Dry eyes are a common enough phenomenon. In this condition, either tears produced are not at par with the required quality, or sufficient tears are not produced altogether.
Symptoms of dry eyes include pain in the eyes, alongside a dry and itchy sensation. This state also leads to redness in the eyes, alongside blurring of the vision. One may also feel as if there is something stuck in the eyes, such is the level of dryness.
At times, dry eyes also lead to sensitivity to light and fatigue in the eyes as well. Eyes also tend to water more than usual.
Anyone experiencing the symptoms of dry eyes needs to visit the Eye specialist in Lahore for treatment, lest the condition gets worse.
Causes of Dry Eye
There are numerous conditions that might be behind the dry eyes. It is more common amongst older people; those over 50 are more likely to have dry eyes. At times, dry eyes are due to certain medicines. Antidepressants and blood pressure medicines are more often the reason for dry eyes.
Similarly, some diseases also result in eyes getting dry. Lupus, blepharitis, Sjogren’s syndrome are some conditions that commonly result in dry eyes.
However, certain lifestyle habits also are behind dry eyes. Looking at screen too much is a common factor. As we gaze at our screens, we often do not blink our eyes often, leading to them going dry.
Also, use of contact lens also is one of the reasons why eye turn dry. Furthermore, certain factors like smoking and alcohol consumption are also responsible for eyes turning dry.
Environmental factors like wind, dryness, and dust are also amongst factors that affect the eyes, making them dry. Likewise, exposure to too much air conditioning or heat can also turn the air dry, and this causes eyes to go dry as well.
Treatment
There are many treatment options available for dry eyes. At times, dry eyes are a temporary condition that is caused by factors like screen time etc., that the person is also cognizant of. Mitigating these is generally helpful. However, some people need to take more robust action to treat this condition.
Lifestyle Choices And Home Remedies
Screen Usage
When we use screens or concentrate on too long for a thing, it is important to consciously blink eyes. Also, take a break after looking at the screen for too long.
Quit Smoking And Alcohol
Giving up on smoking and drinking will not only help fix dry eyes but improve health overall as well.
Hydration
Tears are made of water. And without sufficient water in the body, one cannot expect eyes to not give trouble.
Wear Sunglasses
Glasses form a physical barrier with the air outside, especially when it is dry. Wearing it prevents tears from evaporating.
Use Humidifiers
Humidifiers prevent the dry around us from getting too dry. Moist air then also prevents excessive drying of the eyes, on account of lowered evaporation rate.
Warm Compress and Washing Eyelids
Place a clean cloth in warm water, and then hold this damp cloth to your eyes for 5 minutes. Then wash your eyes with baby shampoos, gently rinsing. This is beneficial for stimulating the release of oil from the glands and also improves the quality of the tears.
Medicines
OTC Drugs
Artificial tears are a quick way to remedy dry eyes. These are available in various forms, and may also require application frequently through the day, depending on the choice of the drug.
Some ointments are also helpful in this regard. They can, however, cloud the eyes some, and therefore is suggested that they be used prior to bedtime.
Tear Stimulating Drugs
Available as pills, gels, or eyedrops, these drugs are medically known as cholinergics. These help the body in the production of tears in the body.
Eye Inserts
These inserts are made for the chronic cases that fail to respond to easier treatment options. The tiny clear insert is placed between lower lash line or lid, and the eyeball. It then dissolves slowly, releasing tears into the eyes.
Eyedrops Made From Blood
This route is opted for in case where the eye fails to respond to any other treatment option. Known as autologous blood serum drops, these eye drops are made when blood is combined with salt solution.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Inflammation can prevent the oil gland from getting oil to your eye, and without this barrier, eyes get dry very quickly. Your eye specialist in Karachi may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to reduce the inflammation and remedy dry eyes.