasticity, slows down.
This reduction in elasticity becomes particularly noticeable in the thin and sensitive skin around our eyes. Consequently, the eyelids can become loose and begin to droop, creating a tired or aged appearance.
In some cases, droopy eyelids go beyond the typical signs of ageing. Ptosis, a condition characterised by one or both upper eyelids drooping over the top part of the eye, can occur.
Ptosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including weakened eyelid muscles, nerve damage, or even a congenital condition. Regardless of its cause, ptosis exacerbates the effects of droopy eyelids, leading to further aesthetic concerns and potential functional issues.
The surprising link between droopy eyelids and dry eyes
When the eyelids sag or droop, they fail to perform this natural function efficiently: protecting the eyes from external irritants and distributing tears evenly across the surface of the eye.
This compromised eyelid function can disrupt the natural tear film, leading to an insufficient production of tears or increased tear evaporation. Consequently, individuals with droopy eyelids are more prone to developing dry eyes.
Dry eyes, although often dismissed as a minor inconvenience, can significantly impact your eye health and overall quality of life. Common symptoms of dry eyes include redness, itching, burning sensations, excessive tearing, and blurred vision.
In fact, prolonged dryness can even lead to corneal damage and increased vulnerability to eye infections, which is why it’s crucial to keep them refreshed and hydrated. When your eyes are feeling dry, your best bets are Evolve’s HA Dry Eye Max and Evolve’s Quick Relief.
The best way to combat dry eyes
At the first sign of dryness and grittiness, our first course of action would be to reach for a bottle of eye drops. However, the type of eye drops you use changes everything, as not all formulas are created equal.
Standard single-use eye drops are typically preservative-free, making them ideal for eye health. However, some tend to recap and reuse them for a few days, which can introduce bacteria into their eyes since these drops lack preservatives.
On the other hand, multi-dose eye drops are more cost-effective but contain preservatives to protect the formula. Once opened, they typically last up to 30 days.
Thankfully, Evolve’s eye drops bridge the gap between these options. They combine the benefits of single-use, preservative-free eye drops with the convenience of an eye drop bottle, making their offerings both affordable and user-friendly!
One bottle of Evolve’s eye drops can be used for up to 90 days, unlike regular formulas that only last up to 30 days. Each bottle contains approximately 350 drops, which is equivalent to three bottles of single-use vials – a more cost-effective option in the long run.
To maintain the freshness and sterility of the formula, Evolve utilises a patented one-way filter in their clever bottle design, which prevents contaminated liquid and air from re-entering the bottle.
The eye drops also feature a distinctive blue tip, which aids in precise application. The bottle itself is soft, making it easy to dispense the drops, even for elderly individuals.
These eye drops are also suitable for contact lens wearers and those who have undergone refractive surgeries like Lasik.
For instant relief, take your pick from two eye drops:
- Evolve Quick Relief: An effective solution for mild to moderate dry eyes. With its key ingredient, 0.5% carmellose, it works as artificial tears, providing much-needed relief.
- Evolve HA Dry Eye Max: For those dealing with moderate to severe dry eyes, these eye drops are specially formulated with 0.2% hydrating sodium hyaluronate, offering enhanced moisture and comfort.
To relieve dryness, simply place one drop into each eye two to four times a day, following the guidance of your doctor, optician, or pharmacist!
Prices are as follows:
- Evolve Quick Relief (10ml) retails for S$21.20 at Guardian, Watsons, and online at Glovida.com, Shopee, and Lazada.
- Evolve HA Dry Eye Max (10ml) retails for S$23.20 at Guardian, Watsons, and online at Glovida.com, Shopee, and Lazada.
This article is brought to you by Evolve.
Featured image credit: @arbritaa/TikTok (left), Canva (right)
