Is dry eye syndrome treatable in 2022? When your tears are unable to adequately lubricate your eyes, it is called dry eye disease. It is the most common illness that can develop in people of all age groups. There are various reasons why tears may be insufficient and unsteady. For instance, dry eyes may develop if your tear production is inadequate or of poor quality. The instability of the tears causes inflammation and surface damage to the eye.
What are common signs of dry eye syndrome? Your eyes may sting or burn if you have dry eyes. In some circumstances, such as on an airline, in an air-conditioned room, while riding a bike, or after staring at a computer screen for a while, you could suffer dry eyes. But don’t worry, dry eye syndrome is treatable. You might feel better at ease after receiving dry eye treatments. Changes in lifestyle and eyedrops are two examples of these treatments.
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Causes
Do you know what the causes of dry eye disease are? According to science, There are three layers of tears. The three layers are the watery middle layer, the inner mucus layer, and the oily outside layer. Dry eye syndrome can develop if the glands that make the different components of your tears are swollen or don’t generate enough water, oil, or mucus.
Your tears will evaporate more quickly if they lack oil, and your eyes won’t be able to retain moisture over time.
The following are causes of dry eye syndrome:
- replenishment of hormones
- long-term use of contact lenses
- spending a lot of time looking at a computer
- exposure to dry or windy conditions, such as recurrent winter heater use
- allergies
- LASIK surgery for eyes
- Several drugs, such as birth control pills, nasal decongestants, antidepressants, and antihistamines
- ageing
- not enough blinking
Symptoms
The following are signs and symptoms of dry eye syndrome:
- burning
- tense mucus
- eyes fatigue more quickly than they used
- difficulties reading or spending prolonged amounts of time on a computer
- hazy vision
- pain
- redness
- Other typical signs include:
- drizzly tears
- experiencing sand in your eyes
According to Dr Lance Kugler, many patients with dry eyes remark that their eyelids seem heavy.
How to diagnose dry eye disease?
A doctor will inquire about a patient’s symptoms and inspect the front of the eye in order to diagnose dry eye. They might also do a dilated eye exam to see the back of the eye. Giving ocular drops to the patient to enlarge the pupil is a quick and painless operation.
The results of the dilated eye examination can reveal the following:
- the number of tears being produced, the pace of tear evaporation, and the makeup of the eyelids
- A doctor will also look over a patient’s medical background and inquire about any prescription drugs or dietary supplements they may be using.
Treatment
There are different treatment options for dry eye disease
- Artificial tears
The most popular cure for dry eye syndrome is eye drops that improve your eye moisture. Others have success using artificial tears. There are different types of artificial tears options available in the market. You can choose according to doctors’ suggestions.
- Lacrimal plugs
The drainage canals in the corners of your eyes may be blocked by your ophthalmologist using plugs. For Slowing tear loss, this technique is reversible and comparatively painless.
If you have a severe condition, the plugs might be suggested as a long-term fix.
- Medication
An anti-inflammatory called cyclosporine is the treatment for a dry eye condition that is most frequently recommended (Restasis). The medication boosts tear production while reducing the chance of corneal injury.
You might need to use corticosteroid eye drops for a brief period of time while the medication takes action if your case of dry eye is severe.
Additionally, cholinergic medicines, such as pilocarpine, are alternatives. These drugs encourage the formation of tears.
Your doctor might change your prescription if another drug is making your eyes dry in an effort to locate one that doesn’t.
- Surgery
Your doctor could suggest surgery if you have severe dry eye syndrome and other medications are ineffective in treating it.
To keep your eyes producing enough tears, it may be necessary to permanently block the drainage pores at the inner corners of your eyes.
- Home care
Use a humidifier to add moisture to your room if you tend dry eyes, and stay away from dry environments. Reduce the amount of time you spend using the computer or watching TV and wearing contact lenses.
Home remedies
According to Kugler, research from the National Institutes of Health found no difference between omega-3 supplements and a placebo in the treatment of moderate to severe dry eye.
If environmental factors are to blame for your dry eyes, try changing your way of life. For example, quit smoking and wear eye protection when exercising outdoors in windy conditions.
Your home’s humidifier can add moisture to the air, which could assist in lessening dry eyes.
risk elements
People over 50 are more likely to get dry eye conditions. According to estimates, 5 million Americans in this age range suffer from the illness.
Although the majority of them are female, men can also have the illness. More at risk are pregnant women, women taking hormone replacement treatment, and women going through menopause. Additionally raising your risk are the underlying conditions listed below:
- persistent allergies
- various disorders that cause the eyes to go forward, such as thyroid disease
- rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other immune system conditions
- Vitamin A deficiency, which is unlikely if you eat a healthy diet, is exposure to keratitis caused by sleeping with your eyes slightly open.
- Some people think that excessive computer screen blue light exposure may be a factor in dry eye syndrome.
According to Kugler, “this immense source of blue light [from the sun]” is where humans “developed outside.” Therefore, it seems counterintuitive to claim that computer screens more commonly cause blue light problems than sunlight.
However, it is well known that gazing at computer screens for extended periods of time suppresses our blink reflex, which causes more dry eyes, according to him.
Taking breaks when using a computer is a good idea. According to him, it won’t hurt anyone if some people prefer to use blue light-filtering glasses while using computers.
Conclusion
No doubt dry eye disease is common and severe but treatable. There are various treatment options, but choosing a treating option by yourself could be dangerous, so for treatment, consult your doctor.