How To Get Rid of Dry Eye: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

| Medical

How To Get Rid of Dry Eye: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

 

Dry eye is a disease of the eyes. It is a lack of tears that enables your eyes to stay moist. This leads to redness and burning sensations in your eyes, among other symptoms.

 

What is Dry Eye?


Dry eye is a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears are of poor quality. This can lead to discomfort, redness, and blurry vision.

There are many potential causes of dry eye, including:

  • Aging

  • Medications (such as antihistamines, beta blockers, and some antidepressants)

  • Certain medical conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, and diabetes)

  • Environmental factors (such as windy or dry climates)

  • Long periods of staring at computer screens or other digital devices


Dry eye symptoms may include:

  • Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes

  • Stringy mucus in or around the eyes

  • Redness of the eyes

  • Itchy eyes

  • Blurry vision

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Watery eyes (this may occur when the eyes are trying to compensate for the lack of tears)


Treatment for dry eye depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, artificial tears or ointments can help to lubricate the eyes and provide relief from symptoms. More severe cases may require prescription medications or procedures such as punctal occlusion (which blocks tear drainage) or thermal ablation (which destroys abnormal tissue).

 

Symptoms of a Dry Eye


If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have dry eye:

  • A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes

  • Stringy mucus in or around your eyes

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Eye fatigue

  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses

  • Redness of the eyes

  • Tearing


If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor or an ophthalmologist for a complete examination.

 

Causes of Dry Eye


There are many potential causes of dry eye, including:

  • A deficiency in the quality or quantity of tears

  • Inflammation of the surface of the eye

  • Aging

  • Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, beta blockers, etc.)

  • Certain medical conditions (Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, lupus, etc.)

  • Prolonged use of contact lenses

  • Exposure to wind, smoke, or dry environments


In order to properly treat dry eye, it is important to first identify the underlying cause. If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, be sure to consult a doctor or ophthalmologist by booking an appointment to determine the best course of treatment.

 

Treatment Options for a Dry Eye


There are a number of different treatment options available for those suffering from dry eye, depending on the severity of the condition. For mild cases, artificial tears or over-the-counter ointments may be enough to provide relief. More severe cases may require prescription eye drops, steroid injections, or surgery.

If you are suffering from dry eye, it is important to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist so that they can determine the best course of treatment for you. With proper treatment, most people with dry eye are able to find relief and live relatively normal lives.

 

Prevention of Future Dry Eyes


Preventing future episodes of dry eye is important for maintaining healthy vision and preventing potential complications. Some simple self-care measures can help to keep your eyes lubricated and free from irritation:

  • Use artificial tears or gels as often as needed to lubricate your eyes.

  • Avoid using contact lenses if you are prone to dry eye.

  • Minimize exposure to wind, smoke, and dust.

  • Take regular breaks when working at a computer or reading to allow your eyes to rest.

  • Try not to blink excessively or rub your eyes.


 

Conclusion


Dry eye is a condition that can be extremely frustrating, but there are treatments available to help. If you think you might have dry eye, the first step is to consult best vision care providers so they can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of treatment. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do at home to help relieve your symptoms, such as using artificial tears and increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

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