Common Causes & Treatment Of Dry Eye
Our eyes are an important part of our body but are also exposed to a lot of environmental factors, which may cause some diseases and conditions. Dry eye is one of the common and most uncomfortable eye problems.
Our eyes are an important part of our body but are also exposed to a lot of environmental factors, which may cause some diseases and conditions. Dry eye is one of the common and most uncomfortable eye problems.
Dry eye happens when your eyes are not able to produce enough tears. It may also happen if the tears produced by your eyes are not able to give adequate lubrication to the eye because of their quality. Tear instability in the eye causes inflammation and later damages the eye surface.
Dry eyes are uncomfortable and may prevent you from carrying on your daily activities normally.
Dry eyes result from different reasons that affect the tear film of your eye. A healthy tear film has three layers; mucus, aqueous fluid, and fatty oils. Those layers are responsible for keeping the eye lubricated, clear, and smooth.
A problem with any of those three layers results in dry eyes. Some of the common causes of dry eyes include;
Decreased tear production
We all know how important it is for our eyes to remain wet, and that is done when the tear gland produces tears. However, sometimes due to factors like aging and some medical conditions, your tear glands may be unable to produce enough tears to keep your eyes moist.
Increased tear evaporation
The tears produced by your tear glands are supposed to remain in your eye for lubrication. However, some factors, especially external, like low humidity and wind, may cause it to evaporate faster than it should.
Menopause
Hormones are known as communicators in the body that make different body functions run smoothly. One of those functions includes tear production. In menopause, women experience a lot of hormonal changes, and that affects their tear production.
Allergies
Some allergies may make you sneeze, cough, itch, or even have watery eyes. However, some allergic reactions may affect your eyes and cause dry eye or dry eye symptoms.
Vitamin A deficiency
Vitamin A is important for your eyes' overall health, and its deficiency can cause dry eyes along with other vision complications.
Exposure to windy and dry air
Wind exposure is one of the main reasons why tears evaporate quickly. Coupled with dry air, they can cause severe dry eyes.
Sjögren’s syndrome
This autoimmune disease makes your white blood cells attack your tear glands, reducing tear production.
Laser surgery
Laser surgery is an eye surgery meant to make some vision corrections. However, some nerves may be affected during the surgery that causes low tear production.
Some factors can increase your chances of getting dry eye if exposed to any of the above causes.
• Medical conditions- Some autoimmune conditions like lupus, arthritis, and diabetes may hinder the production of enough tears.
• Age- Since tear production reduces with age, dry eye is more likely to happen to people above 50 years.
• Computer use- Working on a computer for long effects tear production because of eye strain. Also, people working on computers may blink less, which causes tears to evaporate faster.
• Medication- Mucus is one of the tear components, and some medications may affect the quality and amount of mucus produced.
• Contact lenses- Excessive use of contact lenses may hinder the amount of oxygen that enters your cornea.
• Smoking- Exposure to smoke and nicotine cause your tears to evaporate faster and may also affect the number of tears produced.
• Scratchy, burning, or stinging sensation in the eyes.
• Eye redness.
• Light sensitivity.
• Feeling like you have something in your eyes.
• Stringy mucus around or in your eyes, which may cause your eyes to stick together when you wake up.
• Difficulty putting on your contact lenses.
• Blurry vision.
• Watery eyes which is a way of the eyes correcting the dry eye.
• Difficulty driving at night.
• Itching in your eyes that does not go away.
• Eye fatigue even after reading or looking at something for a short time.
• Difficulty keeping your eyes open.
There are some things you can do to keep yourself from getting dry eyes or to keep the condition from worsening.
• Wash your eyes- After washing your face and removing any makeup, use a clean towel and warm water to wash your eyelids, then place a mask or warm towel to help your eyes regain their moisture.
• Rest your eyes, especially if you are using a computer.
• Blink more often.
• Eat a diet rich in fatty acids, Vitamins A, B12, and D.
• Avoid taking alcohol and smoking.
• Drink more water.
• Use a humidifier in your room.
• Put on glasses to keep the wind from your eyes.
After getting dry eyes, some things can be done to treat or reverse its effects, including;
Artificial teardrops
This is one of the most common and effective ways to deal with dry eyes. The artificial tears help keep your eyes moist at all times. However, you have to get examined by your doctor to determine the best product for you.
You have to ensure you use them at the prescribed time, even if your eyes feel okay, because they won’t stay moist for long. If you experience dry eyes at night, consider using thicker products like ointments.
You can also wear airtight glasses that maintain a moist surrounding for your eye.
Punctal plugs
Puncta are small openings at the inner corners of your eyes on both lids that work as tear drainage. Punctal plugs are small sterile devices inserted into those openings to prevent tear drainage.
Depending on the severity of your eye dryness, you can have them as a temporary or permanent solution.
Medication
You may get a prescription from your doctor of medications that help stimulate tear production.
Surgery
This is one of the irreversible solutions, which is done after all the others have failed. The surgery may involve plugging the tear drainage holes in your eyes permanently to ensure your eyes always stays moist.
Testosterone cream
Dry eyes may be caused by inadequate testosterone in the oil glands of your eyes. Your doctor may prescribe a testosterone cream that you should apply to your eyelids to help your oil glands work better.
Lipiflow
The lipiflow procedure involves unclogging blocked oil glands with a device that uses heat and pressure. The oil in tears helps the eye stay moist and keeps tears from evaporating.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.