Dry Eye – Symptoms, Causes and Relief
Dry eye is a very common condition and happens when your eyes can’t produce enough tears or the right quality of tears. Each time you blink, a film of tears is reapplied to the surface of your eye to help you see properly. This tear film is made of three layers: an oily layer, a watery layer and a mucus layer. All three components are needed for good tears –if one isn’t working, the result is dry eye.
What are the symptoms of dry eye?
- Stinging, burning or scratching feeling in your eye
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
- Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
- Eye redness
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Difficulty with night-time driving
- Watery eyes, which is the body’s natural immune response to eye irritation
What causes dry eye?
Our tear production slows with age due to hormonal changes. It’s even more common in women, particularly those who have experienced menopause. Other causes of dry eye include:
- Certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroid disorders or a Vitamin A deficiency
- Side effects from medicines such as antihistamines, antidepressants, or blood pressure medications
- UV exposure and environmental conditions like wind, dust, smoke, and air conditioning
- Eye surgery
- Contact lens use
- Looking at a computer screen for too long, reading and other activities with a low blink rate
Can dry eye be treated?
Unfortunately, dry eye is usually a chronic condition that can’t be cured. But there are still many ways you can improve your comfort and maintain your eye health, such as with artificial tears. For more severe dry eyes, there are gels and ointments that can be applied just before bedtime. Your eye doctor may also prescribe medication to increase tear production, or recommend an in-office procedure to insert small plugs into your tear ducts to slow tear loss.
Tips to Prevent Dry Eye:
- Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home from getting too dry
- Wear wraparound sunglasses when outdoors
- Limit screen time and follow the 20-20-20 rule
- Add more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet from foods like oily fish and flaxseed
- Avoid using drops that claim to reduce redness, as these can cause more eye irritation
If left untreated, excessive dry eye can lead to scarred corneal tissue and impaired vision. The increased irritation makes it difficult to wear contact lenses and can increase your chance of an eye infection. By following your eye doctor’s instructions carefully, you can keep your symptoms under control and live your daily life comfortably. If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, call and book an appointment with our optometrist today.
Posted in Eye Health