Many people suffer from dry, itchy, and uncomfortable eyes. It is identified by the name ‘dry eye syndrome‘. It happens when the eyes do not make enough tears or when the tears dry up too fast. Eyes need moisture to stay healthy. If your eyes are excessively dry, they feel irritated and tired.
This problem is very common. It affects people of all ages. It can happen for many reasons. Some people experience it once in a while. Some people struggle with it every day. There are multiple ways to manage dry eyes.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eyes happen when the body does not produce enough tears or when the tears are not good quality. Several things can cause this.
Aging: As people get older, the body produces fewer tears. This is why dry eyes are common in older adults.
Weather and Environment: Wind, dry air, or smoke can make the eyes dry. People who spend a lot of time in air-conditioned rooms may also feel dryness.
Screen Time: Staring at screens for too long can reduce blinking. Blinking keeps the eyes moist. Less blinking leads to dry eyes.
Medical Conditions: Some diseases like diabetes or arthritis can cause dry eyes.
Medications: Some medicines, like allergy pills or antidepressants, can make the eyes dry.
Wearing Contact Lenses: Contact lenses can take away moisture from the eyes, causing dryness.
Hormonal Changes: Women going through pregnancy or menopause often experience dry eyes.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eyes can feel different for everyone. Some people feel mild discomfort. Others experience severe irritation. Here are some common signs:
Burning Sensation: The eyes feel like they are on fire or stinging.
Redness: The eyes look irritated and inflamed.
Watery Eyes: This may sound strange, but dry eyes can cause extra tears. These tears are often poor quality and do not keep the eyes moist.
Blurred Vision: Vision may become unclear, especially after long hours of reading or using a screen.
Sensitivity to Light: Bright lights may feel too harsh and uncomfortable.
Feeling Like Something is in the Eye: Some people feel like there is sand or dust in their eyes.
Tired Eyes: The eyes feel exhausted even after a good night’s sleep.
How to Find Relief for Dry Eyes
There are different ways to treat dry eye syndrome. The right treatment depends on what is causing the dryness.
Use Artificial Tears: Eye drops can help keep the eyes moist. They are available at pharmacies without a prescription.
Take Breaks from Screens: Looking away from the screen every 20 minutes helps the eyes rest. Blinking more often also helps.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps the body produce tears.
Use a Humidifier: A humidifier adds moisture to the air. This is helpful in dry weather or air-conditioned rooms.
Wear Sunglasses: Sunglasses protect the eyes from wind, dust, and bright light.
Eat Foods Rich in Omega-3: Foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds help keep the eyes healthy.
Avoid Smoke and Dust: Staying away from smoky or polluted areas can prevent irritation.
How Sleep Affects Dry Eyes
Getting enough sleep is very important for eye health. The eyes need time to rest and recover. When people do not sleep well, the eyes do not produce enough moisture. This can make dry eye symptoms worse. Many people wake up with irritated, red, or tired eyes because they did not get enough rest.
People who sleep with their eyes slightly open may experience even more dryness. This is called nocturnal lagophthalmos. It happens when the eyelids do not fully close during sleep. The air dries out the eyes, leading to discomfort in the morning. Using an eye mask or a thick eye ointment at night can help keep moisture in.
Staring at screens before bed can also lead to dry eyes. The blue light from phones, tablets, and computers reduces blinking. It also affects sleep quality. Reducing screen time before bed can help the eyes feel better in the morning.
The Connection Between Stress and Dry Eyes
Stress affects the whole body, including the eyes. When people feel stressed, their body produces hormones that can lead to inflammation. Inflammation can make dry eyes worse by affecting tear production.
Many people also blink less when they are anxious. This can make the eyes dry out faster. Taking deep breaths, going for a short walk, or doing relaxing activities can help lower stress. When the body feels calmer, the eyes can also feel better.
Another common problem is eye rubbing. When people feel stressed, they may rub their eyes without realizing it. This can cause irritation and make dry eye symptoms worse. It is best to avoid touching the eyes, especially with unwashed hands.
How Allergies Can Make Dry Eyes Worse
Allergies can make dry eyes even worse, Pollen, dust, and pet dander can cause itching, redness, and swelling. People with allergies may also have watery eyes, but these tears do not always provide relief. They can strip away natural oils.
Taking allergy medication will help you big time. but some medicines make dry eye symptoms worse. This includes antihistamines that reduce tear production. Using allergy-friendly eye drops can help without causing extra dryness.
Keeping the house clean, using an air purifier, and washing hands after touching pets can also help reduce allergy-related dry eye symptoms.
When to See a Dry Eye Clinic
If dry eye symptoms do not go away, it is best to see an eye doctor. A specialist can find out what is causing the problem and suggest the best treatment.
Prescription Eye Drops: Some eye drops help the eyes produce more tears.
Special Treatments: Some clinics offer treatments like light therapy or special lenses to keep the eyes moist.
Plugging Tear Ducts: In some cases, doctors may close the tear ducts to keep moisture in the eyes longer.
Dry eye syndrome is uncomfortable, but it can be treated. Simple habits like blinking more, drinking water, and using eye drops can help. If symptoms do not improve, visiting a dry eye clinic is the best step. Healthy eyes make life more comfortable. Taking care of them should be a priority.