Dry Eyes – Symptoms and Treatment

Dry eyes can be very uncomfortable, especially when using screen devices. When your eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears are of poor quality, the eyes feel dry.

Why are tears important for your comfort?

Blinking spreads the tears over your eyes, keeping them lubricated and healthy. Moreover, tears also protect the eye from allergy and infection-causing agents.

What are the symptoms of dry eyes?

The symptoms of dry eye include:

• Burning sensation in the eye
  • Feeling of “sand” or “foreign body” in the eye
  • Watering
  • String-like discharge from the eye
  • Pain and discomfort
  • Episodes of blurred vision which may improve on blinking
  • Decreased contact lens tolerance
  • Redness of eyes
  • General eye fatigue

Here are a few tips which may help you feel better

1. Over the counter tear supplements:

Artificial tears or tear supplements contain substances that mimic your natural tears. These soothe dry eyes by lubricating them. Most tear supplements are available over the counter since they do not contain harmful chemicals.

Choose teardrops that are preservative-free, and from a reliable brand.

2. Dietary supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids help dry eye patients since they improve the functioning of tear-producing glands. Dietary sources include fatty fish like tuna or salmon, flax seeds, and walnuts.

3. Warm compresses 

In case of inflammation of the oil glands at the lash line, hot fomentation can decrease dry eye symptoms. You can also perform a lid massage, and lid scrubs with mild baby shampoo.

4. Use humidifiers

Air conditioning, sitting directly in front of a fan or heater increases the dryness of your eyes. Using a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air can provide relief.

5. Use sunglasses

Large sunglasses that cover your eyes completely reduce the rate of evaporation of tears when outdoors. In addition, the sunglasses also protect the eyes from allergy-causing agents and also help relieve the symptoms of light sensitivity caused by dry eyes.

6. Decrease your screen time

You must try and regulate the screen time, and also follow these rules of screen use.

• Think and blink: You must remember to blink more often.
• 20/20/20 rule: Close your eyes for twenty seconds every 20 minutes, blink and look at something at least 20 feet away for twenty seconds. This helps the eye muscles relax and also redistributes the tear film.

When to contact your doctor

In case your symptoms persist despite taking the appropriate precautions, you must contact your eye doctor. The team of healthcare professionals at Ufinity Life will help you understand and manage your condition better. Based on an exhaustive and comprehensive study of your symptoms and past health issues, our doctors will create a holistic treatment plan for you. And our health coach will help you adhere to the recommendations, and partner with you, in your journey to better health

Caution:

1. Dry and sore eyes can often be a result of underlying diseases like thyroid disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and may need more specific attention.
2. Contact lens users are especially prone to dry eyes.
3. Digital eye strain goes hand in hand with dry eyes.
4. Dry eyes, if not treated on time, may also lead to infections, corneal ulcers, and other eye diseases.