What Causes Dry Eyes?
Most cases of dry eyes don’t create long-term damage, if dealt with quickly. But dry eyes may be an indicator of a more serious condition.
The National Eye Institute reports that the average tear also includes fatty oils, mucus and thousands of proteins. These elements work in concert to protect the eye from the environment around you, while also keeping the surface smooth for ease in blinking.
Here’s why the body might not produce enough tears and how you can find relief.
RISK FACTORS
Dry eyes may happen with both women and men, but women are more at risk to develop this condition — in particular following menopause. In general, it happens most commonly with older people, but dry eyes may be a sign of a more serious underlying problem for those of any age. Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor if you have any prolonged period of dryness. You may be suffering from blepharitis, ectropion or entropion or rheumatoid issues, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
BEING DIAGNOSED
You’ll usually undergo a comprehensive examination in order to confirm a diagnosis. The eye’s external integrity will be evaluated, as well as your cornea and both eyelids. The doctor will also ask about any family history of dry eyes, while determining how serious your symptoms are and analyzing other general health issues.
In serious cases, the eye care specialist may decide to measure tear production using the Schirmer method (which involves blotting strips under your eyes) or the phenol redthread test (where a thread filled with pH-sensitive dye is placed over your lower lid).
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Unfortunately, a dry-eye diagnosis usually confirms that you’ll have chronic issues — but there are treatments that can address them. Mild cases may be treated with over-the-counter or prescription-strength supplemental tear solutions, according to the American Optometric Association. In some cases, topical steroids could be recommended.
Those suffering from more serious cases may require tear-duct implants that are meant to conserve tears. There is a dissolvable option made of collagen and a semi-permanent version made of silicone. They may last anywhere from days to months. Tears then have no place to go except onto the surface of your eyes. In the worse-case scenario, patients are referred to surgery, where the ducts that allow excess tears into the nasal cavity are closed. It’s an outpatient procedure, with local anesthetic.