Introduction

Dry eyes are a common condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to properly lubricate and nourish your eyes. This condition can lead to discomfort, visual disturbances, and an increased risk of eye infections. Understanding the causes and treatments of dry eyes is important for managing this condition and maintaining eye health.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can manifest with a range of symptoms, which may vary in severity from mild to debilitating. Common symptoms include a stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes, often described as feeling like there’s sand or grit in the eye. Other symptoms include redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light (photophobia).

Many people with dry eyes experience watery eyes as a reflex response to irritation. There may also be difficulty wearing contact lenses and a feeling of tired eyes, especially after prolonged periods of reading, screen use, or other visual tasks. Persistent discomfort can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life.

What causes dry eyes?

Dry eyes can result from a variety of factors, both environmental and physiological. Causes include:

1. Aging: As we age, tear production decreases which can lead to dry eyes. This is particularly common in people over 50 years old.
2. Hormonal Changes: Women are more susceptible to dry eyes due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, menopause, and the use of oral contraceptives.
3. Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can reduce tear production.
4. Environmental Factors: Exposure to smoke, wind, and dry climates can accelerate tear evaporation, leading to dry eyes. Prolonged use of digital screens can also reduce blinking rate, which contributes to this condition.
5. Health Conditions: Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can lead to decreased tear production. Conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders can also contribute to dry eyes.
6. Contact Lenses: Long-term use of contact lenses can disrupt the natural tear film, causing dry eyes.

How to treat dry eyes?

Treating dry eyes often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgical interventions. Common treatments include:

1. Artificial Tears and Lubricating Eye Drops: Over-the-counter artificial tears can help alleviate mild dry eye symptoms by supplementing natural tear production. For more severe cases, preservative-free options may be recommended.
2. Prescription Medications: Anti-inflammatory prescription medications can help increase tear production and reduce inflammation.
3. Punctal Plugs: These tiny devices are inserted into the tear ducts to block tear drainage, helping to retain natural tears on the eye’s surface.
4. Warm Compresses and Eyelid Hygiene: Regularly applying warm compresses and maintaining good eyelid hygiene can help relieve symptoms, especially in cases related to meibomian gland dysfunction (a condition that affects the meibomian glands, which are located along the edges of the eyelids & produce the oily component of the tear film so that tears don’t evaporate from the eye surface).
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Dietary supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids may improve tear production and the quality of the tear film.
6. Lifestyle Adjustments: Reducing screen time, using humidifiers, and avoiding environments that exacerbate dry eyes can also help manage symptoms.

Conclusion

Dry eyes are a multifactorial condition that can significantly impact quality of life. Understanding the underlying causes and exploring a range of treatment options can help you manage your symptoms effectively. For those experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, get in touch with us for a full evaluation and personalised treatment plan.

You can read more about dry eyes and the latest research on this condition on the National Health Institute website.