Dry Eyes? Let's Break it Down.
By: Hannah Eaglen
Source: AAO
What is it?
The Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society defines Dry Eye Syndrome as a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, and accompanied by ocular symptoms, in which tear film instability and hyperosmolarity, ocular surface inflammation and damage, and neurosensory abnormalities play etiological roles. What this means is that dry eye, also known as dysfunctional tear syndrome, is a condition that occurs when there is a lack of quality hydrated tears to lubricate the eye. Tears cause lubrication, fight infection, cleanse the eye, and keep your vision clear. Therefore, a lack of quality tears can in turn cause discomfort, blurred vision, and irritation of the eye. Dry eye often occurs when the balance of tears and drainage are not in sync. It is a very common condition, particularly in older adults that has become a source of frustration for many.
Causes
There are many factors that can contribute to causing the dry eye condition. These factors include age, gender, medication, medical conditions, and/or environment. In addition, another common cause of dry eye syndrome is long-term use of contacts. Most adults over the age of 65 suffer from some sort of dry eye condition. Advanced dry eye condition has been known to damage the surface of the eye causing blurred or damaged vision.
Symptoms
If you are experiencing any of the following conditions, you should consult with an eye doctor to prevent worsening of your dry eyes.
Redness
Sensitivity to light
Mucus build up in your eyes
Slight stinging or burning sensation
Pain with contact lenses
Irritation
Blurry vision
By catching the symptoms early, your doctor can intervene in order to protect your eyes from continually experiencing dry eye syndrome or eventually impaired vision.
Solutions
If symptoms persist, the best solution is always to consult with a doctor. They may recommend treatments such as; prescription eye drops or ointments, artificial tears, warm compression of the eye, or certain eyelid cleaners. Another treatment method can be a tear duct blockage treatment. This allows your eye to hold it’s natural tears for a longer period of time without letting them drain away through your tear ducts.
Prevention
If you’ve recently started noticing dryness in your eyes or want to prevent that from happening, here are some ways to prevent worsening of dry eye syndrome.
Avoid an excess amount of air blowing into your eyes (hair dryer, close proximity to vents or fans, etc)
Omega 3 fatty acids have been known to help prevent dry eye, so try incorporating these into your diet through foods or supplements
Use over the counter eye drops until you can consult with a doctor to find a personalized course of treatment
As stated above, if you are experiencing these symptoms, the best course of action is to consult a doctor. In addition to the prevention tips above, living a healthy lifestyle and doing your own research when symptoms occur is a great way to keep yourself healthy and happy.
Sources
AAO