Dry Eyes: Discussing the Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

Tears are the natural lubricants present in our eyes. However, due to different reasons, tear production in our eyes becomes inadequate, which results in dry eyes and other ocular diseases and discomforts. The prevalence of dry eye disease is between 5% and 50% as per different geographic locations. However, the disease is curable with the right medicines and lifestyle practices. We’ve discussed all about this common problem in detail.

Common Dry Eyes Causes

Dry eyes can occur due to multiple reasons depending on health conditions and reduced tear film functionality is the primary one. Now, multiple things can disrupt tear film function. To understand that, you must know more about human tear film. 

• Tear films have 3 layers – oil, water, and mucus. This special combination lubricates your eye.
• The top layer of tear film ensures tears do not evaporate quickly and it also smoothens the tear surface.
• Next comes the middle layer, which consists of matrimonial glands that have water and salt. These glands are responsible for supplying tears every time one blinks.
• The last layer is the inner layer, which has the mucus. It helps in even spreading tears throughout the eyes.

These 3 layers can have different problems, which cause dry eyes. These are:

• Dysfunction in meibomian glands in the top layer causes less oil production. Rosacea and other inflammatory eyelid conditions can lead to this dysfunction.
• A thin water issue in the middle layer is responsible for touching the top layer’s oil with mucus. It causes stringy discharge and dry eyes.
• Any problem in these two layers will affect the inner layers and it gives a dry patch mark on the cornea.

Hence, the reasons that trigger such dry eyes causing ocular dysfunctions are as follows:

• Ageing
• Medical conditions like allergic eyes, Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Medications
• Eyelid problems
• Dry air
• Dust and smoke

Dry Eyes Symptoms

With advanced dry eye treatment methods, this problem can be solved. But you should be able to identify it at the right time. The alarming symptoms of dry eye syndrome are:

• Stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
• Redness in the eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Blurred vision
• Eye fatigue
• Excessive tearing
• Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
• Difficulty in focusing
• Watery eyes

Diagnosing Dye Eyes

Here is a brief idea about the diagnosis process of dry eye disease:

• Eye exam: The doctor will check your eye health completely and also check your medical history and previous eye treatment records.
• Tear volume testing: Schirmer tear examination is the process of tear volume checking, which is quite important part of this diagnosis.
• Tear quality testing: An eye doctor will also check how quickly your tears evaporate and examine your eye’s surface.
• Tear Osmolarity Test: In this process, a doctor will test the particles present in your tear. Generally, they found less water in dry eye disease.

Dry Eyes Treatment

Dry eyes are a chronic disease that may return at any point because of physical imbalance and other reasons. Thus, prevention is better than a permanent solution. The treatment for dry eyes includes:

• Applying eye drops or artificial tears 
• Using ointments during sleeping
• Temporary closing of the punctum, which drains your tears
• Lipiflow treatment or unblocking the eye glands
• Underlying health condition treatment, treating eyelid inflammation, etc.
• Providing tear stimulators

Dry eye prevention techniques also fall under the treatment category. To stop its occurrence, you must follow the below-mentioned home remedies:

• Massage your eyelids gently
• Warm compress to reduce pain and irritation
• Proper eyelid cleansing
• Take Vitamin-infused food
• Blinking regularly
• Enough water drinking
• Avoiding dry outdoor situations
• Taking Omega-3 supplements
• Wearing sunglasses whenever necessary

Conclusion

So, hope you have got enough information on dry eyes, its causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention. You should always take medicines for dry eyes after consulting with a doctor, as you may not know the underlying reasons. To learn more about this disease, you can consult with professionals.