Dry eyes can be more than just a minor annoyance – they can significantly impact your quality of you day and overall life well-being. Whether you’re dealing with a gritty, burning, itchy sensation or persistent discomfort, it’s important to understand what’s behind dry eyes and how to manage them effectively.
Dry eyes can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, but understanding the underlying causes and exploring various treatment options can help you find effective relief.
Four causes of dry eyes
Dry eyes occur when your eyes do not produce adequate tears for lubrication or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Several factors can contribute to this problem:
1. Reduced tear production: Ageing, certain medications (like antihistamines or antidepressants), and medical conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren’s syndrome) can reduce the quantity of tears your eyes produce.
2. Increased tear evaporation: Environmental factors like dry or windy conditions, smoke, or air conditioning can accelerate tear evaporation. Additionally, prolonged use of digital screens can reduce your blink rate, leading to faster evaporation.
3. Imbalance in tear composition: Tears consist of three layers—oil, water, and mucus. If the oil layer is insufficient, the water layer evaporates too quickly, causing dry eyes. Conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) can affect the oil-producing glands in your eyelids, leading to dry eye symptoms.
4. Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menopause, can also impact tear production and contribute to dry eyes.
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How to treat and manage dry eyes
Managing dry eyes often requires a combination of approaches tailored to your specific needs. Here are three effective treatments:
1. Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops
Over-the-counter artificial tears are a first-line treatment for dry eyes. These drops can help supplement your natural tears and provide temporary relief from dryness and discomfort. When choosing artificial tears, opt for preservative-free options if you use them frequently, as preservatives can sometimes irritate the eyes.
In addition to artificial tears, lubricating ointments can provide longer-lasting relief, especially during the night. These ointments are thicker than regular drops and can help reduce dryness while you sleep.
2. Lifestyle and environmental adjustments
Making a few lifestyle changes can significantly improve dry eye symptoms:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: To combat digital eye strain, take a break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This practice helps refresh your eyes and encourages blinking.
- Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly. Place a humidifier in your living or working spaces to maintain an optimal level of humidity.
- Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses or wraparound glasses to shield your eyes from wind and sun, which can exacerbate dryness. If you’re in a particularly dry environment, consider using a moisture chamber or goggles designed for dry eye protection.
3. Medical treatments
For more persistent or severe cases of dry eyes, consult with an eye care professional for medical treatments:
- Prescription medications: Medications such as cyclosporine A (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra) can help increase tear production and reduce inflammation in the eyes. Your doctor can recommend the most appropriate option based on your specific condition.
- Punctal plugs: These tiny devices are inserted into the tear ducts to block tear drainage and help keep moisture on the surface of the eye. They can provide significant relief for chronic dry eyes.
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy: IPL therapy targets the meibomian glands to improve their function and reduce inflammation. This treatment is particularly useful for dry eyes associated with meibomian gland dysfunction.
@drjenandjuice Tell me your eyes aren’t dry right now 👀 #contacts #dryeye #doctor #todayilearned #eyes #scrubs ♬ Dougie x Breakfast x Chosen – Kuya Magik 🪄
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