Dry eyes is a common condition that occurs when your tears are not able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Tear film is a very important and often overlooked layer on the ocular surface. The tear film functions as providing lubrication to eyes, wash away any debris/toxic materials on ocular surface and it also aids in preventing infections. The tear film is made up of three layers, aqueous (watery) layer, a oily layer and a mucus layer each secreted by different cells of the eye. A deficiency or poor quality production of these layers result in Dry Eyes.
Dry eyes makes you feel uncomfortable. You may feel foreign body sensation or burning sensation or increased sensitivity to light or redness of eyes or blurry vision or feeling of pain or tiredness in eyes. These symptoms may be increased in certain situations, such as in an air-conditioned areas, exposure to winds or after looking at a mobile or computer screen for a few hours. Dry eyes can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable.
Treatments for dry eyes may make you more comfortable. These treatments can include lifestyle changes and eyedrops. You'll likely need to take these measures indefinitely to control the symptoms of dry eyes.
Causes:
Aging – the dryness of eyes increases with age due to insufficient production of tears.
Systemic diseases like Diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, Thyroid eye disease, Vitamin A deficiency and many other conditions.
Chronic diseases of eyelids like meibomian dysfunction, blepharitis.
Certain medications like antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, and drugs for high blood pressure, acne and birth control.
Any previous surgery on eyes.
Exposure to radiation.
Reduced blinking as in people with long screen time on computer or mobile.
Complications
Dry eyes may lead to increased infection of the eyes, corneal erosions or even ulcers, blurry vision and decreased quality of life.
What can I do to prevent or reduce dry eye problem?
Avoid direct air blow into your eyes like hair dryers, car heaters, fans or air conditioners
Cover your eyes with shaded glasses or sunglasses
Take frequent breaks in between if are using mobile or computers for long hours. Blink often and close your eyes for a while during breaks
In extreme dry conditions like high altitudes and desert areas, blink more frequently and use sunglasses.
Keep your computer or mobile screen below your eye level. Avoid using them when lying on back in the bed.
If you are a smoker, avoid smoking
When to see a doctor?
See your doctor if the symptoms like red, irritated, tired or painful eyes are present for some time.
What to expect when I see the doctor?
Your doctor may order some tests like Schirmer’s test, BUT, tear film analysis to ascertain the severity of the problem. You may require blood tests or physician opinion to look at the cause of dry eyes. Depending on the cause the treatment may vary but lubricants and anti-inflammatory drops remain the mainstay.