Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome and Caring for Your Vision

If your eyes frequently feel gritty, sting, burn or water, you may be suffering from dry eye syndrome. This common condition affects millions and can significantly impact quality of life. The good news is that by understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms early, and making lifestyle changes, many people find relief. When home remedies aren’t enough, several medical treatments are also available.

 

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Your eyes need a continual flow of tears to stay lubricated. Tears bathe the surface of the eye in protective fluids, rinse away irritants, and keep your vision comfortable and clear. Disruption of tear quantity or quality leads to dry eye syndrome.

 

As we age, our bodies produce fewer tears. Women tend to develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes. Environmental factors like dry air, wind, air conditioning, and smoke can also evaporate natural tears more quickly. Refraining from fully closing eyes during activities like extensive reading and computer use gives tears less time to lubricate. Certain medications, inflammation disorders and diseases affect tear glands. Blinking less frequently when staring at screens is another culprit. Recognizing these contributing factors helps prevent aggravating dryness.

 

Common Symptoms

Strained, tired eyes and blurred vision when reading or driving can indicate insufficient tears. You may experience a scratchy, burning, gritty discomfort, sometimes with episodes of excess watering as eyes try to compensate. Light sensitivity, redness and irritation are other signals. If you notice consistent discomfort, make an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist for an evaluation. Catching dry eye early keeps it from potentially worsening and harming your vision.

 

Caring For Your Eyes

Implementing a gentle eye care routine protects vision and keeps your eyes feeling refreshed. Here are some tips:

 

Blink Frequently - Blinking spreads tears to maintain moisture. Remember to blink fully when using screens and focusing visually. 

 

Use Artificial Tears - Over-the-counter lubricating drops supplement natural tears. Use several times a day or as needed for immediate relief.

 

Adjust Air Flows - Position heating and cooling vents away from your face to prevent dry air from disturbing eyes. Consider a humidifier.

 

Check Medications - Antihistamines, birth control pills, anxiety medications and other drugs can reduce tears. See if alternatives are available. 

 

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule - Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break to view something 20 feet away to reduce eyestrain.

 

Improve Diet - Foods rich in omega-3s may help improve tear quality and quantity. Eat more fatty fish like salmon, walnuts, flax and olive oil.

 

Medical Treatment Options 

If self-care strategies aren’t providing sufficient relief, several medical treatments can get dry eye under better control, including:

 

Prescription Eye Drops - Medicated drops called Restasis and Xiidra treat chronic cases by targeting inflammation to help eyes make more tears.

 

Punctal Plugs - These tiny plugs fit into the tear ducts to block drainage so your limited tears stay on the eyes longer. Made of silicone or collagen, they are removable. 

 

Other Procedures - Severe cases may receive prescription anti-inflammatory drops, moisture chamber glasses, contact lenses or procedures like tear duct closure to retain moisture.

 

Don’t Ignore Dry Eye Symptoms

Sometimes dismissed as an unavoidable nuisance, dry eye deserves proper attention, especially with aging eyes. Left unchecked, insufficient tears allow more eye problems to develop. Get evaluated to understand root causes and follow professional recommendations to relieve irritation through various lifestyle changes and medical treatments. Protecting your eyes proactively preserves vibrant vision for years ahead.