When the eyes are unable to generate enough tears to keep them lubricated and moist, dry eye syndrome develops. One prevalent ailment is dry eye syndrome. Redness, hazy vision, and a burning or stinging sensation in the eyes can all be symptoms of dryness. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and dry eye illness are two other names for dry eye syndrome. To help you manage dry eye condition, see your eye doctor.
Causes
The components of healthy tears are mucus, water, and oil. All three are necessary for tears to function effectively. An imbalance in the tear composition might lead to dry eye syndrome. As a result, the tear film evaporates more quickly and is unable to sufficiently lubricate the entire eye. Additionally, if your eyes are partially open when you sleep or if you blink insufficiently, you may get dry eye syndrome.
Certain medications used to treat colds, allergies, depression, and high blood pressure may cause dry eyes as a side effect. Health issues: A number of conditions can lead to dry eyes, such as diabetes, thyroid issues, and autoimmune diseases like lupus or Sjögren syndrome.
Some forms of laser eye surgery may result in less tears being produced by your eyes. Inform your eye doctor of any questions or concerns you may have, as well as the typical duration of this adverse effect. Spending time in windy, smoky, or dry settings can accelerate the drying out of tears and result in dry eyes. prolonged durations of time spent staring at a screen: When staring at a computer or tablet screen, you could blink less.
Signs and Symptoms
You may encounter one or more symptoms, depending on how severe it is. Eye redness, a sensation that something is in the eye, a burning, itching, or stinging sensation in the eye, increased sensitivity to light, excessive mucus in or around the eye, difficulty wearing contact lenses, blurry vision, difficulty seeing while driving at night, and watery eyes, which happen when the body produces extra tears in response to eye irritation, are some of the symptoms that can appear simultaneously or one at a time.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine your symptoms and review your medical history in order to diagnose dry eye syndrome. During a thorough eye exam, you might be given eye drops to widen your pupils. Your doctor may examine the exterior of your eyes and eyelids, examine the contents of your tears, and measure the amount of tears you produce. They could request more testing if they have reason to believe there is an underlying illness, such as an autoimmune disease. They might recommend a professional to you.
Some Common Treatments
The intensity of the symptoms determines the course of treatment. Consult your doctor about your options prior to starting any treatment. Artificial tears may help you manage the symptoms of mild dry eye syndrome. Every few hours, you can apply them to your eyes. Using washes or compresses to maintain proper eyelid cleanliness may also be helpful. Remain away from dry areas to maintain hydrated and lubricated eyes. Avoiding smoking, strong winds, or direct air conditioning are a few examples of this.
Eye drops to lessen inflammation: Inflammation on the surface of the eyes and around the eyelids can cause discomfort and inhibit the production of natural tears. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be suggested by your doctor to prevent this from happening. Drugs that increase tear production: Some drugs have the effect of increasing tear production in the eyes. These drugs are typically supplied as pills, gels, or drops for the eyes.