Not only can dry eye cause discomfort and pain, but it can also affect sight. Patients may experience sensitivity to light, an annoying sensation of a foreign object in the eye or blurry vision. These symptoms can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as working and driving. Fortunately, there are steps people can take to help reverse the effects of dryness and improve vision.
A number of factors can cause or contribute to eye dryness. Exposure to environmental contaminants, such as cigarette smoke or pollution, can cause dryness and irritation. Dry eye may be a symptom of allergies and other medical conditions. Taking certain medications can also contribute. Some patients find that wearing contacts causes eyes to become dry.
Another factor that can contribute to this condition is overuse. Limiting the amount of time spent looking at a screen may help. However, this may not be possible for everyone.
Natural tears are made up of mucus, oil and water. Replacing and/or supplementing these materials may help eye dryness, and certain eye care measures may help to preserve the existing tears.
These are found in foods like flax seeds, as well as sardines, salmon and other oily fish. They are also available as a supplement in capsule form and may help to boost glandular production of the oil found in tears.
Some of the oil glands located along the edge of the eyelids can become clogged with dried oil or other debris. Clearing the detritus away can be accomplished by gently dabbing the lash lines of the top and lower lids with a cotton swab dipped in diluted baby shampoo. To prevent the glands from becoming clogged again, apply a warm compress to each eye for four minutes once a day or twice if symptoms recur.
Exposure to harsh weather conditions of wind and sun can dry out the eyes. Wearing wraparound sunglasses can guard against these elements.
The air inside a building can become dry, especially during the winter, and this can affect the body in various ways. A humidifier increases moisture in the air and can help prevent dryness of the eyes, as well as the skin and inner lining of the nose.
If contact lenses are deemed to be the culprit, it may be helpful to swap them out for glasses and use contacts less often. Another option may be to ask an ophthalmologist for different contacts that are less likely to dry eyes out.
These special kinds of eye drops contain materials similar to those in natural tears. Artificial tears are available over the counter and come in many different varieties. An ophthalmologist can recommend a type that may work best in a particular situation.
Before starting to take any medication or supplement, it is a good idea to consult with an ophthalmologist first. They may prescribe a pharmaceutical dry eye treatment if other measures have not worked.
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