A brief overview of dry eyes and its treatments

Dry eyes occur when your eyes cannot produce enough lubrication that they need. If either one of the three layers of your eyes, fatty oils, aqueous fluid, and mucus, experiences any interference, it triggers the condition of dry eyes. It causes distress and makes your eyes feel uncomfortable and itchy. Medication and treatments soothe your eyes and cause comfort to them.

Causes of dry eyes

Dry eyes are generally due to interference in the normal functioning of the tear film. Some of the reasons that dry eyes occur are:

• Aging and menopause
• A decrease in tear production
• An increase in the evaporation of tears
• Side effects of certain medications
• Blinking less often
• Bad environment
• Allergic reactions

Signs of dry eyes

When your eyes experience distress, they may lead to several different reactions. Some of them are:

• A stinging sensation in your eyes
• Burning
• Redness
• A feeling that something’s stuck in your eyes
• Eye fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Itching
• Watering eyes

Treatments for dry eyes

Treating an underlying issue can usually help treat dry eyes altogether. Several prescription medications are provided to people to treat dry eyes. If you experience this condition due to a reaction from another medication, speak to your doctor about it.

• Eye drops
  Eye drops that contain immune-suppressing medication can soothe and cure inflammation on the surface of your eyes.
• Medication to reduce inflammation
  Medicines like antibiotics in the form of tablets, ointment, or eye drops can help reduce inflammation and stop problems related to oil secretion.
• Tear-stimulating medication
  Dry eyes limit the production of tears. Your doctor may provide you with medication that will induce the production of tears.
• Eye inserts
  When tears cannot be produced naturally, implants can be added into your eyes to help produce them.
• Plastic surgery
  If you are suffering from dry eyes, one of the reasons could be that your eyelids are turned outwards. In such a case, your doctor may refer you to a plastic surgeon who will be able to solve the problem.

Diet

A balanced diet generally influences good eye health. Some foods that you should include in your diet to avoid dry eyes symptoms are:

• Green vegetables
• Fruits
• Fatty fish
• Eggs
• Milk
• Oatmeal
• Green tea
• Nuts and seeds
• Olive oil
• Brown rice
• Quinoa

Natural remedies

• Rest your eyes
  Using electronic devices for a long time expose your eyes to the light and reduce your blink rate. All of these can lead to dry eyes. Make sure you take a break every time you use electronic devices.
• Drink more water
  Staying hydrated has a plethora of benefits. Water positively affects the eyes in several ways. It helps lubricate the eyes, produce tears, and influence blinking. Drink 8-10 cups of water daily to avoid eye and overall health problems.
• Try Omega-3 fatty acids
  Omega-3 fatty acids can improve eye functioning and reduce the symptoms of dry eyes. You can get your daily dose of Omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish, nuts as well as supplements.
• Steer clear of alcohol and smoking
  Drinking alcohol can dehydrate you, and the smoke that comes from cigarettes contains many toxins that are bad for your eyes. For better eye and overall health, it is advisable to stay away from alcohol or cigarettes.