CONDITIONS
Dry Eyes
What is dry eye?
Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when the tear glands stop making enough tears, produce poor-quality tears, or tears evaporate too quickly, causing eyes to feel dry and irritated. Tears spread over the eye’s front surface with every blink, known as the cornea. Tears lubricate the eyes, cleanse the eye by removing foreign particles, lower the chances of infection, and keep the eye’s surface smooth and clear.
What are the main causes of dry eye?
Dry eyes can arise from various factors, including:
- Age: Dry eyes are a natural part of aging, with most individuals over 65 experiencing some symptoms.
- Gender: Women are more susceptible to dry eyes due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, and menopause.
- Medications: Certain medicines, such as antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, heartburn medicines, and antidepressants, can diminish tear production.
- Medical conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders increase the likelihood of experiencing dry eye symptoms. Additionally, eyelid inflammation (blepharitis), surface eye inflammation, and eyelid malformations can lead to dry eyes.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to smoke, wind, and dry climates accelerates tear evaporation, resulting in dry eye symptoms. Prolonged periods of staring at computer screens without regular blinking can also contribute to eye dryness.
- Other considerations: Extended use of contact lenses and refractive eye surgeries like LASIK (a form of laser eye surgery) may decrease tear production and contribute to dry eyes.
What are the symptoms of dry eye?
People with dry eyes may experience
- Sensation of stinging or burning
- Scratchy or gritty feeling, along with a feeling of foreign objects in the eye
- Redness and irritation of the eyes
- Excessive watering of the eyes due to irritation
- Blurred vision, especially when reading
How dry eye disease is diagnosed?
An eye doctor (ophthalmologist) can do a comprehensive dilated eye examination. The doctor will put some eye drops, which will dilate (widen) the pupil, and check the eyes for dry eye and other eye problems.
The ophthalmologist will examine the eyelids and the surface of the eyes and observe blinking patterns. They may also conduct tests, such as assessing tear quality or thickness and measuring tear production rate.
What is the treatment for dry eyes?
The treatment for dry eyes varies depending on the cause of the symptoms. Several treatments are available to alleviate discomfort and promote eye health.
- Over-the-counter eye drops: The most common treatment for mild dry eye symptoms is a type of eye drop called artificial tears. These are eye drops that are like your own tears. These eye drops are available without a prescription.
- Prescription eye drops: If dry eye is more severe, an ophthalmologist can prescribe drops to help the eyes produce more tears. Taking an omega-3 fatty acid nutritional supplement may also help. Omega3 fatty acids are found naturally in oily fish (such as salmon, sardines, tuna), and in flaxseeds.
- Punctal plugs: Retaining natural tears in the eyes for a longer duration can ease the symptoms of dry eye. This can be done by blocking tear ducts. Tiny silicon or gel plugs may be inserted in the tear duct. These plugs can be removed later as needed.
- Lifestyle changes: If a factor in life or the environment contributes to or exacerbates dry eye condition, a doctor might recommend adjustments to safeguard the eyes. For instance, if a medication taken for another health issue is causing dry eye, the doctor might suggest trying an alternative medication.
What are the tips to prevent dry eye?
- Limit screen time and take a break from staring at screens.
- Use a humidifier to keep the air in the home from getting too dry
- Wear wraparound sunglasses when outdoors to shield eyes from drying winds and sunlight.
- Consult a doctor about incorporating essential fatty acid supplements into your diet to potentially alleviate dry eye symptoms.
- Staying hydrated by consuming ample water daily (aim for 8 to 10 glasses)
- Get enough sleep, about 7 to 8 hours a night
- Directing car heaters away from the face to prevent air from blowing directly into the eyes.
- Avoiding excessively dry environments such as deserts, airplanes, and high-altitude locations.
In conclusion, dry eye disease is the most common reason for a visit to an eye doctor. Patients should receive education on environmental and behavioral adjustments to alleviate dry eye disease. This involves understanding how factors like fans, air conditioners, and heating vents can exacerbate the symptoms. Additionally, they should be trained in blinking awareness and encouraged to take intermittent breaks when using digital devices to mitigate dry eye effects. Encouraging the use of artificial tears can provide relief for dry eyes by restoring moisture and comfort. Also, advising individuals to minimize their use of contact lenses can help alleviate symptoms associated with dry eyes. The patients may also benefit from learning about dietary considerations, such as supplementing with essential fatty acids, which appears to benefit the patients with dry eyes.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dry Eye. Available from: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye . Accessed on 11th April 2024
- National Eye Institute Dry Eye. Available from: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye Accessed on 11th April 2024
- American Optometric Association. Dry Eye. Available from: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/dry-eye?sso=y. Accessed on 11th April 24
- Golden MI, Meyer JJ, Patel BC. Dry Eye Syndrome. [Updated 2023 Apr 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470411/
