Dry eyes sound normal until you have them yourself. Even if you have them, and they’re quite troublesome, know that you are not alone. Famous ophthalmologist Ranjodh S. Boparai, MD, revealed that there are over 300 million people all over the world fighting dry eyes. While this problem initially seems small, it can ultimately start altering your daily life and your mental and emotional well-being.
No permanent solutions are available until now for dry eye disease, which happens when an eye fails to stay moist. Although it could lead to unease, it causes a lot more vision problems. Treatments are available for alleviating symptoms.
Fortunately, quality eye drops often give instant relief. There are different types of eye drops for dry eyes that are available in the market and can be selected for dry eyes. Our experts at Vision Concern did much research and discussion with other experts to derive products and treat dry eyes along with other issues.
In easy words, dry eyes simply means a situation where your eyes are not able to produce enough tears to keep them moist. As a result, your eyes start getting drier giving you discomfort and even vision issues in some cases.
A report in 2017 showed that dry eyes are typically a disease of the surface of the eyes because that is where our tear films are located. And when they don’t work optimally, dry eyes become uninvited guests.
It is the job of tear ducts to protect and lubricate the eye’s surface. It has three layers:
While dry eyes can happen when the body doesn’t produce enough tears, they can also happen when the tear films are not working properly because tears are not properly distributed throughout the eyes.
A medical professional refers to a comprehensive eye examination as part of the assessment for dry eye. It involves checking the condition of the eye after administering eye drops.
Normally, the fluid produced by the oily glands keeps the eyes wet. If tears are not well distributed or if the body cannot produce enough tears; this condition may cause dryness of the eyes.
For example: it can mean that a person might have a normal secretion of tears but they evaporate faster than the person needs them, or they might not be of good quality.
Females tend to suffer more in comparison to males regarding dry eyes. Changes in hormones often disturb their bodies.
Also, with growing age, the body produces a lesser quantity of tears. That is why dry eyes become common as people grow older.
Other common factors that cause dry eyes are:
There is no truly permanent cure for dry eye disease. Various methods are there, though, to keep the eyes moist.
While they can not provide a permanent solution, these helpful methods maintain an adequate and functional tear film on the eye’s surface.
If there is one particular cause of dry eye that doctors can treat or resolve, that’s great. But, you should note that dry eye disease that normally happens due to aging can only be minimized and not cured.
Because the reasons for dry eye can be so many, doctors may prescribe different treatments according to the severity of the symptoms:
The most common treatment for dry eyes is that people can easily get these artificial tear solutions over the counter (OTC) without any prescription. Doctors will recommend these first before trying any other treatments.
Note: They are called artificial tears because they mimic natural tears.
If the dry eyes are persistent and artificial tear solutions are not working on them, doctors can suggest OTC gels or ointments to help your eyes feel better. Normally, these ointments are thicker in consistency and you may have to leave them overnight.
In more serious cases, your eye doctor may prescribe you some eye drops like cyclosporine (Restasis, Cequa) or lifitegrast (Xiidra) eye drops to help increase tear production.
These unique plugs reach the openings of the tear ducts called puncta. They provide comfort to dry eyes by keeping tears in the eyes for a longer time.
In some rare cases, the doctor may suggest you undergo surgery to tighten the lower eyelids and that helps the eyes to retain tears.
It might ask for the alteration of his medication if that patient takes such medication for some underlying health condition causing dry eyes.
This is a device consisting of an inner shield that goes below the eyelids and onto the eye. It uses heat and an air bladder that enables it to unclog the oil glands in the eyes. It also keeps the heat and pressure away from the cornea and globe. The entire process lasts for 15 minutes.
Depending on the possible causes of dry eyes, there are some extra self-help measures that you can try at home to minimize the scratchy, irritating symptoms:
All tears consist of oil, water, and mucus. The necessary combination of moisture and health in the eyes is provided by these three parts. Unhealthy and dry eyelids refrained from drying up and inflamed may prevent the oil-secreting glands along the lid edge from the production of oil.
Instead, soaking a clean washcloth in warm water, wringing it out, and then laying it over your closed eye for at least a minute will probably loosen the oils and relieve some irritation. While doing this, either with a finger or the edge of your eyelid, gently press at or against the edge of the eyelid.
