Dry Eye Awareness Month: How to Treat Dry Eyes

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears produced are poor quality, resulting in inadequate lubrication. Tears are essential for maintaining eye health, as they help keep the surface of the eye moist, flush away irritants, and provide essential nutrients to the cornea. When eyes don’t receive enough moisture, they can become dry, irritated, and inflamed, leading to discomfort and vision problems.

In dry eye disease, the tear film that coats the eye may either evaporate too quickly or not be replenished properly, leading to an imbalance that causes the eye’s surface to feel scratchy, gritty, or even burning. The condition can range from mild irritation to more severe cases where it affects daily activities like reading, driving, or using a computer.

Dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors, which can either affect tear production, the quality of tears, or the rate of tear evaporation. Understanding the underlying causes can help in identifying the most effective treatments.

• Aging: As we age, tear production naturally decreases, making dry eye more common in individuals over 50. 

• Environmental Factors: Dry climates, air conditioning, smoke, wind, and pollutants can all contribute to dry eye by increasing tear evaporation. 

• Health Conditions: Certain conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the quality of tears or the glands responsible for producing them. 

• Medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and beta-blockers, can reduce tear production as a side effect, making dry eye symptoms more prominent. 

• Contact Lens Wear: Long-term or improper use of contact lenses can contribute to dry eyes, as the lenses can absorb moisture from the eye’s surface and disrupt tear distribution. 

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal shifts like those experienced during pregnancy, menopause, or because of certain birth control methods can affect tear production and lead to dry eye. 

• Screen Time: Prolonged exposure to digital screens, whether for work, entertainment, or study, often leads to reduced blinking, contributing to dry eye symptoms. 

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Recognizing the symptoms of dry eye is the first step in managing the condition effectively. While everyone experiences dryness from time to time, dry eye disease occurs when these symptoms persist and interfere with daily activities. The symptoms can range from mild discomfort to more severe irritation, and they may vary throughout the day depending on environmental factors and activities. The most common signs and symptoms of dry eye include:

• Gritty or scratchy sensation 

• Burning or stinging 

• Redness 

• Blurred vision 

• Excessive tearing 

• Light sensitivity 

• Eye fatigue 

While some mild dryness can be managed with simple remedies, if you experience persistent symptoms, you should visit your nearest Clarkson Eyecare for a professional evaluation. Symptoms that interfere with daily activities, constant or worsening dryness, pain, and difficulty wearing contacts are all signs that it’s time to schedule a visit.

How is Dry Eye Treated?

Dry eye treatment varies depending on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying causes. While lifestyle changes and over-the-counter (OTC) solutions can help manage mild cases, more advanced treatments may be necessary for those with moderate to severe dry eye disease. Here are some of the most effective treatment options for managing dry eye symptoms:

Lifestyle Adjustments

Making a few simple changes to your daily routine can significantly reduce dry eye symptoms. 

1. Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air in your home or office can prevent tear evaporation and reduce dryness, especially in dry or air-conditioned environments. 

2. Practice the 20-20-20 Rule: If you spend a lot of time in front of screens, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something 20 feet away. This encourages natural blinking and reduces eye strain. 

3. Increase Your Water Intake: Staying hydrated helps maintain the health of your tear glands, ensuring that your eyes are adequately lubricated. 

4. Avoid Wind and Direct Sunlight: Wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear can help shield your eyes from harsh winds and UV rays, both of which can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. 

5. Take Breaks: When reading, working on a computer, or engaging in other visually demanding activities, take regular breaks to rest your eyes and reduce the risk of dryness and irritation. 

Over-the-Counter Treatments

OTC lubricating eye drops, commonly known as artificial tears, are the most common treatment for dry eye. They provide moisture and lubrication to alleviate symptoms like scratchiness and burning. These drops are available in preservative-free formulas for those with sensitive eyes. You can also use thicker, gel-like ointments to achieve longer-lasting relief, particularly overnight. These are especially helpful for people who experience dryness in the morning.

Using a warm compress on your eyes can help open blocked meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil in your tears. This oil helps prevent tear evaporation, so clearing any blockages can improve your tear quality and reduce dryness.

Prescription Treatments

For moderate to severe dry eye, your eye care provider may recommend stronger treatments: 

• Restasis®: Restasis is a prescription eye drop that works by reducing inflammation in the eye and increasing tear production. It’s ideal for patients with chronic dry eye caused by inflammation. 

• Xiidra®: Another prescription eye drop, Xiidra targets the inflammation that contributes to dry eye disease, improving the overall comfort and hydration of the eyes. 

• Punctal Plugs: These tiny devices are inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage and help retain moisture on the surface of the eye. Punctal plugs can be particularly useful for people who have trouble maintaining sufficient tear production. 

Advanced Therapies

In some cases, more advanced treatments may be necessary. Lipiflow® is a non-invasive, in-office treatment that uses heat and gentle massage to treat meibomian gland dysfunction, a common cause of dry eye. This therapy helps restore normal oil production and improve tear quality.

For severe dry eye cases, scleral lenses, which are large, gas-permeable contact lenses, can create a moisture reservoir over the surface of the eye. These lenses are especially beneficial for patients with severe dry eye or damage to the cornea, as they offer constant hydration and protection.