Chronic dry eye syndrome is a progressive condition that results from lack of lubrication in the eyes that is facilitated by tears. Consequently, the patient experiences irritation in the eyes as the dust and other irritants cannot be eliminated. It is advisable to seek medical assistance as soon as there are symptoms, which include itchy red eyes.
Increased evaporation, decrease in tear production, and imbalance in tears makeup may cause this condition. Inadequate tears may be as a result of:
1. Old Age
This condition is most common as you age. As you get old, especially over 50 years of age, tear production declines causing dry eye syndrome.
2. Too Much Screen Time
Staring at your computer screen will make you blink less. This causes your tears to evaporate faster, and this leads to less lubrication causing dry eye condition.
3. Menopause
During pregnancy or at menopause, women often experience dry eye symptoms since an imbalance may occur between hormones that produce tears and those that are associated with pregnancy.
4. Vitamin A Deficiency
Lack of vitamin A may result to dry eyes. Foods such as fish, spinach, pepper, and carrots which are rich in vitamin A helps to keep the eye lubricated and also prevents night blindness.
5. Dehydration
Many a time, dry eye is caused by overall body dehydration or not taking enough water. Your body should have adequate water for sufficient production of tears, which help in the lubrication.
6. Less Humid Environment
The tears in your eyes tend to evaporate more quickly when the air around you is dry. You are likely to develop chronic dry eye syndrome when you get exposed to such an environment for a prolonged period.
7. Contact Lenses
Using contact lenses for a long time is can lead to having dry eyes, as the lenses prevent oxygen from getting to the cornea. Oxygen is critical for eye lubrication.
Some of the symptoms associated with dry eyes are:
• Red eyes.
• Itchy eyes
• Drying sensation
• Sore eyes
• Photophobia
• Watery tearing
• Reading difficulty
It is always good to seek medical attention when you have dry eyes.
The common modes of therapy include:
1. Medication Drops
An immunosuppressive agent added as an eye drop that ought to be used daily for effectiveness. It lubricates your eyes and also reduces inflammation that is associated with the syndrome.
2. Punctal Plugs
A punctual plug is a device that is inserted into a tear drainage duct to help tears remain consistently on the surface.
3. Warm Compress
Warm compresses help to open blocked meibomian glands for the lubrication of the eye.
4. Nutrition
Eating foods rich in Vitamin A such as carrots and spinach helps in treating chronic dry eye syndrome. Drinking enough water also keeps you hydrated.
Other medications include lipiflow and steroid eye drops Xiidra.
Chronic dry eyes can be very uncomfortable when undertaking your day to day activities. It can also affect anybody, depending on your environment and lifestyle. However, there are effective treatment options, and all you have to do is to visit an optician who will prescribe one of the eye medications.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.