Have you been experiencing any of the following; dry eyes, gritty eyes, stinging sensation, sensitivity, etc., and you are searching for relief? Then this post is for you.
Dry eyes occur when your eyes do not produce enough tears. This usually leaves the eyes feeling uncomfortable or sensitive to their environment. Dry eyes are a common issue that affects mostly adults and can be treated with over-the-counter drugs. For more severe cases, treatments can range from prescription drugs to other approaches. Suppose you’ve been suffering from dry eyes, and you want to learn more about it and the steps you can take to get relief. You can check out the Dry Eye Directory.
There are several treatments for dry eyes; read on to know more about dry eyes and the treatment that may be suitable for you.
What are Dry Eyes?
The eye surface is covered and protected by a tear film. The tear film is made up of three layers, and they help to maintain balanced moisture in the eyes. Any disruption to it can cause symptoms like itching, fatigue, soreness, watering, and burning and can lead to dry eyes.
Many known factors can disrupt your tear films; some of them are age, medical history, illness, lifestyle, environment, hormones, etc. It is important to visit an entomologist to diagnose and treat your condition properly.
Treatments For Dry Eyes
Dry eye is a condition that cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Most treatments are geared towards moisturization and re-lubrication. Some of them are;
- OTC Eye Drops
Over-the-counter eye drops are usually one of the first-choice treatments in mild cases of dry eyes. They come in many forms and brands, but it is always best you go for preservative-free ones. O.T.C. Eye drops like Zaditor are good for treating dry eyes.
- Artificial Tears
Another common treatment is the use of artificial tears. They are used to lubricate the eyes and treat dryness and irritation. If you have to use multiple eye drops, it is best to instill them a few minutes apart for the best results. The best ones are Hylo-forte and Novatears.
- Prescription Drugs
As the name suggests, the use of these drugs requires a prescription by a doctor.
They are usually immune-suppressing medications like Xiidraa, Restasis, or cortical steroids. They are used to treat inflammation.
- Eye Ointments
Ointment like Vitapos contains vitamin A, which can be used to treat eye soreness. It works by bringing soothing relief to the eyes.
- Eye Insert
Hydroxypropyl cellulose inserts are similar to artificial tears. It is like a transparent grain of rice. It is placed between the eyes and allowed to dissolve slowly, which provides artificial lubrication. The use of hydroxypropyl cellulose can be used to treat moderate to severe cases of dry eye symptoms.
- Autologous Blood Serum Drops
This is made from your blood sample. It is a mixture of processed blood and saline salt. This can be considered when other treatments are not effective for your dry eye symptoms. This is used to treat severe cases of dry eye.
- Meibomian Gland Expression
The meibomian gland plays a very important role in producing lipids that form the layer of the tear film. Meibomian gland expression works by applying pressure on the eyelids to clear the glands and squeeze out the oil.
- Light Therapy
Also known as an intense pulsed light treatment, it is the use of visible lights or infrared to liquefy oil that might have blocked the meibomian glands. It is also used in reducing inflammation around the eyelids.
- Special Contact Lenses
Also called sclera or bandage lenses, these lenses are designed to trap moisture and protect the eye’s surface. This is another treatment option for severe dry eyes.
How to Care For Your Eyes
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. This will provide your body with all the necessary nutrition it needs to function well.
- Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is good for your health. It helps to keep the moisture in the eyes and helps them to stay comfortable.
- Balanced Diet
A balanced diet does the inner work for your eyes to stay healthy. These include food that is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, such as fish, vegetable oils, soya beans, and leafy vegetables; foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots, oranges, milk, and yellow fruits; and foods rich in Zinc, such as legumes, nuts, Whole grains.
Maintaining a balanced diet helps and improves eye performance.
- Use Warm Compress
A warm compress can be done using a heat mask or a clean cloth soaked in hot water, squeeze out the excess water and gently place it over your eyelids. This helps the meibomian glands to produce more lipids.
- Avoid Environmental Triggers
Environmental triggers like wind, dust, and smoke might harm your eyes. It might benefit you to stay indoors in case of bad weather and use a protective mask if you have to deal with smoke.
Dry eye is a condition that affects a large number of people. While some mild cases can be treated with OTC drugs, if your symptoms are severe and persistent, it is best to consult an ophthalmologist to know the best treatment plan for you.
