Dry Eyes All the Time?Remember to Be on the Lookout for Dry Eyes!

Feeling dry and sore after working for a little while?You feel uncomfortable and can’t open your eyes when the light is a little strong?Even blink more frequently than others?It could be your eyes protesting – dry eyes!

Dry eyes are a very common phenomenon, mostly caused by prolonged eye use, and can be relieved after rest.However, if you have dry eyes for a long time, you should be alert to dry eye syndrome.

Dry eye is a disease of the tears and the ocular surface.In recent years, the incidence of dry eye has been on the rise, and the number of ophthalmology visits is increasing.

Surface of the eye, with a liquid protective coating

On the surface of the human eye, there is a layer of fluid called the tear film.The tear film has three layers, from the outside to the inside, the lipid layer, the aqueous layer, and the mucus layer, which cover the surface of the eye, act as lubricants and moisturizers, and also provide nutrients to the surface tissues of the eye.

Every time we blink, a new layer of fluid is formed on the surface of the eye to maintain the integrity of the tear film.If we don’t blink all the time and allow the fluid in the tear film to evaporate, the surface of the eye loses its protective layer and we feel soreness in our eyes.

Typically, the integrity of the tear film can be maintained for 15-45 seconds, which is higher than our blink rate of 10-15 blinks per minute in a relaxed state.However, the newly formed tear film in dry eye patients is often unstable and breaks down quickly, so they need to blink more often to maintain the integrity of the tear film.

Many reasons can make the tear film produce less fluid or evaporate more, and if the stability of the tear film decreases as a result, dry eye is likely to be triggered.

Dry eyes as a disease

People with dry eye usually have a range of other symptoms in addition to dry eyes:

• Sensitive to light, when you get up in the morning, you will not be able to open your eyes;
• Often feel that the eyelids are very heavy or there is something in the eyes;
• The eyes will have a red phenomenon or burning sensation;
• The eyes are easily fatigued, and blurred, it is difficult to concentrate on study and work;
• Easy to tear into the winds.

Dry eye does not usually cause blindness, but it can significantly reduce the quality of life. Chronic dry eyes are also prone to developing dry eye syndrome, so it needs to be taken seriously.

These factors, which increase the risk of developing dry eye disease

The etiology of dry eye is complex and the associated pathogenesis is not yet fully understood, but population studies have confirmed that the following factors increase the risk of dry eye.

Age: Dry eye is most common in people over the age of 40, due to the fact that tear secretion decreases with age.In recent years, with the popularization of electronic products and corneal contact lenses, there are more and more young patients.

Gender: Women are more likely to suffer from dry eye.Dry eye symptoms are exacerbated by hormonal changes in women who are pregnant, use birth control pills, and go through menopause.

Work and living environment: Staying in places with poor air circulation or dusty environments for long periods of time, as well as often engaging in highly concentrated work, such as frequent use of computers, can accelerate the evaporation of tears and cause dry eyes.

Prolonged use of medication: Dry eye is an adverse reaction to certain medications, such as antihypertensive drugs and antidepressants.In addition, some eye drops containing preservative ingredients can lead to a decrease in tear secretion. If you do not follow the instructions and arbitrarily increase the dosage or prolong the duration of the medication, not only will it not alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes, but it will aggravate the condition.

Sequelae of other eye diseases: diseases such as trachoma and infectious conjunctivitis may lead to atresia of the lacrimal glands and cause dryness of the eyes.

Some measures to relieve dry eye symptoms

Mild dry eye can be relieved with lifestyle improvements and the use of artificial tears, while patients with moderate to severe dry eye need to seek the help of a medical professional for treatment through medication or surgery.

Improvement of lifestyle:

• Corneal contact lenses such as contacts and contact lenses, although aesthetically pleasing, can exacerbate dry eye symptoms and it is recommended that people with related symptoms reduce their use.
• Eyeliner and mascara can block the glands in the eyes and cause inflammation in the area around the eyes, so it is recommended to reduce the use of eye cosmetics.
• Reduce your time on the screen by resting with your eyes closed for a few minutes or blinking repeatedly for a few seconds after one to two hours of eye use, and avoid staying up late.
• Air humidifiers can be used in rooms with dry air.

Dietary supplements:

Moderate supplementation of foods rich in vitamin A, such as carrots, milk and so on.Lack of vitamin A, the epithelium of the lacrimal gland is easily keratinized, which will affect the secretion of tears and make the eyes dry.

Artificial Tears:

Dry eye relief can be provided by artificial tears.Artificial tears improve lubrication and add moisture to the surface of the eye.Currently commercially available artificial tears, there are no preservatives and the smallest package for a single dose, which can reduce the damage of preservatives on the cornea, but also to prevent the contamination of the eye drops, is the more ideal preparation of artificial tears.

If dry eye reaches a moderately severe level and is not relieved by the above methods, it is time to use anti-inflammatory medications under the supervision of a doctor or undergo surgical treatment.

Eyes are the windows to the soul, and I hope everyone can protect their eyes.