Dry Eyes Problem - Relief Or Remedy?

If you notice a scratching, burning or persistent dryness in your eyes, you may have a dry eyes problem.

This can also make you feel like you have something in your eye, cause light sensitivity or make your vision blurry. You can even get too many tears.

Sometimes when your eyes are dry, your nervous system will signal for more lubrication in the eye. The resulting tears are mostly water, however, and don't contain the same balance of water to oil and mucus that is needed to provide adequate lubrication of the eye.

Causes

This condition can be caused by many things:

• If you are in an environment where the air is very dry through the use of air conditioning or heat, your eyes can suffer.

• It can also be caused by certain medications such as antihistamines or by diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

• It can be part of the natural aging process and menopause.

• There could also be structural problems that mean the tear ducts must be examined.

Possible Treatments

While dry eyes cannot be cured, there are many things you can do to be more comfortable. An ophthalmologist can advise you about the best methods of treatment.

Depending on what is causing your problem and the severity of the condition, you may be advised about any of the following treatments.

• Drinking more water may be enough for some patients.

• Some people respond best to artificial tear drops. You can buy them over the counter or on-line. There are several on the market, and if one doesn't work well for you, another may be more suitable.

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• In some cases, your doctor may want to close the ducts that help to drain excess moisture out of the eye. This is a painless procedure where a temporary plug is inserted into the tear duct of the lower eyelid.

  The plug will dissolve, but will let the doctor see if this is a procedure to pursue for permanent treatment. If the plugs work well to keep your eyes moist, they may put a permanent punctual occlusion in place. These plugs can be removed if necessary.

• Restasis is a prescription eye drop that has been approved for treatment of dry eye problems. Other medications such as topical steroids may also be prescribed in some cases.

• If the condition is severe enough, your doctor may recommend surgery. The surgeon will permanently close the tear ducts to keep more moisture in the eye.

  This is a quick surgery that is done with a local anesthetic at an outpatient facility. Recovery is extremely fast.

Dos And Don'ts

• If you suffer from dry eyes, don't use eye drops that take away the redness in your eyes.

• If you have myopia (nearsightedness) which needs to be corrected, choose eyeglasses insead of contacts. Don't wear contact lenses until your eyes feel better.

• Don't skip any of your treatments.

• Try not to strain your eyes unnecessarily.

• Don't smoke or expose your eyes to a lot of air particulates.

• Do eat a healthy, well rounded fresh diet. Upping your intake of omega-3s is recommended.

• Do wear sunglasses when you are outside to reduce your exposure to dust, wind and sun.

• Use an air cleaner and humidifier at home.

Tips For Contact Lens Wearers

Some doctors find that changing to rigid gas permeable lenses offers some relief.

Some soft lenses also remain comfortable in many environments such as the hydrogel lenses.

Rewetting drops may also offer temporary relief in mild cases. While choosing a product read carefully what kind of contact lenses it is recommended for.

Possible solutions:

• Sensitive Eyes Rewetting Drops
• Opti-Free Replenish Rewetting Drops
• Renu Rewetting Drops
• Visine Lubricating & Rewetting Drops

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