Dry eyes are a common condition affecting many people. It is a disorder in which the eye is not sufficiently lubricated. The causes can be diverse, as can the symptoms.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms are listed here:
- Burning and itching: The eyes feel dry and irritated; an unpleasant burning or itching sensation can occur.
- Tearing: Ironically, dry eyes can be accompanied by increased tearing, as the body attempts to compensate for the lack of moisture.
- Red eyes: The eyes may appear red and irritated.
- Light sensitivity: People with dry eyes may be more sensitive to light, especially bright light and screens.
- Distorted vision: Especially with pronounced dryness, vision can become blurred or distorted.
Causes
Our eyes are strained daily by screens, books, poor lighting and environmental factors such as dust and pollen. This overuse can lead to discomfort often referred to as „strained eyes“.
The most common causes of strained eyes are:
- Prolonged screen work or intensive use of mobile phones
- Poor lighting
- Environmental factors such as dust, pollen or smoke
- Use of contact lenses
- Night driving
- Aging
Some of the causes mentioned will now be examined in more detail.
Time-of-day dependent dry eyes
Dry eyes can be caused not only by external factors such as air conditioning or wind, but also be influenced by the bodys natural rhythm. Time-of-day dependent dry eyes occur in some people when tear production varies over the course of the day.
Causes
Tear production depends on various factors such as hormone production, body temperature and the sleepwake cycle. Therefore, some people may produce more tears in the morning, while others produce more tears in the evening or at night.
Symptoms
Time-of-day-dependent dry eyes manifest with similar symptoms to dry eyes in general, such as burning, itching, redness and a sandy sensation in the eyes.
Treatment
The treatment of time-of-day-dependent dry eyes depends on the individual situation. Using an artificial tear to supplement the tear film can be helpful. Changing the sleep–wake rhythm or taking dietary supplements to improve hormone production may also help.
Contact lenses as a cause
Dry eyes can be particularly uncomfortable for contact lens wearers. Lenses can create friction on the cornea and thereby cause further irritation. Nevertheless, contact lenses do not necessarily have to be avoided if you suffer from dry eyes.
Contact lens type
There are specific contact lenses for people with dry eyes. These are made from materials that bind more moisture and thus can better supply the eye with hydration. Some lenses are also coated with a moisture-retaining material. It is important to consult an ophthalmologist to find the best contact lens type for individual needs.
Contact lens care
Proper care of contact lenses is particularly important for people with dry eyes. Lenses should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to minimize the risk of infection. Soaking them in a specific solution can also help keep the lenses moist longer. It is advisable not to wear lenses for too long and to replace them regularly to prevent eye drying.
Additional tips
There are also some general tips for contact lens wearers with dry eyes. It is important to drink enough water to keep the body hydrated. Blinking can also help supply the eyes with moisture. Using specialized drops can additionally help moisten the eye. An ophthalmologist can provide further recommendations to improve the contact lens experience.
Home remedies for dry eyes
Dry eyes can be uncomfortable and even lead to eye irritation and inflammation. However, there are many natural home remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes. Here are some:
1. Eye exercises
Simple eye exercises such as blinking, rolling the eyes and focusing on objects at different distances can help relax the eye muscles and keep the eyes moist.
2. Warm compresses
Warm compresses can promote the opening of the Meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oily layer of the tear film. Simply soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out and place it on the closed eyelids.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can help increase tear production. They can be obtained by eating fatty fish such as salmon or by taking dietary supplements.
4. Lubricating eye drops
There are over-the-counter eye drops that can help with dry eyes. These typically contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
5. Avoiding smoke and wind
Smoke and wind can further irritate the eyes and lead to dryness. It is therefore important to avoid smoky environments and to wear protective goggles or sunglasses in windy conditions.
6. Adequate fluid intake
It is important to keep the body adequately hydrated to maintain moisture in the eyes as well. It is therefore recommended to drink at least 2-3 liters of water daily.
These home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes. However, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist for severe symptoms or chronic conditions.
Treatment options
There are various options for treating dry eyes. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Some of the most common treatment options are:
- Use of artificial tears or eye drops
- Use of moisturizers such as humidifiers or heated eye masks
- Lifestyle changes to minimize exposure to smoke and wind
- Avoiding contact lenses or using specialized contact lenses
- Treatment of underlying ocular conditions
Prevention tips
There are also measures you can take to prevent dry eyes. Some of the tips are:
- Drink enough water to stay hydrated
- Avoid smoke and wind when possible
- Use eyeglasses or sunglasses to protect the eyes from UV radiation
- Use a humidifier to increase indoor humidity
- Eat a balanced diet with sufficient omega-3 fatty acids
By following these tips and using the treatment options mentioned above when necessary, you can prevent or alleviate dry eyes.
If you suffer from persistent dry eyes, you should consult an ophthalmologist to determine the cause and initiate appropriate treatment. Regular use of artificial tears can often help relieve symptoms and provide the eyes with sufficient moisture.