Preventing and Treating Dry Eyes

Most people take tears for granted. However, when they stop doing their job, you will start to understand just how important they are. Besides lubricating your eyes, tears flush away debris, deliver oxygen to the cornea and promote healing. Tears also maintain visual clarity and keep your eyes comfortable. 

What Are Tears? 

This fluid is more complex than it seems. An intricate system of ducts and glands produces tears, which consist of three layers. The first is a mucus coating over the cornea that limits evaporation and spreads evenly over the eyes. The second is a watery middle layer containing sodium, proteins, and other essential substances, while the third is an oily outer layer.

Dry Eyes

Like everyone else, you will occasionally experience dry eyes. However, if your eyes constantly feel scratchy and sting, burn, or even hurt, you may have dry eye syndrome. Symptoms may also include increased light sensitivity and blurry vision. You may experience increased watering and occasional tearing. This results from tiny corneal scratches caused by the dryness of your eyes. 

Dry eye syndrome is common, especially in people over the age of 40 years. It can interfere with driving, work, reading, and life in general. Women, especially those around menopause, are more susceptible to the condition than men. This may be due to hormonal changes. The syndrome can also stem from the rapid drainage or evaporation of tears, altered tear composition, and reduced tear production. 
 

Symptoms of dry eyes may worsen in hot, dry, or windy conditions or when the levels of air pollution rise. Certain activities, such as prolonged computer use, can also exacerbate the symptoms. This is because people tend to blink less frequently when staring at a screen, which leads to increased tear evaporation. 

Things You Can Do to Prevent Dry Eye Syndrome

The two most important changes you can make to prevent dry eyes are in your habits and environment. Some of the most effective prevention measures include:

• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes when outdoors.

• Consume more omega-3 fatty acids, which will help reduce inflammation and protect the cell membranes in your eyes. Some of the best sources of omega-3 include fish oil, flaxseed, and tuna.

• Do not let fans, car heaters, or anything else blow directly into your face.

• When using a computer or reading a book, take frequent breaks and close your eyes for a few minutes.

• Reduce the number of hours you wear your contact lenses. You should also clean them properly before putting them on.

• Use lubricating eye drops or artificial tears; however, you need to consult your eye doctor before choosing any brand.

• Avoid smoke, including smoke from fireplaces and cigarettes. 

Treating Dry Eyes

Treatment of dry eye syndrome aims to restore an average amount of tears in the eyes. You can use various over-the-counter medications to treat dry eyes at home. Some of the common over-the-counter treatments include eye drops and artificial tear solutions. 
 

If the problem persists, you need to see an eye doctor. The doctor could prescribe medications and supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids. In rare cases, the doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to plug the drainage holes located at the corners of your eyelids. 


 

To learn more about dry eye syndrome, visit Norwood Family Eye Care at our offices in Bartlett and Memphis, Tennessee. You can also call (901) 617-8095 or (901) 380-1274 to book an appointment today.