[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Do your eyes often feel scratchy, as if something is stuck in them? Or perhaps they burn or turn blurry, or are sensitive to light. All of these are symptoms of
dry eye, a condition that affects nearly 16 million Americans.
Although dry eye is not life-threatening, it can create great discomfort and may interfere with vision. Fortunately, there are things you can do to treat and even prevent dry eye.
“The most important thing for people suffering from dry eye – mild or severe – is not to lose hope,” says Dr. Natasha Herz, clinical spokesperson for the
American Academy of Ophthalmology.
What causes dry eye?
Some of us can't help bawling during a tear-jerker movie. Others cry their eyes out when a favorite sports team blows another chance at glory.
But in truth, we make tears all the time, says Dr. Natasha Herz, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. "Our eyes constantly make tears to stay moist and healthy," she says.
Each time you blink, it should produce tears that bathe the surface of the eye and keep it from becoming infected. Tears also wash away contaminants and ensure that the cornea remains clear.
Dry eye occurs when you do not produce enough tears to adequately lubricate your eye. Other causes of dry eye include something that affects one or more layers of the tear film, or when your tears may simply dry up too fast.
There are many possible triggers for dry eye. They include:
- Hormonal changes
- Being in smoke, wind or a very dry climate
- Using contact lenses for a long time
- Using digital devices for a long time without taking any breaks
- Certain medications
- Diseases such as thyroid disease, blepharitis or lupus
Certain groups are more susceptible to dry eyes than others.
"Women are also more likely to develop dry eye, particularly women who have gone through menopause," Herz says.
The risk of dry eye also is higher if you wear contact lenses, or if you have autoimmune conditions.
Diet also can play a role in developing dry eye. Those who don't get enough vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids may be more susceptible to the condition.
How dry eye impacts your health
The impact of dry eye depends on the severity of the condition, Herz says. “Dry eye can be very uncomfortable and sometimes difficult to diagnose,” she says.
Dry eye causes symptoms such as scratchiness, blurred vision and sensitivity to light. Your eyes also might sting or redden. In cases of severe dry eye, damage to the cornea may result.
Herz notes that a recent survey posted on ChronicDryEye.net found many people living with chronic dry eye
felt misunderstood and had trouble finding relief.
“People may be surprised to hear that chronic dry eye is a disease with many subtypes, which is why diagnosis and finding the right treatment may take some time,” Herz says.
Preventing and treating dry eye
Fortunately, there are several effective treatments for dry eye, and Herz says more are being researched.
Those with mild dry eye may be able to treat or prevent the condition with simple lifestyle changes, including:
- Taking frequent breaks from screens. If you are spending long periods looking at a computer screen, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends taking a 20 second break every 20 minutes by looking at least 20 feet away. This is known as the “20-20-20 rule.”
- Using artificial tears. You can buy these at your local pharmacy without a prescription
- Protecting your eyes in windy areas with wraparound sunglasses
- Using a humidifier at home to add moisture to the air
Dietary changes also may help, such as increasing you intake of vitamin A (through foods such as broccoli, carrots and liver) and
omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, vegetable oils and walnuts)/
If these measures fail to fix the problem, it is time to visit an ophthalmologist. The doctor may recommend different eye drops or ointments. Punctal plugs -- which are inserted into tear ducts to block drainage -- or other medical treatments are additional options, Herz says.
“Your ophthalmologist is there to help you find the best treatment,” she says.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="159155" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1649705166751{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/refresh-digital-lubricant-eye-drops"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="159154" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1649705185937{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/viteyes-tear-support"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="159156" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1649705203278{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/similasan-dry-eye-relief-0-33-fl-oz"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
