Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when a person doesn’t have enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears offer lubrication, protect people from the eye inflammation, wash away foreign matter in your eyes and keep the surface of the eyes smooth and clear. Enough amount of tears is very necessary because tears could maintain the health of the front surface of the eye. Dry eye usually occurs when tear production is reduced. It is a common and chronic eye disease among older adults.
Dry eye syndrome can develop for many factors such as age, medical conditions or environmental conditions.
Age. Tears are produced by several glands in and around the eyelids. As time goes by, the amount of tears tends to be decreased. People over age 65 are more likely to experience some signs and symptoms of dry eyes.
Medical Conditions. If a person get inflammation of the eyelids, the surface of the eye, or the inward or outward turning of eyelids, he is more likely to suffer from dry eyes. Besides, it is also influenced by some other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and thyroid problems.
Environmental Conditions. Nowadays, people tend to frequently use computers, smartphones and other digital devices. Staring at these electronic equipments for long periods of time could affect the normal amount of tear production. Moreover, wind and dry climates can also contribute to drying of the eyes.
Dry eyes may be a chronic condition, but your doctors can prescribe treatment to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable and to prevent your vision from being affected.
The primary approach used to manage and treat dry eyes is over-the-counter artificial tear solution. Artificial tear drops work by supplementing natural tear production and protecting your eyelids or surface of the eye from inflammation. If artificial tears could not improve your dry eye, your doctors may recommend using some medical treatments such as Restasis and Xiidra. They are two drugs that can reduce the inflammation associated with the signs and symptoms of dry eyes.
Dry eye is a chronic condition that needs to be treated for a long period of time. In daily lives, you can try some useful tips to prevent it:
1.If you often stare at a computer or reading for a long time, remember to blink regularly. Using eyes too much may influence the normal tear production.
2.Increase the humidity in the air at work and at home. Staying at a dry place for a long time is more likely to suffer from the signs and symptoms of dry eyes.
3.Wear sunglasses outdoors, particularly those with wraparound frames, to reduce exposure to winds and the sun. Exposure to sun and wind for a long period of time can increase tear evaporation resulting in dry eye symptoms.
4.Drink plenty of water each day.
5.Some nutritional supplements that contain fatty acids may help decrease dry eye symptoms. Ask your doctor if you could take some.