Dry eye is a common problem that is as frustrating as it is uncomfortable. There is nothing worse than feeling like you have sand in your eyes or experiencing burning after looking at a computer screen. When you find yourself with these or other symptoms such as redness and light sensitivity, you’ll be happy to know that relief is possible. In this article the team at Chang Eye Group provides some simple tips help you relieve the symptoms of dry eye.
What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
There are times when it can be tricky to know if you have dry eye. Signs and symptoms of dry eye include:
- Fluctuating vision
- Crusty eyelids
- Watery, irritated eyes
- Blurred vision
- Burning or stinging
- A dry, gritty, or scratchy feeling in the eye
- Discomfort or pain in the eye
It is important to keep in mind that not all people with dry eye experience these symptoms, and the severity can vary greatly from one person to the next.
What Causes the Uncomfortable Dryness?
Dry eye is a condition that happens when your tears do not adequately lubricate the eyes. Simply put, when your eyes don’t make enough tears, it can lead to dryness. Tears are what keep our eyes wet and healthy, and there are several factors related to tear production.
Dry eye can be very uncomfortable as the symptoms include dryness, redness, blurred vision, and even eye fatigue. By understanding the problem, you can take steps to relieve these symptoms.
Sometimes, the simple aging process causes tear production to naturally decline. Women are particularly susceptible to dry eyes due to hormonal production during menopause.
There are also medical conditions and autoimmune disorders that can cause the eyes to be dry. Sjögren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease that damages moisture-producing glands, including those in the eyes and mouth, can be a reason for dry eyes. Other autoimmune diseases that can lead to dryness include Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma.
Those with diabetes often find that their eyes feel dry since a high blood sugar level can impact tear production. Blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelids, is another cause, as are thyroid problems like Graves’ disease.
More often, lifestyle factors contribute to the uncomfortable dry eye feeling. These factors include:
- Contact Lenses – Wearing contact lenses causes dry eyes through tear film disorders. Excessive wear can reduce oxygen to the cornea. Contact lenses can also absorb moisture from the tear film.
- Dietary Deficiencies – Low vitamin A or lack of Omega 3 fatty acids. It is essential to know that vitamin A is important for a healthy ocular surface, including the cornea, and helps maintain tear production and lubrication.
- Environmental Factors – Dry, hot, or windy conditions can cause tear evaporation. Extremely hot and cold temperatures impact the ocular surface, leading to dryness, and exposure to air pollutants like smoke and dust irritates the eyes and reduces tear production. Always remember that UV exposure can damage the ocular surface.
- Medication – Certain medications, including oral contraceptives, antidepressants, antihistamines, and decongestants can affect normal tear production.
- Smoking – Smoking or being in areas with smokers (second-hand smoke), whether from tobacco or other sources, irritates the eyes, causing them to be dry.
Tips for Relieving Dry Eyes
Fortunately, dry eyes don’t have to be an ongoing problem. There are several things that you can do to help relieve the symptoms.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
This easy method to reduce eye strain and assure normal tear production involves stopping every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It is especially helpful for those who work at a computer for extended periods of time. You may even want to set a timer on your phone or computer to remind you.
Alternate Contact Lenses with Glasses
When you need corrective lenses to see, consider a schedule for reducing the time they are in your eyes. Perhaps you can wear glasses every other day or only wear contact lenses for the hours you are at work or social activities.
Protect Your Eyes from the Weather
Get in the habit of wearing sunglasses whenever you are outside to protect your eyes from the elements.
Apply Warm Compresses
Stimulate tear production by applying warm compresses, which also helps unblock oil glands. After soaking a clean cloth in warm water, place it over your closed eyes for 10 minutes.
Practice Blinking Exercises
Blinking is necessary to keep the eyes moist and not blinking enough leads to dryness. Try to blink every 4-5 seconds, especially when you are using mobile devices or computer screens.
Stay Hydrated
There are many reasons to stay hydrated, and managing dry eyes is one of them! Dehydration can deplete the fluid in your eyes, so sip water regularly throughout the day.
Practice Good Eye Hygiene
Use eyelid cleansing wipes to keep your eyelids clean and free of debris.
Take Frequent Breaks
Remember to take breaks when you are reading, especially for students who spend a great deal of time studying notes and textbooks. Refer also to the 20-20-20 rule that is described above in this article.
Use Lubricating Drops
Many over-the-counter artificial tear drops are available to help relieve dry eyes. Be sure to follow the directions on the label, and don’t exceed the recommended usage. For example, eye drops with preservatives should not be used more than four times a day or they may actually cause additional eye irritation.
Make Environmental Changes to Help Dry Eyes
There may also be other factors that contribute to your dry eye condition, such as environmental causes. It may be necessary to consider these adjustments to help minimize the dry eye symptoms.
Use a Humidifier
In dry climates, your eyes can become dry more quickly. Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air and can make your room more comfortable throughout the day and night. You should always aim for a humidity level between 30-50%.
Consider using an Air Purifier
For those with allergies, an air purifier helps remove dust, pollen, and smoke – irritants that can also lead to dryness in the eyes.
When Should You See an Eye Doctor?
Typically, these simple tips can remedy the symptoms of dry eye. However, keep in mind that there are times when medical advice may be necessary, such as when the home remedies aren’t working, the dryness is severe, or you experience dry eye symptoms for a prolonged period. If you have difficulty carrying out your normal activities or have excessive discharge from the eyes, you should always consult a doctor. Remember that dry eyes should never be ignored. The dryness can damage the surface of your eyes and lead to vision problems, and chronic dry eyes can indicate a more serious problem.
After examining the eyes, an ophthalmologist may recommend over-the-counter artificial tears, or in certain cases he or she might also prescribe medication to remedy the problem. Always be upfront with your medical professional about your lifestyle and environmental factors. The doctor will be able to rule out other eye conditions and may suggest lifestyle changes, or even recommend in-office treatments, such as Intense Pulse Light (IPL) therapy or punctal plugs. These recommendations are made depending on the severity and cause of the dry eyes.
Eye dryness is common, but it doesn’t have to be a problem. By following these simple tips, you can easily keep your eyes moistened and feeling as comfortable as possible. The experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists in Pittsburgh at Chang Eye Group are here to help. We invite you to get more information at our Dry Eye Clinic or schedule an appointment by contacting us today.
