At any given time, there are over three million people in the United States that suffer from chronic dry eyes, also known as dry eye syndrome. The symptoms of dry eyes can be very bothersome, and there are many different causes. There are many different traditional medical treatments for dry eyes, although some people prefer to use home remedy for dry eyes. Some of these home remedies will be discussed below.
Symptoms of dry eyes:
When a person suffers from dry eyes, they normally have the problem in both eyes at the same time. Dry eye symptoms can include: stinging, burning or scratching sensation in the eyes, a sensitivity to even the smallest amounts of light, difficulty or inability to wear or tolerate contact lenses, blurred vision that is especially prominent after attempting to focus on something for an extended period of time and eye fatigue after a short period of reading or working on the computer.
People who suffer from chronic dry eyes, or dry eye syndrome, often make lifestyle changes in order to get some sort of relief from the pain and other symptoms that accompany this condition. For instance, many women avoid wearing eye make-up for extended periods of time. Other people may avoid entrances to businesses that blow strong bursts of heated or cooled air as the wind tends to make the condition worse. Still others may search for a pair of sunglasses that are suitable to wear both inside and outside, in order to block some of the light from hitting their eyes.
What Causes dry eyes?
The cause of dry eyes is an insufficient production of tears. Tears are a combination of water, oils, proteins and electrolytes. The combination of substances found in tears work together to not only keep the eyes lubricated, but protect them from certain types of bacteria and viruses, which prevents infections in the eyes. Some people may produce some tears, just not enough to keep the eyes lubricated and comfortable. Other people may produce a sufficient amount of tears, but the combination of substances in the tears is imbalanced, which produces the dry eye effect. Other causes of dry eyes can be a problem with the eyelids, a side effect of certain medications as well as environmental factors.
Inadequate tear production can arise from a variety of causes. People who are over the age of 50 tend to produce fewer tears. This process continues throughout the rest of a person’s life. Therefore, dry eyes are more prominent in older persons. Women who have gone through menopause can experience inadequate tear production due to a change in hormones. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, thyroid disorders, vitamin A deficiency and Sjogren’s syndrome are all contributing factors to decreased tear production as well. Some people have had surgery on their tear ducts or have had LASIK eye surgery and have had damage to the tear ducts, which directly affects the production of tears.
People who have dry eyes secondary to an improper ratio of components in tears normally have an imbalance of the ratio of water to oil to mucus that is contained in tears. The oil is produced by glands that are located on the outside edge of a person’s eyelids. The function of oil in a tear is to keep the water from evaporating too quickly, causing dry eyes. The water is produced by the tear glands or tear ducts and functions to clean the eyes. Also contained in a tear is mucus. The function of the mucus is to make sure the tears are spread evenly over the entire surface of the eyes.
Problems with the eyelids that create a difficulty or inability to blink will lead to dry eyes very quickly. The act of blinking is an essential function in keeping eyes moist, as each blink spreads an even layer of tears across the eye. Medications that are known to cause dry eyes include diuretics, certain blood pressure drugs, antihistamines such as Benadryl, birth control pills, antidepressants, over-the-counter pain relievers and certain acne medications.
Traditional Medical Treatments for dry eyes:
When dry eyes are bad enough to take a person to the doctor, traditional treatments will revolve around the causative agent for the dry eyes. Persons who have an inadequate production of tears or an improper combination of tear components may need a prescription eye drop such as Restasis. If a medication is the causative agent, the doctor may be able to change the medicaep the water from evaporating too quickly, causing dry eyes. The water is produced by the tear glands or tear ducts and functions to clean the eyes. Also contained in a tear is mucus. The function of the mucus is to make sure the tears are spread evenly over the entire surface of the eyes.
Problems with the eyelids that create a difficulty or inability to blink will lead to dry eyes very quickly. The act of blinking is an essential function in keeping eyes moist, as each blink spreads an even layer of tears across the eye. Medications that are known to cause dry eyes include diuretics, certain blood pressure drugs, antihistamines such as Benadryl, birth control pills, antidepressants, over-the-counter pain relievers and certain acne medications.
Traditional Medical Treatments for dry eyes:
When dry eyes are bad enough to take a person to the doctor, traditional treatments will revolve around the causative agent for the dry eyes. Persons who have an inadequate production of tears or an improper combination of tear components may need a prescription eye drop such as Restasis. If a medication is the causative agent, the doctor may be able to change the medication to one that functions the same, but doesn’t have the side effect of dry eyes. Eyelid problems may need to be surgically repaired. Antibiotic eye drops may be needed if there is inflammation accompanying the dry eye. The last medical prescription is an eye insert. Inserts work like an artificial tear. Inserted between the lower eyelid and the eyeball, these inserts are designed to dissolve slowly. Other medical treatments, such as closing the tear duct and inserting special contact lenses, can be used for severe cases where nothing else has worked.
What are the Best Home Remedies for dry eyes?
People with a mild case of dry eyes may prefer to treat their symptoms with a home remedy for dry eyes. This can include an eye drop that doesn’t contain any preservatives. It may be necessary to ask a pharmacist to order some of these drops if the pharmacy doesn’t have them, but eye drops without preservatives are safe to use more than four times per day.
Eye ointments are a great way to get lasting eye lubrication. A pitfall of ointments is they are thick and can cause blurred or cloudy vision for a period of time. For this reason, it’s advised to use eye ointments at night or when vision isn’t necessary for a period of time.%roblems may need to be surgically repaired. Antibiotic eye drops may be needed if there is inflammation accompanying the dry eye. The last medical prescription is an eye insert. Inserts work like an artificial tear. Inserted between the lower eyelid and the eyeball, these inserts are designed to dissolve slowly. Other medical treatments, such as closing the tear duct and inserting special contact lenses, can be used for severe cases where nothing else has worked.
What are the Best Home Remedies for dry eyes?
People with a mild case of dry eyes may prefer to treat their symptoms with a home remedy for dry eyes. This can include an eye drop that doesn’t contain any preservatives. It may be necessary to ask a pharmacist to order some of these drops if the pharmacy doesn’t have them, but eye drops without preservatives are safe to use more than four times per day.
Eye ointments are a great way to get lasting eye lubrication. A pitfall of ointments is they are thick and can cause blurred or cloudy vision for a period of time. For this reason, it’s advised to use eye ointments at night or when vision isn’t necessary for a period of time.
For those people who suffer from inflammation with dry eyes, washing the eyelids gently but frequently throughout the day and evening can help reduce the inflammation. To properly wash eyes: use a warm washcloth and mild soap such as baby-safe products.
Some people have even chosen to explore the realm of alternative medicine for the treatment of their dry eyes. The best and most recognized alternative treatment is taking Omega-3 fatty acids. The reason these fatty acids are used for dry eyes is because they are thought to decrease inflammation in the body.
Whatever the cause, dry eyes are not only a nuisance, they can be painful. Severe cases of dry eyes can interfere with daily activities of some people as well. There are many causes for dry eyes, as well as many traditional medical treatments and surgical interventions. Home remedy for dry eyes has been explored by those that have a mild case of dry eyes, and some people are even considering different types of alternative medical treatments to “cure” their dry eyes.