Causes of Dry Eyes and 10 Tips on How to Manage Them

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What is dry eyes?

After suffering from red and irritated eyes for years, Aina assumed she had allergies. After consulting an ophthalmologist, she discovered it was actually not allergies but dry eye disease. Aina, in her 20’s “My eyes were dry and sore most of the time, have a sandy gritty sensation, and it just kept getting worse”

Dry eyes occur when the tears fail to properly lubricate the surface of the eyes. Tears are important as they help protect your eyes from infection besides keeping them smooth and clear. In normal healthy eyes, tears continuously bathe the cornea, which is the clear outer surface of the eyes. Dry eyes can occur in a few situations. For example, when there is a decrease in production of tear, increase in tear evaporation or imbalanced tear composition.

What can cause dry eyes?

1. Decreased tear production

• Aging is a common cause. Thus, the condition is more prevalent in people age 50 years or older.
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, thyroid disorders and vitamin A deficiency.
• Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, antihypertensive drugs and birth control pills.
• Tear gland damage from inflammation or radiation.
• Women are more likely to develop dry eyes. For instance, hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause have been linked to dry eyes.

2. Increased tear evaporation

• Smoke, wind or dry air quickens tear evaporation.
• Decreased blinking, which can occur while reading, driving or working in front of a computer screen.
• Eyelid problems such as out-turning or in-turning of the lids.

3. Imbalanced tear composition

• Our tear film consists of three basic layers such as oil, water and mucus. Dry eyes can happen when there is problem with any of these layers. For example, when small glands (meibomian glands) around your eyelids which help to produce oil film get clogged.

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How do you know if you have dry eyes?

You may have dry eyes if you experience the following symptoms:

• Itchy and scratchy sensation
• Soreness
• Redness
• Gritty feeling when blinking
• Blurred vision or eye fatigue
• Sensitive to light
• Watery eyes
• Difficulty inserting contact lenses

What are some tips on preventing dry eyes?

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If you experience dry eyes, it is advisable to pay attention to situations which are most likely to cause your symptoms. Besides that, you can also take the following tips to reduce discomfort from dry eyes:

1. Blink regularly when you read or stare at a computer screen for long periods of time.
2. Take eye breaks during long tasks which require visual concentration.
3. Increase the humidity of air at home or at work.
4. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water (8 to 10 glasses) each day.
5. Position your computer screen below eye level. Computer screen which is above eye level may require you to open your eyes wider when viewing the screen. Thus, lowering your computer screen helps to slow tears from evaporating between eye blinks.
6. Consider wearing sunglasses or other protective eyewear to block wind or dry air.
7. Avoid air blowing directly in your eyes, such as hair dryers, car heaters or air conditioners toward your eyes.
8. Stop smoking and avoid smoke as it can worsen dry eyes symptoms.
9. Ensure sufficient sleep to rest your eyes.
10. Use artificial tears regularly to keep them well-lubricated.

Conclusion

Mild cases of dry eyes can be resolved through self-care tips. Consult a medical professional if you have prolonged dry eyes problems which are affecting your daily life.

If you would like to make an appointment with an Ophthalmologist:

Find an Ophthalmologist in Malaysia, on GetDoc

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• dry eyes
• eye health