Dry Eye: How to Ease a Health Condition with No Cure

The condition known as dry eye is a very common health condition with many causes. It has no cure, but there are many ways to ease the suffering and symptoms that cause considerable discomfort. Sometimes dry eye results from another health problem, and sometimes it occurs on its own. Symptoms usually include eye pain, tired eyes, burning, discomfort, a foreign-body sensation, increased sensitivity to light, redness, and blurred vision. The symptoms described usually affect both eyes. Sometimes dryness results from a problem producing tears, and sometimes from the opposite: excess tears produced in an attempt to deal with dryness and in response to irritation.

What causes dry eye?

Dry eye is usually caused by abnormal tear production or an incorrectly positioned eyelid that distributes tears improperly. Tears moisten the eye and protect it from dirt, potentially harmful particles, and corneal damage. Tears are essential to eye health, and when they do not flow properly, problems begin that can also lead to impaired vision.

Dry eyes have many different causes:

• Hormonal changes during menopause in women.
• Autoimmune diseases or diabetes.
• Sjogren's syndrome, whose symptoms include dry mouth and eyes and joint inflammation.
• Diseases of the outer eye.
• Eyelid diseases, including recurring inflammation (blepharitis), and more.
• Long-term contact lens use.
• Surgeries and cosmetic procedures that may impair normal blinking.
• Medications for depression, allergy prevention, Parkinson's disease, or high blood pressure.
• Dry or hot, dry weather, weather changes, dust, and more.
• A workplace environment prone to dryness because of air conditioning.
• Prolonged time sitting in front of a screen.

Who may be particularly affected by dry eye?

• Older people.
• Women, particularly during menopause, more than men.
• People who smoke.
• People with diabetes.
• People who wear contact lenses.
• People who spend long periods in rooms with air conditioning, whether heating or cooling.
• Exposure to dust, dry weather, and sunlight.

Diagnosing dry eye

Diagnosis includes examining the outer eye surface and making sure the person being assessed does not have eyelid inflammation or another eyelid problem. Using special drops, the doctor also checks whether the conjunctiva and cornea show damage caused by chronic dryness. Tear production and quality are assessed using various simple tests as well.

The ophthalmologist examines the outer eye surface, checks for eyelid inflammation or another eyelid problem, and uses special drops to look for characteristic conjunctival or corneal damage indicating dryness.

For more information https://dryeye.co.il/

This is general news information and is not a substitute for personal advice from a doctor or dietitian.