Dr. Carina Lee, March 20, 2022
Your ability to wear contact lenses and your daily performance can both be negatively impacted by dry eyes.
A chronic illness known as dry eye syndrome affects millions of people worldwide and about 50% of adult population. It happens when your eyes don't generate enough tears or when the quality of your tear film is poor.
In addition to underlying eye conditions like blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eye syndrome can also be brought on by environmental factors including too much screen time, poor air quality, or living in a dry or windy location.
Dry eye syndrome is more common in women than males, and symptoms frequently get worse after menopause, menstruation, and pregnancy.
Fortunately, there are numerous dry eye treatments available that can provide you with the relief you need.
Here are the five most typical indications of dry eye so you can let your eye doctor know if you have any of these symptoms:
1. Watery eyes
Yes, having watery eyes may indicate that your eyes are dry. Tear production is triggered by dry, itchy eyes, which can overload the eyes' natural tear drainage mechanism and affect the cycle of tear production and drainage. Watery eyes and excessive crying are the result of this.
2. Stinging in your eyes
Your eyes are dry and in need of lubrication if they feel like they are on fire and you are unable to wear contact lenses because of the burning and stinging sensation.
3. Blurry vision
Another common symptom of dry eye is blurry vision that comes and goes and makes you blink quickly or forcefully to clear your vision.
Note: If you experience any type of intermittent hazy vision, speak with your eye doctor. This could be a sign of a serious eye issue
4. Eye discharge
A indication of dry eye is dry, crusty, or stringy mucous in the corners of your eyes, especially when you first wake up.
Water, oil, and mucous make up the tears. When dry, itchy eyes encourage tear production, the tears frequently contain too much mucus, which results in the unattractive discharge around your eyes.
Note: It's vital to speak with your eye doctor to rule out an eye infection if you see yellow or green discharge from your eye, which can also be a sign of pink eye (conjunctivitis).
5. Red eyes
Eye irritation is often the source of redness in the eyes, which can also be a sign of other eye diseases. However, you are most certainly experiencing dry eye if you have red eyes in addition to any other symptoms.
To be absolutely certain, it is best to seek a proper diagnosis from your eye specialist.
How are dry eyes treated?
Depending on the severity of your issue and the underlying reason, there are many different ways to treat dry eyes.
The most common treatment for mild symptoms is using over-the-counter artificial tears eye drops, gels, or ointments to lubricate your dry, itchy, and sore eyes.
To help release any discharge and enhance the quality and amount of your natural tears, your eye doctor may also advise using warm compresses and gentle solution to rinse your eyelids.
Make some lifestyle adjustments to lessen or get rid of your dry eye triggers if your dry eyes are caused by environmental causes. This can entail limiting screen time, drinking less alcohol, and donning sunglasses to protect your eyes when you're outside.
Punctal plugs block the tear ducts to prevent tear drainage in order to preserve your natural tears.
Blephasteam opens the meibomian glands to improve tear quality and reduce tear evaporation.
Blephex facilitates increased tear production and reduces uncomfortable dry eye symptoms.
LipiFlow thermal pulsation system opens the meibomian glands for improved natural production of lipids (oil), necessary to reduce tear evaporation.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) reduces both inflammation and bacterial overgrowth — treating meibomian gland dysfunction, a common underlying cause of dry eye.
Your eye doctor may also advise sleeping in moisture chamber goggles to help reduce tear evaporation and protect your eyes from allergens and irritants that can cause or worsen your symptoms, in addition to these treatments. Your eye doctor may also prescribe medicated and/or steroidal eye drops for additional relief.
Contact a local eye doctor if you are suffering symptoms of dry eye to find out about available treatments.
Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from the chronic illness known as dry eye syndrome.