Poor blinking habits while reading or looking at a computer screen for long periods of time. A dry, indoor environment. Contact lenses. Certain medications (including tranquilizers, antihistamines, certain heart medications, diuretics, birth control pills and ulcer medications).
Dry eye syndrome commonly occurs in people who are otherwise healthy. It becomes more common with older age. This can occur due to hormonal changes that make your eyes produce fewer tears. Dry eye syndrome is sometimes caused or worsened by a condition called meibomianitis, which changes the normal tear film.
Vitamin B12, a water-soluble vitamin, helps the body make DNA and nerve cells. According to a 2017 study, a B12 deficiency is associated with severe dry eye and eye pain. A recent 2015 study found that the combination of oral vitamin B12 supplements and artificial tears improved symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
Dry eyes are almost always a serious problem because burning, itchy, sensitive eyes affect every aspect of your daily life. But dry eyes can become a truly serious condition that ultimately causes vision loss, which is why you should call us at Smart Eye Care for prompt treatment, even if your symptoms seem mild.
Treatments for Mild Dry Eye:
Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps produce natural tears more effectively. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine, which has a drying/diuretic effect.
Two prescription eye drops are FDA approved to treat dry eyes: Restasis, which has been on the market for several years, and Xiidra (lifitegrast), a newer dry eye treatment. Both are usually dosed as one drop in each eye twice a day, about 12 hours apart.
Another warning sign of liver failure is dry eyes and mouth. Sometimes called primary biliary cholangitis, it is an autoimmune condition that causes the bile ducts in the liver to slowly die.
Magnesium helps facilitate over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. A deficiency in this nutrient is links to the occurrence of dry eyes. Magnesium deficiency is linked to other ocular diseases as well, such as glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy.
Virgin coconut oil is great for those with dry eyes, as it creates a protective layer over the tear film layers, resulting in reduced evaporation. Furthermore, coconut oil has antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
For many people, artificial tears or eye drops can relieve mild cases of dry eye. While there are different kinds of eye drops and artificial tears, most eye drops can be used up to 4 times a day.
Dry eye is a chronic condition. It doesn't have a cure, but treatments can help manage your symptoms. You may have to try several different treatments to find what works best for you. This can be a stressful process, but it's worth the effort.
Psychological stress is a risk factor for dry eyes and can worsen the underlying dryness causes. It can affect a person's sleep quality and other physiological processes important for eye health.
Dry eyes can feel tired or heavy given the strain caused by irritation. This eye fatigue often contributes or is related to the other symptoms of dry eye we've noted above.
3. Bananas. Potassium is also great for eye health, particularly for dry eyes, as it is one of the important components that make up the tear film and help to maintain film thickness. Bananas are also a source of vitamin A which is also crucial for eye health.
Water. While water has no nutritional value, it has a big part to play in healthy tear production. Dry eyes can often be the result of dehydration, especially if you live in a hot, dry environment. Drinking plenty of water can help a lot when it comes to making tears.
Systane® is the #1 Dry Eye brand in Australia and New Zealand. The Systane® family of eye drops has a unique, delivery system containing HP-Guar and borate to help provide Dry Eye relief. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
Like any medication, eyedrops must be taken as directed. And unless your doctor has instructed you to do so, eyedrops should not be taken on a daily basis for weeks at a time. Eyedrops are meant only as a temporary fix — not a long-term solution. In fact, overusing eyedrops can actually put your eye health at risk.