Dry eyes: causes, symptoms and treatment

Dry Eyes - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment | Recetas Medicas

Dry eye is a condition that affects many people worldwide. It can be temporary or chronic and sometimes affects the quality of life by causing discomfort and vision problems, but there is much you can do yourself to alleviate the discomfort.

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Causes of dry eyes

Dry eyes occur when the eyes do not produce enough tear fluid, or when the quality of the tear fluid is too poor to effectively lubricate the eye. The tear film consists of three layers: an outer layer of oil that prevents evaporation, a middle layer of water, and an inner layer of mucus that helps distribute the tear fluid evenly over the surface of the eye. Disturbances in any of these layers can lead to dry eyes. You can have more or less severe problems and it is not uncommon for them to come and go in periods.

There are many causes of dry eye problems:

• Aging: As we get older, tear production decreases.
• Environmental impact: Exposure to dry air, wind and smoke can cause dry eyes.
• Screen use: When you sit for long periods in front of the computer or mobile phone, you blink less often, which can lead to dry eyes.
• Contact lenses: Long-term use of contact lenses irritates the eye and can contribute to dry eyes.
• Medical conditions: Diseases such as allergy, Sjögren's syndrome and rosacea can cause dry eyes. You may also experience dry eyes as a symptom of an eye disease.
• Medicines: Dry eyes can be a side effect of certain medicines, for example antihistamines, birth control pills and various blood pressure medicines.
• Operations: If you have had eye surgery, for example for cataracts, or have had laser treatment of the cornea, you may experience dry eyes.
• Hormonal changes: You can get dry eyes in connection with pregnancy, menopause or hormonal disorders.

Symptoms of dry eyes

People with dry eyes can experience a range of different symptoms, such as:

• Burning and irritation in the eyes
• Chafing and a feeling of having something in the eye
• Red eyes
• Hypersensitivity to light
• Tired eyes
• Blurred vision

In some cases, you may also experience watery eyes as a response to the irritation.

Treatment of dry eyes

There is no medicine that can cure dry eyes or increase the eye's production of tear fluid. Treatment of dry eyes therefore aims rather to relieve discomfort and improve eye function by restoring the necessary balance and quality of the tear fluid.

A basic step in managing dry eyes is to use tear substitutes, which are available in the form of eye drops or ointment. These products work by mimicking the natural tear fluid, helping to reduce symptoms by offering temporary relief and protection to the surface of the eye. How often you need to take the eye drops depends on how severe your problem is and what type of drops you use. Ask your pharmacist or optician for advice on which type of drops is best for you.

Lifestyle changes and preventive measures

To complement the effect of tear substitutes, small changes in the daily environment can also make a big difference. Avoiding places with dry, dusty or smoky air and using humidifiers in dry environments can help preserve the eye's natural moisture. When you are outdoors, you can protect your eyes from wind and sun by wearing sunglasses or regular glasses. It is also important to regularly take breaks from screens, especially if you work for long periods in front of a computer. The screen should not be placed too high so that you have to look up - this can make your eyes drier. Also, try to remember to blink often.

When should you seek care?

Dry eyes are usually not an acute problem and eye drops are sufficient treatment for the vast majority of people. If you experience persistent symptoms of dry eyes that are not alleviated with self-care or non-prescription eye drops, you can contact your healthcare centre. You should also contact healthcare if you suspect that an underlying disease is causing your problems with dry eyes.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get blurred vision from dry eyes?

Yes, blurred vision can be a symptom of dry eyes. When the tear film does not evenly cover the surface of the eye, it can lead to a temporary deterioration in the quality of vision.

Can you get dry eyes in connection with menopause?

Yes, hormonal changes associated with menopause can reduce tear production or affect the quality of tear fluid, which can lead to dry eyes.

Can children get dry eyes?

Yes, children can also experience dry eyes, especially if they spend a lot of time in front of screens or stay in dry environments, but it is less common than in adults.

Why do I have dry eyes in the morning?

Dry eyes in the morning can be caused by decreased tear production while you sleep or by your eyelids not being fully closed. This can lead to increased evaporation of the tear fluid at night.

Why do you get dry eyes?

Dry eyes can be caused by a variety of factors, such as aging, medical conditions, certain medications, prolonged screen use, and exposure to dry or dusty environments.

Is it common to have dry eyes when you are pregnant?

Yes, it is relatively common to experience dry eyes during pregnancy, which can be explained by hormonal changes that affect tear production and tear fluid composition.