Unfortunately, dry eyes are an all-too-common eye condition, which may leave you struggling with irritable and uncomfortable symptoms. Whilst the condition is common, it is not usually a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Sometimes referred to as chronic dry eyes, the condition is somewhat stressful. However, there are several ways in which you can treat it to relieve your symptoms.
In this article, we will take a look at what causes dry eyes, what you can do to prevent it and what treatment options are available if you need to manage the symptoms.
The causes of dry eyes
There are a number of factors that can cause chronic dry eyes, the most common of which are hormonal problems or ageing. All too often, dry eyes occur as a result of an imbalance in the tear film. This covers the eyes’ surface. It is composed of three layers and each of them has a vital role to play in keeping your eye comfortable and lubricated. If there is disruption to any of the layers of the eye, dry eyes can occur.
These are some of the most common causes and factors that contribute to making your eyes dry:
- Getting older – As you age, your ability to produce tears decreases. This can lead to an increased risk of your eyes becoming dry. People who are over the age of 50 are more likely to experience issues with dry eyes.
- Hormonal issues – Fluctuations in hormones can affect the eyes’ ability to produce tears, Pregnancy is one such fluctuation and menopause is another.
- Poor blinking habits – Anyone who sits in front of any form of digital screen, whether this is a TV screen or a computer screen, for too long will blink less. This increases the risk of dry eyes.
It is also possible that you are struggling with dry eyes because of an allergy such as hay fever. If you do have an allergy, over-the-counter eye drops may help to reduce the dryness in your eyes caused by your allergy.
The symptoms of dry eyes
If you are struggling with dry eyes, then it is always a good idea to have them looked at. A quick visit to your optician will put your mind at rest. Here are the common symptoms of dry eyes:
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Soreness
- Grittiness
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Watery eyes
How to treat dry eyes
There are several ways in which you could treat dry eyes yourself. The recommended ways are:
- Ensuring that you are cleaning your eyelids every day
- Using a humidifier to help add moisture to the air around your eyes
- Making sure that you are taking breaks from your digital screens throughout the day
- Avoiding dusty and dry environments
- Not drinking too much alcohol
- Avoiding smoking
Whilst itchiness around the eyes can be unpleasant it is really important to avoid rubbing your eyes. This may offer you some temporary relief. However, it will also make your eyes red and may exacerbate the problem. There is also the chance that you could introduce an infection to your eye area, particularly if your hands are not as clean as you think.
Treating your dry eyes yourself is no substitute for seeking professional advice, however. If you have any concerns about your dry eyes and they don’t seem to be getting any better, you should make an appointment to see an optician. They will be able to check your eyes, see what might be causing the problem and also suggest a course of treatment that will protect your eyes for longer.
