Dry Eyes
What is dry eye?
A dry eye is a condition in which the eyes cannot provide adequate moisture. Tears form a film on the surface of the eyes, keeping them moist and helping to protect them from external factors. Due to a change or reduction in the structure of the tear, the balance of moisture in the eyes may be disturbed and a feeling of dryness in the eyes may occur. Blink speed is very important for improving the quality of tears. For this reason, when using a computer or reading for a long time, the level of blinking must be maintained in a controlled manner. In this regard, it is recommended to give rest to the eyes at certain intervals during prolonged work.
Untreated dry eye can have serious consequences for eye health, so it's important to follow the treatment methods recommended by your ophthalmologist to protect the health of your eyes.
The most common cause of dry eyes is a decrease in tear production with age. However, other factors cause dry eyes:
- Eyelid problems
- Inflammation or infection of the eyes
- Certain medications, such as eye pressure medications
- Use of contact lenses
- Environmental factors such as air conditioning, heating, cigarette smoke, wind, or dry air
- Prolonged work with a computer or other device
What are the symptoms of dry eyes?
Dry eye symptoms may include:
- Burning, stinging, or discomfort in the eyes
- Eye redness
- Blurred vision
- Stickiness on the eyelids or discharge from the eyes
- Itching or burning in the eyes
Dry eye treatment can vary depending on the factors that cause dry eyes. Treatment may include a variety of options such as eye drops, eye creams, eye products, and contact lenses. Your ophthalmologist will select the most appropriate treatment for you.
What are the causes of dry eyes?
Dry eyes can be caused by patient-related factors as well as environmental factors. Spending long hours in front of screens such as computers or misusing contact lenses are common causes of dry eyes.
In addition, some rheumatic diseases can predispose to dry eyes. Drugs used by the patient to treat their existing diseases can also cause dry eyes.
Hormonal drugs used for hormonal disorders, especially in postmenopausal women, anti-systemic drugs, and drugs for depression, which have been widely used in recent years, are among the common causes of dry eyes today.
The reasons, which can be attributed to environmental factors, are that the working environment is not sufficiently humid, and the work is carried out in very bright light.
How is dry eye treated?
Dry eye treatment can vary depending on the factors that cause dry eyes. Your ophthalmologist will evaluate your dry eye complaints and recommend the most appropriate treatment options. Dry eye treatment may be one of the following or a combination of them:
- Artificial tear drops: Your ophthalmologist will recommend eye drops that you can use. Eye drops help moisturize the eyes and relieve the symptoms of dry eyes. Some artificial tear drops may contain medication to reduce inflammation on the surface of the eye.
- Eye ointment: Your ophthalmologist can recommend eye ointments that you can use. Eye ointment helps moisturize the eyes and keeps them moist throughout the night.
- Eyelid Treatment: Eyelid problems that cause dry eyes should also be treated. Your ophthalmologist may recommend procedures such as eyelid cleaning or warm compresses.
- Medications: Your ophthalmologist may prescribe medication if you have inflammation or another condition that causes dry eyes.
- Treatment with contact lenses. Dry eyes are more common in contact lens wearers. Your ophthalmologist will recommend the right contact lenses for your eyes and give you instructions on how to clean and care for your lenses.
- Precautions you can take at home: There are some precautions you can take at home to help prevent or reduce dry eyes. This may include resting your eyes frequently while working at your computer and other devices, using a humidifier to keep your eyes moist, not using air conditioners or heaters, and wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Your ophthalmologist will select the most appropriate treatment for you. Dry eye treatment can take a long time and may require regular check-ups, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the factors that cause dry eyes.
Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.
*The content of this page is for informational purposes only. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Last Update Date: 02.06.2023
