Coping with Dry Eye
Dry eye—a condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, the tears don’t work correctly, or they evaporate too quickly—is much more than a nuisance. “The burning can feel like sand is in your eyes, and this can cause eye fatigue, light sensitivity, and blurry vision,” says Angela Bevels, an optometrist in Tucson, Arizona.
Nearly 16 million Americans may have dry eye, according to the National Eye Institute. Anyone can develop the problem, but it’s more common in women and in people older than age 50.
Sometimes dry eye is a temporary condition caused by a variety of irritants. But it can be chronic, too, when caused by immune system diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Skin issues on or around the eyelids and diseases of the glands in the eyelids are also common contributors. People who wear contact lenses or have had eye surgeries such as are also at a higher risk.
Some lifestyle changes can minimize the discomfort. First, take frequent breaks from staring at computer and phone screens, which cause tears to work overtime, according to Aditya Kanesa-thasan, MD, an ophthalmologist at the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.
Turn off fans or other direct air to your face, as this can increase the evaporative loss of tears as well, he says. The American Optometric Association (AOA) suggests using a humidifier to keep the air moist, and making sure to get a good night’s sleep. Hydration can also play a role in keeping your eyes lubricated. The AOA guidelines suggest aiming for eight to ten glasses of water every day.
Over-the-counter lubricant eye drops can help ease symptoms. But when these remedies don’t provide relief or you find you’re using drops more than six times a day, it’s time to see an eye doctor for treatments that are available only by prescription or when administered in a medical office. “These include heat and compression treatments of the eyelids to improve the tear film [the fluid layer that covers the eye], prescription antiinflammatory eye drops, and temporary plugs that can be placed in the eyelids to keep the tears around longer,” Dr. Kanesa-thasan says.