Eye Dryness: Origin, Remedies, and Indications
Dry eye, a common eye condition that affects millions worldwide, can cause discomfort and impact quality of life. This article aims to provide an overview of the causes, symptoms, and treatments for dry eye.
Dry eye is often caused by insufficient tear production or an imbalance in the tear mixture, leading to tears evaporating too quickly. Factors such as eyelid problems, wearing contact lenses, certain medical conditions, environmental factors, and medications can increase a person's risk of developing dry eyes.
Symptoms of dry eye can vary, but may include eye redness, soreness, excessive tearing, a stinging or burning sensation, a sensation of grit in the eyes, stringy mucus in or around the eyes, sensitivity to smoke or wind, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, double vision, eye fatigue after reading, difficulty keeping the eyes open, discomfort when wearing contact lenses, eyelids sticking together when waking up, and intense eye pain.
In order to diagnose dry eye, a doctor will ask about a person's symptoms, examine the front of the eye, perform a dilated eye exam to see the back of the eye, review a person's medical history, and ask about any medications or supplements the person is taking. Mild cases of dry eye can be treated using OTC artificial tears, with the recommendation from a pharmacist. However, it is important to avoid artificial tears containing preservatives and other additives as they can further irritate dry eyes.
For more severe or persistent cases, a doctor may prescribe eye drops to increase tear production, such as oral cyclosporine (Restasis, Cequa) or lifitegrast (Xiidra). In some cases, surgery may be a viable treatment option for people who experience dry eye due to a mechanical issue with one or both eyelids.
Treatment for dry eye aims to restore or maintain adequate tear levels, reduce dryness and discomfort, and maintain overall eye health. Early diagnosis and effective management of dry eye are crucial to avoid potential complications, such as long-term irritation and inflammation, increased risk of eye infections, corneal damage, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and in rare but serious cases, vision loss.
Severe or persistent dry eye can lead to several potential complications, including conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and scarring. In severe or chronic cases, advanced treatments such as autologous serum eye drops, secretagogues to stimulate tear production, therapeutic contact lenses, amniotic membrane grafts, and surgical options like punctal occlusion or tarsorrhaphy may be necessary.
In addition to medical treatments, the American Optometric Association offers tips for dry eye prevention, such as blinking regularly, wearing sunglasses, avoiding dry outdoor environments, using a humidifier, drinking plenty of water, and seeking advice from a doctor about supplements. A deficiency in either vitamin A or Omega 3 fatty acids can increase a person's risk of developing dry eye, and supplementation may help to treat existing cases.
Lastly, it is important to seek medical attention if experiencing concerning symptoms, such as intense or worsening eye pain or changes in vision. Early intervention can help manage dry eye and prevent potential complications.
- The predictive value of dry eye symptoms can be indicative of potential mental health issues, such as depression, as both conditions share a common link in inflammation.
- In the realm of science and medical-conditions, psoriasis, a skin condition, is known to exhibit a strong association with dry eyes, particularly in patients undergoing treatment with certain medications.
- Health-and-wellness enthusiasts should be aware that maintaining eye-health can also contribute to overall mental-health well-being, as reducing the discomfort and redness of dry eyes can improve one's quality of life.
- In the case of severe dry eye complications, such as conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers, proper management requires a comprehensive approach, including the use of autologous serum eye drops, secretagogues, therapeutic contact lenses, and even surgical options like punctal occlusion or tarsorrhaphy.
- To minimize the risk of developing dry eye and alleviate its symptoms, following recommendations like blinking regularly, consuming adequate amounts of water, and taking supplements such as those containing Omega 3 fatty acids or Vitamin A, can be beneficial.
