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Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can occur when you’re unable to produce enough water (aqueous fluid). The medical term for this condition is keratoconjunctivitis sicca (ker-uh-toe-kun-junk-tih-VY-tis SIK-uh). Common causes of decreased tear production include: Aging.

Dry Eyes Disease

Dry eyes are caused by the eyes not producing enough tears or eye lubricant to keep the eyes moist. There are many reasons why the eyes produce less tears. This can damage the skin of the eye or become infected.

Eyes can hurt or irritate when looking at a computer or mobile screen, watching television, riding a bicycle, in an air-conditioned room. or on the plane for a long time

Eye drops or lifestyle modifications can help relieve symptoms. This dry eye treatment may need to be continued on a regular basis to improve symptoms.

Symptom

• red and tired eyes
• blurry
• have tears
• stinging, irritation, or feeling that something is in the eye
• allergic to light
• There is streaky mucus in the eye or around the eye.
• Having trouble wearing contact lenses or driving at night

When should I see a doctor?

You should see your doctor if you have symptoms such as redness, irritation, eye strain, or eye pain that lasts for several days.

Cause
: Tears contain fat, water and mucus, which lubricate the surface of the eye. If there is a problem with the components in the tears May cause dry eyes.

There are many reasons for this, such as not being able to produce enough tears. Tears evaporate quickly. eye allergy self allergy inflamed eyelid glands or changing hormone levels

Eyes may produce less tears due to

• getting older
• Medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, nasal decongestants, hormone replacement therapy Medicines for acne, birth control pills, high blood pressure pills and medications for Parkinson’s disease
• Illnesses such as vitamin A deficiency Eye Allergies Graft vs. Host Disease Rheumatoid Arthritis Sarcoidosis, Jogren’s disease, and thyroid disease
• Decreased corneal perception due to contact lens use nerve damage or after eye surgery This can cause temporary dry eyes.

Increased evaporation of tears can be caused by

• Eye allergies or eye problems such as eyelid drooping or the condition of the eyelids roll in
• dry air, wind or smoke
• Preservatives in eye drops
• vitamin A deficiency
• Blinking is reduced due to a medical condition such as Parkinson’s disease, or daily activities such as staring at a computer screen, driving, or reading for long periods of time.

Risk Factors

• Age, especially in those over 50 years old. less tears are produced
• Female due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. menopause or when using birth control pills
• wearing contact lenses or surgery to treat refractive errors
• Eating a diet low in vitamin A and omega 3 fatty acids

Complications

• The eye is more prone to infection due to the lack of tears protecting the eye surface.
• damaged eye surface Severe dry eyes can lead to eye inflammation, corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers. and loss of vision
• worse quality of life because they have trouble reading or doing daily activities

Prevention

Avoid situations that may cause dry eyes, such as

• Avoid blowing air from a hair dryer. air conditioner or a fan blowing into the eyes
• Wear protective eyewear such as sunglasses that cover the sides to protect your eyes from wind or dry weather.
• Close your eyes or blink frequently when staring at a computer screen. or read a book or doing any activities that require focusing on the eyes
• The computer screen should not be placed above eye level. because it will make your eyes open more causing the tears to evaporate quickly
• Avoid cigarette smoke and smoking. The smoke may make dry eyes worse.
• Use eye drops regularly to keep your eyes moist. If you have chronic dry eyes, artificial tears should always be used, even if they are not irritated.

Diagnosis

Your doctor may determine the cause of dry eye symptoms by:

• Eye exams to determine the cause of dry eye symptoms
• To determine the amount of tears, the Schirmer test is performed, where a tissue paper is placed under the lower eyelid for 5 minutes to determine the amount of tears that have been absorbed.
• testing the quality of tears By using a dye to check for color retention on the cornea and how quickly the tears evaporate.
• Tear concentration test to see the composition of tears In the case of dry eyes, they tend to have less water content.
• Examination of the tear composition for evidence of dry eye syndrome, such as decreased lactoferrin content and elevated methyl metalloprotease 9.

Treatment

: Eye drops or artificial tears are best for mild or temporary dry eyes. In case of chronic or severe dry eyes Treatment depends on the cause. Treatment may include environmental modifications. improve the quality of tears or cause the tears to evaporate more slowly

If the drug is being used causing dry eyes You should consult your doctor for a new medication. In cases where the eyelids roll out The doctor will recommend consulting a doctor who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Medication to treat dry eyes

• Antibiotics reduce inflammation from keratitis. which blocks the oil from flowing to mix with tears Antibiotics can be used as eye drops, ointments, or pills.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs such as cyclosporine or corticosteroids Helps reduce inflammation of the cornea But corticosteroids are not recommended. for a long time because side effects may occur.
• Autologous blood serum drops are extracted from blood that has been removed from red blood cells and diluted. Suitable for severe cases that do not respond to other treatments.

other treatment methods

• Partial or complete obstruction of the tear duct to prevent the tears from draining quickly.
• Temporary filling of the tear duct with a silicone plug or a thermal cautery , which permanently blocks the tear duct.
• Using a special type of contact lens called scleral lenses or bandage lenses , which protect the eye surface and retain moisture.
• Applying a hot compress or using a mask to the eye area to open the clogged sebaceous glands.
• Light therapy (IPL) and eyelid massage in patients with severe dry eyes

Home care

Frequent washing of the eyelids helps to moisturize dry eyes. or artificial tears to lubricate the eyes

Selection of eye drops

You can buy artificial tears from general drugstores. But you should talk to your doctor about which type is right for your symptoms.

Artificial tears provide relief from mild dry eye symptoms. But how often artificial tears are used depends on the severity of the symptoms.

• Preservative eye drops will last longer. But they can cause eye irritation and can be instilled up to four times a day, while preservative-free eye drops are usually several single-use ampoules in one box. and can be used to drop more than 4 times a day
• The use of artificial tears does not interfere with eyesight, so it can be used at any time. But the wax will cloud your eyes. Before going to bed, you may choose to use ointments instead because they can relieve symptoms for a longer time.
• Avoid using eye drops that reduce redness, as prolonged use can irritate the eyes.

Frequent eyelid washing can help relieve eyelid infections.

• Place a warm damp cloth over the eyelid for 5 minutes. Gently wipe it clean to remove dirt.
• Continue cleaning with a mild soap, gently massage the eyes and rinse thoroughly.

Preparing to see a doctor

What you should do

Take note of the following things:

• the first-day onset of symptoms including the symptoms This may or may not be related to dry eye symptoms.
• events that may affect daily life
• Medicines and dietary supplements that are currently being used
• Questions to ask the doctor

Examples of questions you might want to ask your doctor

• What is the cause of the symptoms?
• Do I need to do any tests?
• Can the symptoms go away on their own?
• What treatments are available? Are there any side effects?
• If there is an underlying disease How should dry eye symptoms be treated along with congenital disease?
• Are there any restrictions?
• Is it necessary to see a doctor for follow-up?
• Where can I find information about dry eye disease?

Questions Your Doctor May Ask

• When did dry eyes begin?
• What are the symptoms? Symptoms persist for several days or come and go
• Does anyone in your family have dry eyes?
• Have you used drops to relieve symptoms?
• What makes symptoms better or worse?
• Are you taking any medications right now?
• Have a headache or neck?

Things to do while waiting to see a doctor

Artificial tears can be used to keep the eyes moist while waiting for your doctor’s appointment. Avoid using eye drops that reduce eye redness as they can cause irritation.