Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can be a debilitating ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic condition characterised by insufficient lubrication and moisture on the eye's surface. The discomfort and irritation that dry eyes cause can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making everyday activities such as reading, driving, or working on a computer challenging. Dry eye problems can also affect social interactions, like watching movies or spending time outdoors.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eyes, also known as dry eye disease or dry eye syndrome, develop when the eyes cannot secrete sufficient tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential secretions for maintaining the eyes' health, providing lubrication, and protecting them from infections. When the eyes are not properly lubricated, they can lead to inflammation and discomfort and become vulnerable to irritation and damage, impacting visual comfort and clarity.

Types of Dry Eye Disease

The following are two main types of dry eye syndrome: 

• Aqueous tear-deficient dry eye: A lack of tear production causes aqueous tear-deficient dry eye. Various factors, including ageing, certain medical conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, hormonal changes, and side effects of certain medications, can cause this condition. 
• Evaporative dry eye: On the other hand, evaporative dry eye occurs due to a problem with the oil glands in the eyelids. It commonly occurs due to meibomian gland dysfunction, which leads to a lack of oil in the tears and increased evaporation.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can manifest in various ways, and the severity of symptoms can differ. The following are some common symptoms of dry eyes:

• Eye dryness: The most prominent symptom of dry eyes is a persistent feeling of dryness or grittiness in the eyes.
• Burning or stinging sensation: Many people with dry eyes experience burning or stinging sensations in their eyes.
• Redness: Dry eyes can dilate the blood vessels in the eyes, resulting in redness.
• Blurred vision: When the eyes are not adequately lubricated, vision can become blurry, especially during prolonged reading or computer use.
• Light sensitivity: Dry eyes may cause increased sensitivity to light and make it uncomfortable to be in bright environments.
• Eye fatigue: Dry eyes can lead to eye fatigue, making it difficult to concentrate or perform visually demanding tasks.
• Eye dryness and irritation may cause discomfort when wearing contact lenses.
• A person with dry eyes can also experience a stringy or mucus-like discharge from the eyes, particularly upon waking in the morning

Causes of Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can have various causes, and understanding these causes is crucial for effective treatment. Some common causes of dry eyes include:

• Ageing: Tear production tends to decrease as we age, leading to dry eyes.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as during menopause, can affect tear production.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, and thyroid disorders, can contribute to dry eyes.
• Medications: Some medicines, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to dry or windy environments, air conditioning, or heating systems can cause tears to evaporate and lead to dry eyes.
• Prolonged screen time: Staring at screens for long periods can decrease blinking and result in dry eyes.
• Other causes: Prolonged contact lens wear or improperly fitted lenses can cause dry eyes. Inadequate omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A consumption can also result in dry eyes.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can enhance the likelihood of developing dry eyes. These include:

• Gender: Females are more prone to dry eyes than males, primarily due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause.
• Age: As mentioned earlier, tear production decreases with age, making older adults more vulnerable to dry eyes.
• Contact lens wear: People who wear regular contact lenses are at a higher risk of dry eyes due to reduced oxygen supply to the cornea and increased evaporation.
• Certain medical conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune diseases, are more prone to developing dry eyes.
• Environmental aspects: Exposure to dry or windy climates, air pollution, or smoke can increase the risk of dry eyes.
• Eyelid conditions: Ailments such as blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, or eyelid abnormalities can disrupt tear production, leading to dry eye development.
• Eye surgery: Eye surgeries, such as LASIK or cataract surgery, can temporarily disrupt tear film stability and lead to dry eyes.

Complications:

If not treated on time, dry eyes can develop several complications, impacting vision and overall eye health. The following are some potential complications of dry eyes:

• Prolonged dryness can damage the cornea (the clear white front surface of the eye), affecting vision.
• Dry eyes can cause straining while focusing, which can cause eye fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
• Dry eyes can make the eyes more susceptible to infections, as tears play a vital role in protecting the eyes from bacteria and other irritants.
• Dry eyes can cause constant discomfort and visual disturbances, significantly impacting a person's quality of life. 
• Chronic dry eyes can also cause stress, depression, or social isolation.

