Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when tears don't provide adequate lubrication for the eyes. The result is a dry, uncomfortable, sometimes stinging sensation in the eyes. Several factors can trigger dry eyes but, fortunately, the condition is usually treatable.
In this post, we're going to go into more detail about managing dry eye syndrome: what causes it, what are the symptoms, and tips for relief and prevention.
What causes dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome can have many causes. Your tear film has three layers: fatty oils, aqueous fluid, and mucus. Problems with any of these layers can result in dry eyes.
Some causes of dry eye syndrome include:
Aging
Hormonal changes, often during pregnancy or menopause
Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, or blood pressure medications
Environmental factors, including dry air, poor air quality, or exposure to sun, dust, or smoke
Allergies
Vitamin A deficiency
Dehydration
Certain medical conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or thyroid disorders
Long periods of screen time
Infrequent blinking
What are some symptoms of dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
Eye redness
A stinging, burning sensation
Scratchiness or itchiness
Sensitivity to light
Watery eyes (This is from your glands overcompensating for dry eyes. However, these tears often fail to coat the eye properly and don't solve the underlying issue.)
Blurry vision
Eye fatigue
Dry, crusty or stringy mucus in the corners of your eyes, especially when you first wake up
A feeling of something in your eye
Signs and symptoms usually affect both eyes and may worsen throughout the day.
How can I treat dry Eye Syndrome?
If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye syndrome, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible for a comprehensive eye exam. Your optometrist will be able to recommend the most appropriate treatment to alleviate your discomfort as soon as possible.
In the meantime, there are many things you can do to treat and prevent dry eye syndrome, including:
Use a Humidifier - Especially during the winter, use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air.
Avoid Air Blowing in Your Eyes - Try to avoid air from hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners, and fans blowing directly into your eyes. On windy days, try wearing wraparound sunglasses to shield your eyes.
Use Warm Compresses - You can use a warm compress by soaking a washcloth in warm water to help relieve dry eye symptoms and improve tear production. Warm compresses work by releasing oil in your eyelid's glands, which improves the quality of your tears. If dry eye symptoms persist or if you’re concerned about your child’s eye health, consider scheduling an infant and child eye exam to ensure early detection and proper care for their vision needs. Early exams are crucial for identifying potential eye health issues in children.
Avoid Cigarette Smoke - Amongst a myriad of other health concerns, cigarette smoke can irritate dry eyes. If you're a smoker, try to quit or cut back and avoid being exposed to second-hand smoke.
Give Your Eyes a Rest - Watching television, sitting behind a computer, or reading can dry your eyes out. This happens because you don't blink as frequently when focusing on screens or tasks requiring intense visual concentration. To alleviate this, give your eyes a break by stepping away from the screen or book periodically. Closing your eyes for a few minutes or blinking repeatedly for a few seconds can help refresh them. If dryness persists, it’s important to schedule an eye exam that may include testing your visual field to rule out any underlying issues affecting your eye health.
Adjust Your Screen Settings - Along with taking breaks from your screen, try adjusting the brightness and contrast to reduce the strain on your eyes. Positioning your computer screen below eye level will make it so you don't have to open your eyes as wide.
Stay Hydrated - Your body produces fewer tears when you are dehydrated. Aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day.
Eat a Nutritious Diet - Vitamin deficiencies can worsen the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Try to include foods in your diet that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and vitamin A, while limiting processed foods, sugar, and alcohol.
Get Enough Sleep - Adequate rest is important for your general health as well as your eye health. During sleep, the body repairs and regenerates cells in the eyes, including those that produce tears.
Use Artificial Tears - Artificial tears are eye drops used to lubricate dry eyes and help keep moisture on the outer surface of your eyes. These drops are available over the counter (you don't need a prescription) and can be used as needed. Artificial tears are available with or without preservatives. Preservatives can discourage the growth of bacteria once the bottle has been opened, but preservatives can sometimes irritate the eyes. If you are using artificial tears several times a day, preservative-free eye drops are recommended. You may need to try several different brands before you find one that works best for you.
Many treatments and lifestyle changes can alleviate and prevent the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. However, if you're struggling to find relief, talk to your eye doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you. To schedule an eye exam, contact us today at Prairie Eye Care.
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