Dry eye syndrome is a condition where one cannot produce enough tears or none at all to keep the eyes moist. Tears play a vital role in maintaining visual health as they help keep the surface of the eyes smooth. Tears also protect the eyes from getting infections and wash away harmful particles. A tear is a mixture of mucus, oils, water, and special proteins and antibodies.

Having dry eyes can be quite uncomfortable. Without enough moisture to keep the eyeballs smooth and soft, the eyes may burn or sting. 

Who Can Get Dry Eye Syndrome?

Age and environment are the biggest factors affecting dry eye syndrome. However, other factors that can cause eye dryness to include having had eye surgery or wearing contact lenses. If you work in a smoky or windy environment, are fond of wearing heavy eye makeup, and have difficulty blinking, you are a candidate. 
 

If you suffer from certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems, diabetes, arthritis, allergies, or are taking oral contraceptives, you can get the condition. If you take medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, or decongestants or are experiencing hormonal changes due to pregnancy, you are also a candidate. 

 

Dry Eyes Prevention

It is nearly impossible to prevent yourself from getting this condition. However, there are some steps you can take to keep your eyes from getting dry. They include:

• Do not put your eyes directly in front of an air conditioner or a moving fan.

• If the air is dry, use a humidifier to increase the humidity around you.

• If you are reading or using a computer for long periods, remember to blink.

• On a sunny and windy day, don’t forget to wear your sunglasses.

• Avoid all types of smoke.

• Don’t leave your contacts on for long periods.

• Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids since they help the body create DHA and EPA to protect the eyes’ cell membranes.

Dry Eyes Treatment

The only way to treat this condition is by restoring a normal amount of tears in the patient’s eyes. Depending on how serious the case is, some conditions can be taken care of at home using over-the-counter medication or may require the attention of a specialist. The most common type of dry eye treatment is the use of eye drops. 

Most types of eye drops contain electrolytes such as bicarbonate and potassium, known to promote healing on the surface of the eyes. Patients who have this problem should go for regular eye tests to check and maintain their visual health. 

When to Visit an Eye Doctor

Everyone experiences dry eyes at some point in their lives. For example, you can have dry eyes after being out on a windy day. But when do you require professional help for dry eyes? You can tell your condition requires professional help when you start noticing a gritty feeling, blurry vision, redness, itching, feeling like you have something inside your eye or you are sensitive to light. You also need to see an eye specialist if you have discharge in or around your eyes.


 

To know more about preventing dry eyes, visit Sacramento Eye Consultants at our offices in Sacramento or Lincoln, California. You can also call (916) 915 0300 to book an appointment today.