Solutions for Dry Eyes

Most Common Dry Eye Symptoms

• Burning or stinging sensation

• Itchy or gritty feeling, like something is in the eye

• Redness

• Tearing or watery eyes (yes, paradoxically!)

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

• Eye fatigue or discomfort, especially after reading or screen use

• Stringy mucus around the eyes

• Soreness or irritation

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of the tears is inadequate. Tears are essential for maintaining the moisture and health of your eyes. Without them, your eyes can become irritated, inflamed, or even prone to infection. Some of the most common causes of dry eyes include:

• Aging: Tear production tends to decrease with age, making dry eyes more common in older adults.

• Environmental Factors: Wind, dry air, and exposure to smoke or pollution can dry out your eyes.

• Screen Time: Spending extended periods in front of digital screens often leads to reduced blinking, which can contribute to dry eyes.

• Contact Lenses: Prolonged use of contact lenses can lead to eye dryness and discomfort.

• Medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, can reduce tear production.

• Health Conditions: Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis can affect tear production and cause dry eyes.

Now, let’s explore practical solutions to help manage dry eyes.

1. Artificial Tears

Artificial tears are one of the most common over-the-counter solutions for dry eyes. They help supplement the natural tear film by adding moisture to the eyes. There are various types available, including preservative-free options, which are gentler on sensitive eyes and better for frequent use. It’s best to choose a product that works well with your specific symptoms, so consulting a healthcare professional may be beneficial.

2. Eyelid Hygiene

Gently clean eyelids with a diluted baby shampoo or lid wipes. This reduces inflammation and bacteria that worsen dryness.

3. Warm Compresses

Applying a warm compress to the eyes can help relieve dry eyes, especially when caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, which affects the oil-producing glands in your eyelids. The warmth helps unclog meibomian glands, improving oil layer in tears and promoting better tear film quality. Simply soak a clean cloth in warm water and apply it to your closed eyes for 5 to 10 minutes. This can provide relief and help improve tear production over time.

4. Frequent Blinking & Screen Breaks

Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds). This helps restore tear film during prolonged screen use.

5. Eye Drops for Inflammation

For those with more severe dry eyes due to inflammation, medicated eye drops prescribed by a doctor may be necessary. These drops contain anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as cyclosporine or corticosteroids, which reduce swelling and increase tear production.

6. Hydrate and Humidify

Dehydration can worsen dry eye symptoms, so it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Additionally, using a humidifier in your home or office can help add moisture to the air, especially in dry climates or during colder months when indoor heating dries out the environment. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate.

7. Avoid Irritants

Limit exposure to smoke, wind, and air conditioning. Wear wrap-around sunglasses outdoors.

What is the worst that could happen?

In the worst-case scenario, untreated or severe dry eye can lead to chronic inflammation, corneal damage, and vision loss. When the eyes lack sufficient tears, the cornea becomes vulnerable to scratches and infections, which can develop into corneal ulcers or scarring. Over time, this can cause persistent pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision, and in extreme cases, permanent vision impairment or blindness. Severe dry eye is often associated with underlying autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome and requires aggressive medical management to prevent irreversible damage (Source: Mayo Clinic Sjogren’s syndrome – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic).

Dry Eye Warning Signs

If the solutions above do not alleviate symptoms, and you experience any of the symptoms listed below, consult a professional. If any of the below occur, it may be a sign of advanced dry eye or a secondary condition (like infection or ulcer) that needs urgent care from an eye specialist.

• Persistent or Intense Eye Pain: Discomfort that does not improve with artificial tears or rest.

• Sudden or Significant Vision Changes: Blurred vision that persists or worsens, not just temporary after blinking.

• Light Sensitivity (Photophobia): Increasing sensitivity to light, which can indicate corneal damage.

• Redness That Doesn’t Go Away: Constant redness, especially if combined with pain or discharge.

• Mucous Discharge: Stringy or thick discharge, signaling possible infection.

• Frequent Eye Infections: Indicates that the tear film is no longer protecting the eye effectively.

• Feeling Like Something Is in the Eye (Foreign Body Sensation): Severe scratchy sensation can point to corneal abrasions or ulcers.

• No Relief from Standard Treatments: If OTC drops, lifestyle changes, and warm compresses stop working.

Disclaimer

This article is for information purposes only. Always check with a trusted doctor or health care professional for any diagnosis, recommendations, treatments, and/or the latest research.