If you are experiencing dry, itchy, or irritated eyes, don’t worry! You are not alone. It is quite likely due to dry eye condition, which affects millions of people across the world. There could be diverse reasons behind the issue. But one common aspect is that it often causes huge discomfort, and if not treated, it may even harm your vision. Let us have a look at some common causes of the dry eye problem, and how to manage it.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
1. Lack of Tear Production
One of the primary causes of dry eyes is inadequate production of tears. We all know tears keep eyes moist and comfortable. When your tear glands do not produce enough tears, or if the tears produced are not of the right consistency, it can lead to dryness. This is a common reason for dry eyes in the elderly. As we grow older, our bodies tend to produce fewer tears, which is why dry eyes are more common in senior citizens.
2. Excessive Tear Evaporation
It is not just about tear production. It is also about how quickly they evaporate. Your tears act as natural lubricants that help protect your eyes. But sometimes, tears evaporate too quickly, which makes your eyes suffer from dryness. It could be due to MGD or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, which happens when oil producing glands in your eyelids get blocked or do not work as they should. Excessive tear evaporation can also happen when you are in air-conditioned rooms or heated homes. In other words, environments with low humidity could trigger dryness in eyes. The dry air can make your tears evaporate faster than they should.
3. Environmental Factors
You might not be aware but your environment plays a huge role in ensuring the comfort of your eyes. If you spend time in areas with a lot of dust, wind, or smoke, it can irritate your eyes, making them dry. Another factor which is actually more of a modern lifestyle problem is staring at a screen for long periods of time. It could be your computer, phone, or tablet. Why long screen time causes dry eyes, is because we tend to blink less frequently than normal when we focus on screens, and blinking is essential to spread the tear film over your eyes.
4. Medications
Few medicines are free of side-effects. There are certain medications that can cause dry eyes as a side effect. Some examples of such medicines are antihistamines, decongestants, and some blood pressure medications. If you are taking any of these medications and experiencing dry eyes, you must consult an eye doctor. They might make changes to your medicines or prescribe an alternative treatment.
5. Health Conditions
Some health conditions can affect tear production and lead to dry eyes. For example, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren’s syndrome can interfere with the glands responsible for producing tears. Some other diseases like diabetes and thyroid can also make you experience dry eye symptoms.
6. Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses, you may be more prone to dry eyes. Contacts may enhance aesthetics or convenience, but they can prevent your eyelids from blinking properly and may also irritate the surface of the eye. Wearing contacts for long periods or using lenses that do not fit properly can also cause dry eyes and discomfort. We advise you to rather wear specs if your contacts are giving you dry eyes.
How to Solve Dry Eye Problems?
Now that we understand some of the causes of dry eyes, let us look at some solutions and tips to tackle the problem.
1. Use Artificial Tears
One of the simplest dry eye treatments is using artificial tear drops. These eye drops can easily be bought over-the-counter and are manufactured to add moisture to the eyes. They help lubricate the eye surface and reduce irritation. You could keep a bottle of lubricating eye drops with you and use them, especially if you are in dry or air-conditioned environments.
2. Take Regular Breaks from Screens
If your occupation demands long screen time or if you spend a lot of time on a computer or a mobile due to any reason, make sure you take regular breaks. The 20-20-20 rule is often quite helpful: every 20 minutes, you have to look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit gives your eyes a chance to blink and recharge. It also helps reduce eye strain and prevents the tear film on your eyes from drying out.
3. Use a Humidifier
If you live in an arid or dry climate or use an air conditioner or heating equipment regularly, you can try using a humidifier. It helps maintain moisture levels in the air. This addition to your place will help you save your eyes from becoming too dry. Ideally, you should install a humidifier in your bedroom or the room where you spend most of your time.
4. Stay Hydrated
Water is said to be the elixir of life. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep not only your body hydrated but also your eyes. So, make sure you stay hydrated. It is particularly crucial if you live in a hot or dry environment or if the summer season is going on.
5. Protect Your Eyes from Wind
Wind and the sun are a predominant factor behind many people’s dry eye problem. Wearing sunglasses when you go outside can protect your eyes from the wind, dust, heat, and also UV rays. If you are riding a bicycle or some other two-wheeler when air seems to hit your eyes, do be cautious and wear good quality sunglasses that cover your eyes properly.
6. Adjust Your Diet
Certain nutrients can help improve your eye health and reduce dry eye symptoms. Try consuming food items rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. For example, you can add foods like salmon, walnuts, pistachios, and flaxseeds to your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids enhance tear production and reduce inflammation in eyes.
7. Talk to Your Doctor
If you fail to get relief from dry eyes with the simple home remedies discussed above, we advise you to visit a good eye doctor. An eye specialist can help find out the underlying cause of your dry eyes and suggest advanced medical treatments. Depending upon the severity of your condition, you may require prescription eye drops or other therapies.
Conclusion
Dry eyes can cause discomfort, blurriness, irritation and pain. In some extreme cases, they may even harm vision. But the good news is that several treatments are available. From simple lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter artificial tears to sophisticated medical treatments, there are solutions available to help you.
If your symptoms do not subside, make sure to consult a reputed healthcare professional to get the right treatment. Looking for an eye doctor in Mohali? Consider visiting Sohana Eye Hospital which offers highly experienced eye specialists, and the most advanced dry eye technologies, such as Serum Eye Drops, Lipiflow Therapy, IPL Therapy, and Punctal Plugs, that help treat even the advanced cases of dry eyes.
Pay attention to your eye health, keep your eyes feeling fresh and life comfortable every day!
