Dry Eyes is that irritating problem when your eyes get red, sore and often very itchy and nothing seems to help. Every human being has two types of tear production techniques: basic tearing, which is completely natural and constant; the second is through reflexes resulting from a response to emotion. These reflex tears are not the kind of quality tears that keep the eyes moist at all.
Basically, when you have the very annoying eye problem of dry eyes, it means that you have problems with the tear film that keeps your eyes moist and lubricated. This can be due to a number of factors, but it basically means that your tear ducts aren’t producing enough tears to keep your eyes moist. In the end, the result is essentially great discomfort and blurred vision. Adverse effects include: sensitivity to light; tear; stinging eyes; Irritated eyes; feeling like you need to scratch your eyes; increased irritation from wind and smoke; and tired eyes after reading and other eye strenuous activities.
In general, dry eyes are not specifically harmful, but you should also remember that severe dry eyes can lead to infection, inflammation, and scarring on the surface of the cornea. So, if they cause you such intense discomfort that you no longer enjoy life so much; you have difficulty performing your daily tasks; or the condition continues for a long period of time, then you should see an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) for an eye exam. He will check the quantity and quality of your tear production, sometimes using blotting strips, other times with special eye dyes.
Treatment for dry eye is varied, but whatever the case, your ophthalmologist should find out the cause as a vital step in your treatment.
There are certain medications that are notorious for causing dry eyes and these include sleeping pills, birth control pills, antidepressants, acne treatments, opioid-based pain relievers, diuretics or high blood pressure medications, antihistamines, decongestants, and angiotensin-converting enzyme. or ACE inhibitors for blood pressure. Certain environmental factors can further aggravate already sensitive eyes.
Also, any time your eyes are forced to focus on a specific area for an extended period of time, specifically a bright area, your eyes can get dry. Just think, when you go on a long car trip, your eyes are so focused on the road in front of you that they get tired and dry. The same applies to writing, reading, computer work, prolonged cell phone use, etc. All these activities somehow cause you to stare, instead of blinking, and therefore the moisture in your eyes evaporates much faster.
For people over the age of 40, dry eyes are quite common as tear production decreases with age. People with medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, and lupus may also suffer from dry eyes as a result.
If you have problems with your eyelids, this could affect your blinking, which, in turn, will cause dry eyes. Inflammation of your eyelids (Blepharitis) will result in the same. In such a case, you should make sure to constantly clean your eyelids (your doctor will prescribe the appropriate cleaning solution) and may prescribe some form of antibiotic treatment.
Whenever you suffer from dry eyes, artificial tears are a good option. They instantly help your dry eyes and provide soothing relief and can be used as often as you need them, but be sure not to use products with red-eye removers, as these can make your eyes worse.
You can prevent your dry eyes from getting worse by using lubricating eye drops before beginning activities that strain your eyes, such as using the computer or reading.
Remember, buying discount glasses with your updated eyeglass prescription is one thing, but cheap glasses are something else entirely. Cheap glasses that are not manufactured to the highest standards can be harmful to your eyes, causing ongoing eyestrain and dry eyes as a result. Don’t let dry eyes ruin your visual enjoyment of life – start taking preventative measures or work hard to solve your current dilemma.