Dry eye syndrome arises either due to insufficient production of tears by the eyes or tears are ineffective in keeping your eyes hydrated. Tears are essential to keep the surface of your eyes moist. They also act as a barrier against dust and debris, offer protection against infections, and provide eye lubrication during blinking. 

Many people with dry eyes experience stinging or burning sensations that can be quite irritating. This condition can occur constantly or during certain situations, i.e., it can result due to prolonged use of computer devices or due to windy climate. Both eyes can be simultaneously impacted by this condition. 

At some point, nearly everyone encounters dry eyes in their entire lifetime. This condition is usually not serious and can be alleviated with over-the-counter remedies. 

Dry Eye Causes

If you’re someone suffering from dry eyes, you should understand that there are many causes for this condition. Here are some of the most common dry eye causes: 

Insufficient Production of Tears by the Eyes

This is the cause of dry eyes for a majority of individuals. A deficiency in tear production is known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca. Insufficient tear production happens during: 

• Old age, particularly in the case of women
• Following menopause
• A lack of vitamin A in the body
• Some chronic diseases
• Harm caused to tear glands in any way
• LASIK surgery, or cataract surgery

Poor-quality Tears 

Tears contain a combination of water, mucus, and oils. A lack of balance of these components can result in this condition. For instance, the condition can arise if meibomian glands, whose function is oil production, become blocked. Evaporation is reduced by the oil component of tears. This issue is called low-quality tears.

Medications 

Some medications can induce dry eyes, such as: 

• Blood pressure drugs
• Glaucoma drugs
• Nasal decongestants
• Allergy medications
• Mood disorder medications
• Oral contraceptives
• Menopause drugs
• Systemic retinoids
• Hormone replacement treatments and 
• Some acne therapies. 

External Factors 

Occasionally, your environment and daily habits can contribute to dry eyes, such as: 

• Windy environment
• Dry atmosphere
• Contact with smoke 
• Using a computer
• Prolonged computer use
• Reading
• Driving a bicycle
• Travelling by aeroplane
• Smoking 
• Allergy

Further considerations: 

Other aspects that can lead to dry eyes: 

• Problem with blinking 
• Inflamed eyelids
• Eyelid malposition
• Prolonged contact lens usage

Dry Eye Prevention 

There are numerous dry eye causes. Therefore, dry eye prevention is challenging. You might lower your chances of dry eye by: 

Making yearly visits to a healthcare professional: It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you’re worried about getting affected by this condition. Check with the doctor if anything, such as your medical history or drugs, may increase your chances. Know what you can do to reduce your risk. 

Addressing pre-existing health issues: If you have any preexisting conditions, it can result in dry eyes. Check with your healthcare professional regarding your likelihood for diabetes. Stick to their advice for keeping your blood sugar levels in check. Also, in order to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy overall, eye hydration is important to avoid dryness and irritation.

Transforming your lifestyle and surroundings: You can make lifestyle changes to minimise your likelihood of developing dry eyes. If you’re a constant computer user, then make sure you pause often. It’s equally important to ensure you do not smoke often. You can also introduce a humidifier to your home. In addition, enquire a healthcare professional on how to maintain eye moisture and ensure eye health.

Dry Eye Treatment 

Dry eye treatment focusses on replenishing your tear levels. Over-the-counter drugs can work wonders for your eyes. 

Eye Drops for Dry Eyes

The standard treatment often includes over-the-counter eye drops or solutions that mimic natural tears. Eye drops are easy to use, inexpensive, and effective. There is a range of eye drops to choose from. One of the main constituents of eye drops is electrolytes, though not found in every eye drop, are believed to encourage healing on your eyes surface. Some eye drops have thickening agents, made to prolong the presence of lubricating solution for an extended time. 

Artificial tears can have preservatives and without any. One that’s most commonly found is the eye drops with preservatives. They’re generally available in a multi-dose container. Chemicals present in them inhibit bacteria from thriving inside the open bottle. Yet, few people experience eye irritation as a result of the preservatives. 

Preservative-free eye drops are available in compact, one-use vials. While using it there are lower chances of eye irritation. But it can be costly. Keep in mind that you need to use various brands of eye drops to choose the right ones for you. 

Punctual Plugs

Using small silicone plugs, known as punctal plugs, to seal the tear duct openings is one method of curing dry eyes. The small hole (punctum) in your upper and lower eyelids is sealed by these plugs. Both your natural tears and any unnatural ones formed are preserved by the closure.

Therapeutic Contact Lenses 

People suffering from dry eyes may experience painful blinking of the eyes. This occurs due to your eyelids making contact with the dry and irritated eye surface. The solution to this is therapeutic contact lenses. They act as a shield and moisturise your eye surface. Therapeutic contact lenses are available in a variety of forms, such as soft bandage lenses. They not just cure any problems with your cornea but also act as a shield to your eyes. 

Another one is rigid scleral lenses. They are not just large in size but also are in touch with your sclera. They act as a shield and moisturise your eye surface while enhancing your eyesight. A consultation with your eye specialist helps you determine the right contact lens for you. 

Get Complete Cure for Dry Eye With Fathima Eye Care Hospital 

At Fathima Eye Care Hospital, we provide comprehensive dry eye treatment to reduce discomfort and improve the health of your eyes. Our team offers customized evaluations to identify the underlying causes of your dry eyes, whether they are environmental factors, medical conditions, or lifestyle decisions. 

Treatment options include moisture-retaining punctal plugs, lifestyle changes, and prescription lubricating eye drops. Furthermore, we provide state-of-the-art therapies like intense pulsed light therapy and LipiFlow, which target the meibomian glands to increase oil production. Our goal is to help you achieve long-lasting relief while also enhancing your overall quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What causes dry eyes?

Dry eyes can be caused by prolonged screen time, aging, certain medications, wind and smoke in the environment, and underlying medical conditions like autoimmune diseases. Keeping your eyes comfortable and avoiding dryness requires regular eye lubrication, especially after extended periods of screen time.

2. Can dry eyes be cured permanently?

Even though there are some treatable underlying causes of dry eye, many opt to manage their symptoms instead of looking for a long-term solution. A tailored treatment plan can significantly improve comfort and eye health.

3. What are the best treatments for dry eyes?

Treatments that work well include artificial tears, prescription eye drops for dry eyes, punctal plugs, and lifestyle changes. Advanced therapies such as intense pulsed light therapy and LipiFlow may also be beneficial, depending on the severity of your condition.

4. Are eye drops safe for long-term use?

Long-term use of the majority of over-the-counter lubricating eye drops is safe. You should not rely just on prescription drops; instead, you should consult an ophthalmologist to discuss your specific needs.

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