Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears. It may cause dry eyes, discomfort, or blurred vision.
This article lists some home remedies, lifestyle changes, and medications for treating dry eyes.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle
Dry eyes can occur for many different reasons. It can be related to dysfunction of certain structures in the eye, disease, environmental irritation, or insufficient blinking. Whatever the cause, there are some self-care methods that can help relieve dry eyes.
If you suffer from dry eyes, the following methods may help relieve symptoms:
1. Apply warm compresses to your eyes: This helps release oils in the meibomian glands that are responsible for producing the fatty lubricant in tears.
2. Stay hydrated: Dehydration is a factor that can cause dry eyes. In addition to drinking plenty of water, reduce your alcohol intake, as alcohol can also cause dehydration.
3. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke: Tobacco smoke not only irritates your eyes, but it also causes blood vessels in the eyes to constrict. Smoke also directly breaks down the fat in your tears, causing them to evaporate faster.
4. Wear sunglasses when outdoors:The sun's constant ultraviolet (UV) radiation not only damages the cornea and retina, it also affects the tear glands that produce the watery part of tears.
5. Give your eyes a rest: Eye strain and dry eyes go hand in hand. Take frequent breaks when using a computer and close your eyes several times an hour. Also avoid wearing contact lenses for long periods of time. Give your eyes a rest by putting on your glasses.
6. Optimize your environment: Use a humidifier to prevent indoor air from being too dry. Add a high-quality air filter to remove allergens and irritants from the air.
7. Blink: It sounds simple, but people often stop blinking when staring at a laptop or playing video games. If you keep rubbing your eyes or notice changes in your vision while staring at a screen, it may be because you're not blinking.
Over-the-counter treatments
If home remedies aren't enough to relieve your dry eyes, there are some common and relatively inexpensive over-the-counter (OTC) treatments that can help.
1. Artificial tears
Lubricating eye drops are often called artificial tears. They can provide temporary relief by hydrating and lubricating the eyes.
2. Lubricating ointment
If artificial tears don't provide enough relief, or if you find yourself using artificial tears frequently, lubricating ointment is a good option. This ointment is thicker and stays in the eye longer.
To apply lubricating ointment, tilt your head back and pull down your eyelid to create a small pocket. Squeeze the ointment into this space without letting the tip of the tube touch any tissue. Blink gently and close your eyes for one to two minutes. Wipe away any excess ointment with a tissue.
Prescription therapy
If symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist and use the following prescription therapy as needed:
1. Prescription eye drops:
Restasis: Helps increase tear secretion and relieve chronic dry eyes.
Xiidra: Can improve eye inflammation and relieve dry eye symptoms.
2. Punctal embolism:
Doctors insert small punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage and help keep the eyes moist.
3. Physical therapy:
Device such as Lipiflow, which clears tear gland blockages through heat and massage.
4. Laser or surgical treatment:
For severe dry eyes, doctors may recommend laser treatment or other surgical methods.
Warm Tips
The treatment of dry eyes needs to be adjusted according to individual circumstances. If your symptoms persist or affect your daily life, it is recommended to see a doctor in time. Through a combination of home remedies, over-the-counter treatments and doctor-guided prescription treatments, you can effectively relieve dry eye syndrome and protect eye health!
