Dry Eye Awareness Month: Effective Ways to Treat Dry Eyes

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome happens when the eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears produced aren’t of good quality, preventing proper lubrication. Tears are vital for eye health as they keep the surface of the eye moist, wash away foreign particles, and supply essential nutrients to the cornea. Without enough moisture, the eyes become dry, irritated, and inflamed, leading to discomfort and blurry vision.

In dry eye disease, the tear film that coats the eyes either evaporates too quickly or isn’t replenished properly, creating an imbalance. This can cause a gritty, scratchy, or burning sensation in the eyes. The severity of the condition can vary, from mild irritation to more intense discomfort, making tasks like reading, driving, or prolonged screen use difficult.

Several factors can contribute to dry eye syndrome, affecting tear production, tear quality, or the rate at which they evaporate. Identifying these causes helps determine the best approach to treatment.

• 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. 

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eye

Identifying dry eye symptoms is essential for managing the condition effectively. While some occasional dryness is normal, dry eye syndrome becomes more problematic when these symptoms persist and disrupt daily life. The intensity of dry eye symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to more serious irritation, often fluctuating depending on environmental factors and daily habits. 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 occasional dryness can often be treated with simple at-home remedies, persistent symptoms that affect your daily life should be addressed by a professional. If the dryness becomes constant, worsens, or if you experience discomfort with contact lenses, or if the symptoms begin to interfere with your usual activities, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your nearest The EyeDoctors Optometrists location for a comprehensive evaluation.

Effective Treatments for Dry Eye Syndrome

Managing dry eye syndrome effectively depends on the severity of your symptoms and the root causes. While lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter (OTC) solutions may be adequate for mild cases, individuals with more advanced dry eye may require stronger treatments. Below are some of the most widely used and effective options for managing dry eye symptoms:

Lifestyle Adjustments

A few simple changes to your daily routine can help reduce dry eye symptoms and improve your comfort.

1. Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air, particularly in dry or air-conditioned environments, can help reduce tear evaporation and provide relief from dryness. 

2. Practice the 20-20-20 Rule: If you spend long periods in front of screens, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps to encourage blinking and minimize eye strain. 

3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial for keeping your tear glands healthy and ensuring your eyes stay well-moisturized. 

4. Avoid Wind and Direct Sunlight: Wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear can shield your eyes from wind and harsh sunlight, both of which can worsen dry eye symptoms. 

5. Take Regular Breaks: If you're engaged in activities that require focused vision, such as reading or working on a computer, make sure to take regular breaks to rest your eyes and reduce irritation. 

Over-the-Counter Treatments

OTC lubricating eye drops, often referred to as artificial tears, are a common and effective treatment for dry eye. These drops provide hydration and ease symptoms like burning, stinging, and scratchiness. If you have sensitive eyes, preservative-free eye drops are also available. Thicker, gel-like ointments can be helpful as well, especially for overnight relief to combat dryness in the morning. Another simple treatment is using a warm compress.

Applying warmth to your eyes can help open blocked meibomian glands, which produce the oil in your tears. This oil is essential for reducing tear evaporation and improving tear quality, providing relief from dry eye symptoms

Prescription Treatments

If your dry eye is moderate to severe, your eye doctor may recommend prescription treatments, such as:

• 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

For more severe dry eye cases, advanced therapies may be required. 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 treatment helps restore normal oil production in the tears, improving overall tear quality.

In the most severe cases of dry eye, scleral lenses may be recommended. These are large, gas-permeable contact lenses that create a moisture reservoir over the surface of the eye. Scleral lenses provide continuous hydration and protection, making them ideal for individuals who experience severe dry eye or damage to the cornea, offering comfort throughout the day.