This moist heat helps in loosening up the blocked oils in the glands. Frequently wet it to keep it warm. Warm compresses may be every little necessity daily to help soothe inflammation, even after your eyes are feeling much better.
Cleaning your eyelids and the surrounding skin and hair area can keep any inflammation at bay. To do that, you can drop a bit of baby shampoo or mild soap on the tips of your fingers and massage gently near them with your eyes closed, near the base of your eyelashes.
Gazing at the computer reduces the number of times one blinks within a minute. Hence, an individual must blink often when online. Follow the rule of 20/20: Close your eyes every 20 minutes for 20 seconds.
It is positioning your monitor a bit lower than eye level to keep moisture in the eyes while working in front of the computer. Because you don't have to open your eyes wide, this will help to slow the loss between your blinks evaporation of tears.
Fish such as salmon and tuna are certified to include omega-three fatty acids. Not only these but algae-based foods like sardines, trout, and mackerel also help. Further studies suggested that these healthy oils may aid the glands in your eye to function better, thus relieving irritation.
Other sources of omega-3 fats include walnuts and vegetable oils like soybean and canola. You may also take omega-3 fat as supplements, i.e., through tablets or capsules. However, you must consult your physician before trying any new supplements.
This is to make sure that the supplement will not interfere with a disease or medication that you are currently taking.
Each organ in your body requires water to be healthy, even your eyes. Therefore, drinking water gives it moisture. However, don't wait to drink water when thirsty. By then, it might be slightly dehydrated.
The goal should be to achieve eight to 10 glasses a day. If you don't prefer plain water, any other liquid without alcohol and caffeine will suffice. Water-rich foods - for instance, cucumbers and watermelon - can also be counted.
Checking your pee is a good way of knowing how well-hydrated you are. If it is very pale yellow or even clear, it is more likely that you are getting enough fluids.
Protects eyes from the drying winds causing evaporation of the tears these glasses. Avoid blowing the hot air of hair dryers, air conditioners, and fans at home towards the eyes.
A dry eye is more than an eye disease. It affects your everyday life like your working capacity, your socialization, and your enjoyment of life in general. The emotional spectrum and mental health can also be disrupted by dry eye.
You might feel isolated from the outside world, but this is not the case. You need to meet and share experiences with people who have this condition. It is a slow and fruitful process towards finding relief.
If you are not experiencing success from your current therapies, returning to your provider is the first step. Let your provider know how you are feeling, and ask what other treatments are available to help manage the condition and return you to a preferred quality of life.
Despite not having a permanent treatment, there are lots of treatments to manage them. Contact Vision Concern if you have any concerns regarding dry eye.
Ans: Chronic eye dryness has no remedy. Certain treatments can help manage the symptoms. You may be required to try many treatment options before discovering the one treatment that works best.
This may be a very stressful process, but certainly worthwhile. Ask your health provider if what you are using now does not work, or if you just want to talk about some other options.
Ans: Living life with dry eyes is not easy. Millions face the stress, anxiety, and exhaustion of learning to manage symptoms. Should your condition hinder or influence your quality of life, then seek help from your healthcare provider.
Exploring treatment after treatment would be good for it might take several trials before you discover what could work for you.
This is a condition that angers almost everyone. You don't have to suffer everything alone. Talk to someone you trust and visit some support communities online, visit another person who uses these things for additional guidance. Thus, make things easier.
Yes, we provide emergency eye care for conditions like eye injuries, sudden vision loss, and infections. If you experience any urgent eye problems, please contact us immediately, and our team will assist you in getting the care you need.
Signs to watch for include blurry vision, floaters, sudden loss of vision, eye pain, redness, or sensitivity to light. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam at Vision Concern Eye Clinic as soon as possible for early diagnosis and treatment.
If you’re experiencing blurred vision, headaches, or eye strain, it may be a sign that you need glasses or contact lenses. Our eye exams will help determine whether you need corrective lenses. We’ll also discuss your options based on your lifestyle and preferences, including glasses, contacts, or even refractive surgery like LASIK.
