Dry eyes are a common condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort and irritation, affecting your vision and quality of life. While dry eyes can be caused by underlying medical conditions, they are often related to environmental factors and lifestyle choices. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage dry eyes and find relief.
Symptoms
The symptoms of dry eyes can vary in severity and may include a gritty or scratchy sensation, burning, stinging, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and a feeling of having something in your eye. Paradoxically, dry eyes can also cause excessive tearing, as the eyes try to compensate for the lack of lubrication. The symptoms may be worse in certain environments, such as dry, windy, or smoky conditions, or after prolonged screen use.
Causes
Dry eyes can be caused by a variety of factors. Aging is a common cause, as tear production tends to decrease with age. Environmental factors, such as dry air, wind, and smoke, can also contribute to dry eyes. Prolonged screen use, reading, and other activities that reduce blinking can lead to dry eyes. Certain medical conditions, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders, can affect tear production. Medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, can also cause dry eyes. Contact lens wear, eye surgery, and hormonal changes can also contribute to dry eyes.
Self-Care Strategies
There are several things you can do to relieve dry eye symptoms. Avoid placing your TV or computer screen high up, as you will need to look upwards, which dries your eyes. While there is no effective way to increase tear production, you can use over-the-counter artificial tears to lubricate your eyes. Choose artificial tears without preservatives.
When using eye drops:
- Use eye drops four to six times a day for a week.
- If symptoms improve, use eye drops less frequently. If symptoms return, use eye drops more frequently.
- If symptoms do not improve, use eye drops more frequently or switch brands.
- If your eyes become irritated by the eye drops, switch to a different brand. If you have severe symptoms, use a special gel at night.
If you are using other eye drops or medications, use them first. Wait at least 5 minutes before using artificial tears.
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact a healthcare provider if you suspect that an underlying medical condition is causing your dry eyes.
Takeaway
Dry eyes are a common condition that can cause discomfort and affect your vision. While dry eyes can be caused by underlying medical conditions, they are often related to environmental factors and lifestyle choices. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage dry eyes and find relief.