What is dry eye?
Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears to stay wet, or when your tears don’t work correctly. This can make your eyes feel uncomfortable, and in some cases it can also cause vision problems.
Dry eye is common — it affects millions of Americans every year. The good news is that if you have dry eye, there are lots of things you can do to keep your eyes healthy and stay comfortable.
Types Of Dry Eye Disease
From its name alone, you might think dry eye disease simply means your eyes don’t produce enough tears. That’s actually only part of the story. There are several types of dry eye disease.
Aqueous deficient dry eye:
This is when your eyes don’t produce enough tears. Your lacrimal gland (in the upper, outer corner of each eye) produces your aqueous tears. These tears make up the middle, watery layer of your tear film. Some autoimmune conditions can cause inflammation in your lacrimal gland and prevent it from producing enough aqueous tears.
Evaporative dry eye:
This is when your tears evaporate too quickly. The most common cause is meibomian gland dysfunction. This means the glands in your eyelids that produce the outer, oily layer of your tear film don’t work properly. As a result, the oily layer is unstable and can’t protect the watery layer from drying up.
Mixed dry eye:
Some people have aqueous tear deficiency and tear instability. This means your eyes don’t produce enough tears, plus your tear film is unstable. Both of these problems lead to dry eye symptoms.
Symptoms Of Dry Eye
- A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye redness
- A sensation of having something in your eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
- Watery eyes, which is the body’s response to the irritation of dry eyes
- Blurred vision or eye fatiguea
Dry Eyes With Contact
Dry eyes with contact lenses can be a common issue for many wearers. It occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort and irritation. Here are some key points to consider:
Causes
Reduced Tear Production:
Conditions like aging, hormonal changes, or certain medications can affect tear production.
Lens Type:
Some contact lenses may not allow enough oxygen to reach the cornea, contributing to dryness.
Environmental Factors:
Exposure to wind, smoke, or dry air can exacerbate dryness.
Screen Time:
Prolonged use of computers or devices can reduce blinking, leading to dry eyes.
Solutions
Hydrating Drops:
Use preservative-free artificial tears to lubricate the eyes.
Proper Lens Care:
Ensure lenses are clean and replaced as recommended.
Environment Adjustments:
Use humidifiers and take breaks from screens to reduce dryness.
Consultation:
Talk to an eye care professional about suitable lens types or additional treatments if dryness persists.
Home Remedies For Dry Eyes
Some effective home remedies for dry eyes:
Warm Compress
How to Use:
Soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out, and place it over your closed eyelids for 5-10 minutes.
Benefit:
Helps to stimulate oil production in the tear glands and provides relief from dryness.
Cold Compress
How to Use:
Use a cold, damp cloth or a chilled gel mask over your eyes for 10-15 minutes.
Benefit:
Reduces inflammation and soothes irritated eyes.
Stay Hydrated
How to Use:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Benefit:
Keeping your body hydrated can help maintain moisture in your eyes.
Blink More Often
How to Use:
Make a conscious effort to blink frequently, especially when using screens.
Benefit:
Blinking helps to spread tears evenly across the surface of the eye.
Use Humidifiers
How to Use:
Place a humidifier in your home or office.
Benefit:
Adds moisture to the air, reducing dryness in the eyes.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
How to Use:
Include more omega-3-rich foods in your diet, such as fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
Benefit:
May help improve tear production and reduce dryness.
Green Tea Bags
How to Use:
Steep green tea bags, let them cool, and place them over your eyes.
Benefit:
The antioxidants can help soothe irritated eyes.
Aloe Vera
How to Use:
Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel around the eyes (avoid getting it in the eyes).
Benefit:
Known for its soothing properties.
Cucumber Slices
How to Use:
Place cool cucumber slices over your eyes for 10-15 minutes.
Benefit:
Provides a cooling effect and reduces puffiness and irritation.
Adjust Screen Settings
How to Use:
Use blue light filters and adjust brightness on screens.
Benefit:
Reduces strain on your eyes, encouraging more frequent blinking.