Diagnosis of Dry Eyes

If you suspect you have dry eyes, it is essential to consult with an ophthalmologist for a proper diagnosis of dry eyes. During the examination, the ophthalmologist will analyse your symptoms and medical history and perform various diagnostic tests to rule out the exact cause of your dry eyes. These tests may include:

• Schirmer's test: In this test, the ophthalmologist measures tear production by placing a strip of filter paper inside the lower eyelid to absorb tears.
• Tear breakup time: This test measures how long tears evaporate from the eye's surface.
• Ocular surface staining: In this test, an ophthalmologist uses a special dye to detect damage or irregularities on the eye's surface.
• Meibomian gland evaluation: The eye care professional may examine the oil glands in the eyelids to assess their function and determine if there is any blockage.

Treatment

• Treatment for dry eyes aims to alleviate symptoms, improve tear production, and reduce inflammation. Your customised dry eye treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause and severity of dry eyes. Some common dry eye remedies include:
• Artificial tears: Lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can alleviate dryness and provide temporary relief.
• Therapeutic eye drops: In more severe cases, your ophthalmologist may prescribe medicated eye drops to reduce inflammation and increase tear production.
• Punctal plugs: These tiny plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to obstruct tear drainage, helping keep the eyes moist for longer periods.
• Meibomian gland expression: For individuals with evaporative dry eye, your ophthalmologist may perform a procedure to express the oil from the blocked glands.
• Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle modifications, such as taking regular breaks during screen time, using a humidifier, or avoiding dry or windy environments, can help alleviate dry eyes.

Home Remedies for Dry Eyes

Several home remedies can help relieve dry eyes, including:

• Warm compresses: Applying a warm towel or cotton cloth to the eyes can help unclog oil glands and improve tear quality.
• Blinking exercises: Taking frequent breaks to blink consciously and fully can help spread tears across the eyes' surface.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Adding omega-3-rich foods (flaxseeds, walnuts, fish, cod liver oil, berries, or avocado) or supplements can reduce eye inflammation and improve tear production.
• Hydration: Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can maintain overall eye health and reduce dryness.
• Avoiding irritants: Protecting your eyes from irritants, such as smoke, dust, and dry air, can help prevent further dryness.

How to Prevent Dry Eyes

While you cannot prevent all cases of dry eyes, there are steps you can take to minimise the risk and reduce symptoms. Here are some preventive measures:

• Maintain good eye hygiene: Clean your eyelids daily to prevent blockage of the oil glands.
• Take breaks: If you spend a lot of time staring at screens or performing visually demanding tasks, take regular breaks to rest your eyes and blink frequently.
• Humidifier: Adding moisture to the room air can help prevent tears from evaporating too rapidly.
• Protection: Wear goggles or sunglasses to protect your eyes if you are exposed to dry or windy environments or engage in activities that may cause eye irritation.
• Follow a balanced diet: Consuming a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and other essential nutrients can support overall eye health.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience persistent or worsening dry eye symptoms, it is essential to consult with an ophthalmologist. Additionally, seek medical attention if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Severe eye pain
• Sudden changes in vision
• Light sensitivity accompanied by eye redness and pain
• Eye discharge or pus
• Eye injury

Conclusion

Dry eyes can cause significant discomfort and impact a person's daily life. Understanding the reasons, symptoms, and treatment modalities for dry eyes is crucial for managing this condition effectively. Individuals with dry eyes can find relief and improve their overall eye health by seeking proper medical care, making lifestyle modifications, and following preventive measures.

FAQ's

1. Is dry eye harmful?

Although dry eyes are not typically harmful on their own, they can lead to complications if left untreated. They can cause corneal damage, eye infections, and decreased quality of life. To prevent these complications, seeking proper treatment and managing dry eyes is essential.

2. Can dry eye be cured?

While dry eye cannot always be cured, you can manage it effectively with the proper treatment. By addressing the underlying cause, using lubricating eye drops, and making lifestyle changes, individuals with dry eyes can experience significant symptom relief.

3. Does dry eye go away naturally?

In some cases, dry eyes may go away naturally, mainly if the condition is due to temporary factors such as environmental conditions or certain medications. However, for many individuals, dry eyes tend to be a chronic ailment that requires ongoing management.

4. How long does dry eye last?

The duration of dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may experience intermittent symptoms that last for short periods, while others may experience persistent dryness. Therefore, seeking medical attention and following the recommended treatment plan can help manage symptoms effectively.

5. Can lack of sleep cause dry eyes?

Insufficient sleep can lead to dry eyes. During sleep, the eyes replenish moisture and lubrication. Inadequate sleep may reduce tear production, leading to dryness and discomfort.

6. What deficiency causes dry eyes?

A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin D can contribute to dry eyes. Consuming foods rich in these nutrients in your diet or taking supplements as advised by your healthcare professional may help alleviate dry eyes.