Dry Eye
What is Dry Eye?
Tears Keep the surface of the eyes wet, clean and protect your eyes from infections Tears also provide constant moisture and lubrication to maintain the vision and comfort to the eyes. If your eyes do not produce enough tears or if the tears dry up too quickly, the condition is termed as dry eye.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye may be temporary or a chronic condition.
Different causes for dry eye are as follow:
- Dry, dusty or windy climate, air conditioning also can result in increased tear evaporation resulting in dry eye.
- Long-term use of contact lens can also result in dry eye.
- Infrequent blinking associated with staring at the computer or video screens may also lead to dry eye symptoms Skin disease on or around the eyelids can result in dry eye.
- Dry eye can also develop after the refractive surgery knows as LASIK. However, these symptoms generally last 3-6 months but may last longer in some cases
- Diseases of the glands in the eyelids can cause dry eye.
What is the treatment for Dry Eye?
Numerous treatment strategies exist to battle the signs and symptoms associated with dry eye. Some of them include:
- The blinking exercise of the eye.
- Cleansing the eyelids with an application of warm compress.
- Using artificial tears, gels, lubricating drops and Ointments.
- Avoiding smoke, dust, air-conditioners and heaters.
- Increasing humidity in your surrounding by using a dish containing water on a window sill or radiator.
- Plugging the drainage holes, small circular openings at the inner corners of the eyelids where tears drain from the eye into the nose.
- Increasing water intake.
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
- Increasing diet intake rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids as it reduces ocular surface inflammation and improves dry eye symptoms.
- Lowering the computer screen to below eye level.
- Taking regular breaks and blinking frequently during sessions in front of the computer.