Dry eyes: main causes and remedies
Those who suffer from dry eyes may experience redness, burning or the sensation of having foreign bodies in their eyes. Dry eye syndrome can be temporary or chronic, and it occurs when the tear glands do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly.
Untreated chronic dry eye can cause a number of complications, ranging from double vision to infections, but remedies can still be found.
Many people find relief through home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription eye drops. Let’s see what are the most common causes of dry eyes and the possible remedies.
Causes of dry eyes
It is important to understand what causes dry eyes so that you can prevent and manage them with possible remedies. Let’s see what the main causes are.
Aging
Although everyone can suffer from dry eyes, this condition becomes more common as we age. Dry eye tends to affect people over the age of 50, because the production of tears decreases with age. This type of dry eye cannot be prevented, but regular use of artificial tears provides additional lubrication.
Medications
Tears are made up of oil, water, and mucus. Certain medications, however, can reduce mucus production and contribute to chronic dry eyes. These include antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, and beta-blockers used to treat hypertension. If you take medication and experience dry eyes, talk to your primary care physician right away. To keep your eyes lubricated, you can also use artificial tears along with medication.
Using your computer
Often people who work on computers suffer from headaches. In addition to this discomfort, often being at the computer can affect the production of tears and cause dry eyes. To avoid this problem, you need to follow specific rules for those who work on the PC.
In general, those who work in front of the computer monitor tend to blink less often. As a result, tears evaporate more quickly. If you use your computer for work, you can reduce dryness by blinking more often because blinking helps lubricate your eyes preventing dryness and irritation. If dryness persists, use artificial tears while working on your computer. Also, give yourself a break by looking away from the computer every 20 minutes or so and blinking repeatedly in order to moisten your eyes again.
Laser surgery
Some people begin to suffer from dry eyes after laser vision correction surgery. This procedure cuts some nerves in the cornea, causing the eyes to produce fewer tears. This type of dry eye is usually temporary and resolves after a few days or weeks. Until your eyes heal, use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist.
Menopause
Hormones may play a role in causing dry eye. Some women experience symptoms of dry eyes during pregnancy, menopause, or using birth control pills. Hormones stimulate the production of tears, so an imbalance can reduce their production.
If hormone replacement therapy does not seem to improve dry eyes, you can ask your doctor for lubricating eye drops to reduce dry eye discomfort and irritation.
Vitamin A deficiency
Vitamin A supports eye health. Foods rich in vitamin A are eggs, carrots, fish, spinach, broccoli and peppers. A diet low in these foods containing this vitamin can lead to dry eyes and other vision disorders, such as night blindness.
A blood test can diagnose a vitamin A deficiency. You can also ask your doctor to use eye drops containing vitamin A, although they are not commonly used to treat dry eye.
Exposure to wind
Cold climates and exposure to high winds can cause tears to evaporate too quickly, resulting in chronic dryness. To protect your eyes from the cold and wind, use lubricating eye drops and wear wrap-around sunglasses.
Sjögren’s syndrome
It is an autoimmune disease that causes white blood cells to attack the salivary glands and tear glands, reducing tear production. Treatment involves the use of over-the-counter or prescription lubricating eye drops. Your doctor may also prescribe steroid eye drops.
When dry eyes persist despite the use of eye drops, your doctor may recommend surgery that involves inserting silicone plugs into the tear ducts to help preserve some of the tears.
Blepharitis
This disorder develops when the small oily glands of the inner eyelid become clogged and inflamed. In addition to dry eyes, oily flakes may appear around the eyelashes. There is no cure for this condition, however, you can reduce inflammation by applying a warm compress to your closed eyes for a couple of minutes and cleaning your eyelids with gentle cleansers.
Until the inflammation improves, use artificial tears to reduce dry eyes and redness. If your symptoms don’t improve, talk to your doctor about treatment with antibiotic eye drops.
Allergies
Allergies can cause dry eyes. The eyes may appear itchy, red, and watery. An oral antihistamine can reduce allergies, although these medications can worsen dry eye symptoms. If your symptoms are due to allergies alone, ask your doctor for antihistamine eye drops.
Slight dehydration
Sometimes dry eyes are due to dehydration or not drinking enough fluids. Other symptoms of dehydration include dark urine, lack of energy, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and no urine. Increasing fluid intake and drinking more water can improve mild dehydration and relieve dry eyes.
Low humidity
Dry air also contributes to dry eyes. This can happen if there is little humidity in the house or if you sleep or work near an air vent.
Moving your bed or desk so that air doesn’t blow directly into your eyes can improve your symptoms. You can also use a humidifier to moisten the air and prevent tears from evaporating.
Smoking
Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke can also cause dry eyes. Avoid smoky environments, and if you smoke, make sure to quit. Use nicotine replacement therapy or ask your doctor to prescribe a medication that will reduce your urge to smoke.
Contact lenses
Prolonged contact lens wear is another risk factor for dry eye. Some lenses, in fact, hinder the supply of oxygen to the cornea.
If your eyes aren’t getting enough lubrication, switch to prescription glasses and ask your eye doctor about contact lenses specifically for dry eyes. These lenses are designed to help your eyes retain moisture.
The main remedies for dry eyes
Treatment of dry eye depends on the cause. In general, it can be useful to avoid:
- smoking and passive smoking
- particularly dry places, such as rooms with low humidity
- hair dryers or fans blowing on your face
For greater relief you can try to:
- use eye drops
- Use a humidifier
- Look away from the computer or a book to relieve the eyes
- Wear goggles to block the wind
- use contact lenses specifically for people with dry eyes
- take specific medications to counteract dry eyes
If your eyes are dry, red, or cause pain for a long period of time, talk to your doctor. It is advisable to make an appointment promptly especially if home remedies are not effective.
Your doctor will be able to find out the cause of your dry eyes and suggest the best treatment. This is important because dry eyes can lead to complications such as eye infections or more serious damage to vision.
