How to relieve the itching of dry eyes?

woman with dry eyes

If you have dry eye syndrome, your eyes either do not produce enough tears or cannot maintain a normal layer of tears to cover your eyes. Dry eyes can also be prone to bacterial infections, or the surface of the eyes can become inflamed and scar the cornea.

Although uncomfortable, this problem rarely causes permanent vision loss. So you should remedy it soon, but without worrying that it is a serious health problem.

Why do you have this eye problem? Causes of dryness

Tears have three layers. There is the oily outer layer, the watery middle layer, and the mucous inner layer. If the glands that produce the various elements of tears are inflamed or do not produce enough water, oil or mucus, it can lead to dry eye syndrome.

When tears are lacking in oil, they quickly evaporate and the eyes cannot maintain a constant supply of moisture.

Causes of dry eye syndrome include:

  • hormone replacement therapy
  • Exposure to wind or dry air, such as constant exposure to a heater during winter.
  • Allergies
  • eye surgery
  • Some medications, including antihistamines, nasal decongestants, birth control pills, and antidepressants
  • Aging
  • Long-term contact lens wear
  • Staring at a screen for long hours
  • not blinking enough

woman with glasses for dry eyes

Common symptoms of dry eyes

Many people with this eye problem notice that their eyes feel heavy and they feel multiple discomforts. It can be more noticeable when seasons of colds, allergies or colder temperatures with wind come.

The most common symptoms are:

  • Burning
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Other common symptoms include:
  • watery tearing
  • stringy mucus
  • Eyes get tired faster than they used to
  • Difficulty reading or sitting in front of a computer for long periods
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensation of having sand in the eyes

Can you be prone? Risk factor's

Dry eye syndrome is more common in people of 50 years the poor. Most of them are of, but the condition occurs in men.

Women who are pregnant, taking hormone replacement therapy, or going through menopause are at higher risk. The following underlying conditions may also increase your risk:

  • chronic allergies
  • Thyroid disease or other conditions that push the eyes forward
  • Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other immune system disorders
  • Exposure keratitis, which is caused by sleeping with your eyes partially open
  • Vitamin A deficiency, which is unlikely if you get enough nutrition

Some believe that excessive exposure to blue light emitted from computer screens may contribute to dry eye syndrome. It is a good idea to take breaks when using a computer. Some people feel more comfortable wearing blue light filtering glasses when using screens, and that won't cause any harm.

woman with dry eye

What are the best treatments?

If you have dry eyes, you may experience redness, stinging, or a gritty sensation. It can be temporary or chronic and, as we have seen, it occurs when the lacrimal glands do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly.

Untreated chronic dry eye can cause a variety of complications, ranging from double vision to infections, but relief is available. Some people see a reduction in their symptoms with home remedies and over-the-counter or prescription eye drops.

artificial tears

Eye drops that increase moisture in the eyes are among the most common treatments. Artificial tears also work well for some people.

Over-the-counter options generally include eye drops, gels, and ointments. Many of these products have ingredients that help lock in moisture.

La carboxymethylcellulose it is a common calming ingredient. Different manufacturers have their own soothing ingredients and the choice of brand often comes down to personal preference.

Look for products that have lubricants, such as carboxymethylcellulose, and electrolytes, as potassium.

punctal plugs

Your ophthalmologist can use plugs to block the drainage holes in the corners of your eyes. This is a relatively painless reversible procedure that delays tear loss.

If your condition is severe, plugs may be recommended as a permanent solution. However, a specialist will assess your case and recommend the best in the long term.

medications for dry eyes

The most commonly prescribed medication for dry eye syndrome is an anti-inflammatory called cyclosporine. The drug increases the amount of tears in the eyes and reduces the risk of damage to the cornea.

If your case of dry eye is severe, you may need to use eye drops with corticosteroids for a short time while the medicine is working. Alternative medicines include cholinergic, like pilocarpine. These medicines help stimulate tear production.

If another medication is causing your dry eyes, your doctor may change your prescription to try to find one that doesn't dry your eyes.

women with dry eyes

Surgery

If you have a severe grade and it doesn't go away with other treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Drainage holes in the inner corners of your eyes may be permanently plugged to allow the eyes to hold an adequate amount of tears.

Home care

If you tend to have dry eyes, use a humidifier to increase the humidity in your room and avoid dry climates. Limit the use of contact lenses and the time you spend in front of the computer or television. Reducing the use of blue light will also benefit you to fall asleep more deeply.

home remedies for dry eyes

There are studies that suggest that fatty acid supplements Omega-3 They are useful for people with dry eye. Typically, people need to take these supplements regularly for at least 3 months to see improvement.

However, the science also suggests that omega-3 supplements were no better than placebo in the treatment of moderate to severe dry eye.

If your dry eyes are caused by environmental factors, try making some lifestyle changes, such as avoid exposure to smoke from cigarettes and protect yourself with glasses during outdoor activities when it is windy.

Add a humidifier in your house it can humidify the air, which can help reduce dry eyes.


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