Dry Eyes Symptoms, Reason, And Cure

Dry eyes are the most common eye problem these days.

Due to spending more time on computers, tv, and laptops, the problem related to the eyes is increasing day by day.

One such problem of eyes is “Dry Eyes”.

Do you know why it occurs and how to prevent it?

Let us know.

In today’s lifestyle, the problem of dry eyes is very common and one should take care of eyes.

Most youngsters are facing this problem.

Firstly dry eyes are considered a problem related to age but now youngsters, even children are suffering from this problem.

In dry eyes syndrome, a person feels dryness in the eyes.

This problem arises when the process of making tears is affected however this problem does not relate to the problem of eyesight.

 How to know that you have dry eyes

If you have the following symptoms then you should consult a doctor for dry eyes.

• Stinging, burning, or scratchy feelings in the eyes.
• Sensitivity from light.
• Redness in eyes.
• Difficulty in wearing contact lenses.
• Difficulty in night driving.
• Watery eyes, a reaction to irritation.
• Blurry vision.

Why do dry eyes happen?

This problem occurs when the production of tears is hampered.

Tears have 3 layers which usually protect the eyes by keeping them lubricious and clean.

If any problem occurs in any layer then the problem of dryness arises.

Complications

Dry eyes can lead to various complications if not cured or paid attention to.

• Eye infections: Your tears protect the surface of your eyes from infection. Without adequate tears, you may have an increased risk of eye infection.
• Damage to the surface of your eyes: If left untreated, severe dry eyes may lead to eye irritation, swelling of the corneal surface, corneal ulcers, and vision loss.
• Decreased quality of life: Everyday activities such as reading are difficult to perform due to dry eyes

Who are at risk?

According to studies, it is revealed that you are at risk if you are under the following factors:

• Being older than 50: Tear production tends to reduce as you get older. Dry eyes are more common in people over 50. Dry eyes are also known as a disease of older people.
• Being a woman: Hormonal changes lead to a lack of tears in women, especially if they experience hormonal changes due to pregnancy, using birth control pills, or menopause.
• Eating a diet that is low in vitamin A: This vitamin is good for eye health. Vitamin A is found in the liver, carrots, and broccoli.
• Wearing contact lenses or having a history of refractive surgery: Both these factors increase the chances of dry eyes.

How to cure this problem?

For its treatment eyes and tears are tested. If the condition is normal then with eye drops and medicines the problem or difficulty lessens.

Yes, those having this problem should protect their eyes from dust and pollution.

Some effective ways to protect eyes from dryness

• Blink your eyes

When you work in an air conditioner, then vaporization increases, and the chances of dry eyes increases.

Take a break for 15 seconds every 15 minutes and close your eyes.

This will keep your eyes moisturized.

• There should be proper light

Arrange proper lights at the workplace. The computer screen should not be too bright. The distance between the computer and the eyes should be at least 12 inches.

• Nutritive food

Include nutritive food having vitamin A (green leafy vegetables, carrots, broccoli, etc) and omega-3 fatty acids (fish, walnuts, and vegetable oil) in sufficient quantity.

• Give rest to eyes

if you are reading or working on a computer then rest your eyes in between at definite intervals. If you work for longer hours then your eyes will feel tired and sometimes it itches also. Close your eyes for some seconds or minutes and blink your eyes again and again so that tears can spread evenly in your eyes.

• Avoid smoking

If you smoke then the problem of dry eyes may worsen so avoid smoking as it makes dry eye symptoms more persistent.

• Add moisture to the air

Use a humidifier to add moisture to the dry air indoors, especially in winter.

• Position your computer screen below the level of eyes

It protects your eyes from dryness as you don’t have to wide open your eyes to see the screen and thus this may help slow the evaporation of tears between the eye blinks.

• Use artificial tears

It’s no harm to use artificial tears even if you feel fine. It keeps eyes well-lubricated.

• Avoid Strong Wind

Protect eyes from the hair dryer, car heaters, air conditioners, and direct air from fans. Protect eyes from strong and dry air, for this use shields or eyeglasses.

• Warm compresses

Warm compresses help to ease irritation and loosen clogged oils. For this, wet a clean washcloth with warm water, wring it out, and place it over your closed eye for at least a minute.

Gently press the edge of your eyelid with your finger to help squeeze out the clogged oils. The moist heat helps loosen up the clogged oils in the glands. You can do it to help lower inflammation, even after your eyes feel better.

P.S: Everyone irrespective of age should go for an eye test once a year.