Fact Checked
Dry eye syndrome is also called ocular surface disease or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. When not lubricated properly, it can lead to dry eyes, red dry eye or dryness of the eye, the vision becomes blurred, and sometimes the eye becomes inflamed caused by dryness of the eye. If this condition is not properly treated it can cause pain, scars on the cornea, ulcers and sometimes loss of vision.
Dry eyes can be caused by harsh weather that has strong winds, fatigue of the eyes and heating or air conditioning in the home or office.
Causes
- Age of the person
- Allergies
- Constant use of contact lens that causes loss of sensation in the cornea
- Dry workplace environment
- Nutrient deficiency
- Chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva
- Diseases of the eyelid gland
- Injuries on the eye like bulging eyes or drooping eyelids
- Infrequent blinking of the eye while working at the computer or watching TV
- Smoking
- Skin diseases that develops near the eyelid
- Reactions to medications such as anti-depressants, antihistamines, birth control pills and medications for blood pressure.
Symptoms
- Fatigue of the eye
- Sandy or gritty sensation can be felt in the eye
- Heavy eyelids
- An excess tears suddenly happen after a dry eye
- Reduced ability to read
- An uncomfortable contact lens
- Burning or stinging sensations of the eye
- Incapacity to cry when stressed emotionally
- Episodes of blurred vision
- Pain and redness of eyes and stringy discharge coming from the eye.
Treatment
- Close the eyes and place a warm, damp clean cloth or wash cloth over the eyes at least 5-10 minutes. When it starts to cool, re-wet the cloth and then apply it again over the eye. This procedure helps open the clogged oil glands in the eyes as well as helps maintain moisture.
- While lying down, place some slices of cucumber over the eyelid. Keep the cucumbers over the closed eyed as long as possible since it helps in relaxing the eyes and stimulate moisture.
- Place 2 cotton balls into a warm tea and until totally soaked, place the cotton ball on each eyelid for at least 5 minutes.
- Use a humidifier at night in order to prevent the eye from getting dry and use an air filter to help in minimizing irritants present in the air since can cause irritation in the eye.
- Open and close the eyes for 10 seconds at least for every 5-10 minutes. The more blinking, the more moisture is produced in the eyes.
- Use shampoo or soap in washing the eyelids at least twice a day helps in lubricating and keeping them moist.
- Wear sunglasses when going out since it helps in protecting the eyes from becoming dry caused by harsh light of the sun.
- Lubricate the eye by applying the prescribed eye drops and gels for lubricating the eye. Eye drops are usually applied at least 4 times a day.