WHAT IS DRY EYE SYNDROME?

Dry eye syndrome can occur in many ways. It happens naturally as part of the aging process, and is especially common during menopause. It can also be a side effect of medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and some blood pressure medicines. Environmental conditions like a dry, dusty climate or excessively dry heating or air conditioning can also be dry eye causes. Another factor is insufficient blinking, which is very common in people who spend hours staring at a computer screen.

Dry Eye Symptoms:
• Scratchy, gritty feeling in the eyes.
• Burning or a feeling of dryness.
• The sensation that something’s in your eyes.
• Excessive watering.
• Blurry vision.

You might not realize it but tears do a lot to keep your eyes healthy and protected. Every time you blink, your tears flow across the cornea on the front of your eye to lubricate, wash away dust, and keep the eye surface smooth and clear. Tears contain enzymes that neutralize microorganisms so they actually help reduce the risk of infection by continually washing your eyes. Tears are produced by glands in and around your eyelids. It’s not just the tear quantity, it’s also the quality. Tears are made up of three layers: oil, water, and mucus. These three elements work together in harmony to protect your eyes. When the balance is off, doctors refer to this as low quality tears that aren’t effective. Without enough mucus, tears don’t spread evenly over the eye; if the oil is low, they’ll evaporate too quickly. Either way, you may begin to experience dry eye symptoms.

Your eye doctor will examine your eyes and measure the quantity and quality of your tears. Artificial tears, which are lubricating eye drops, may be prescribed to reduce the itchy, burning feeling. Prescription eye drops that help your body produce more tears are another option. Conserving the tears you do have by blocking the drainage ducts is another treatment. Resist the temptation to use over-the-counter eye drops until your dry eye syndrome has been diagnosed correctly. Overuse of eye drops can actually make your symptoms worse.

5 Things You Can do to Prevent Dry Eye Syndrome:
• Blink regularly: if you’re on a computer, practice the 20-20-20 Rule (Every 20 minutes look at an object 20’ away for 20 seconds).
• Boost your humidity level in air conditioning or heating.
• Wear full coverage, wraparound sunglasses if you’re outdoors.
• Ask your doctor about dietary supplements to up your essential fatty acids.
• Drink plenty of water every day—8 to 10 glasses.
• For more information about Dry Eye Syndrome visit also https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/dryeye-syndrome.htm