Is There a Permanent Cure for Dry Eyes?

What are dry eyes? Why do they come and go? Is there any permanent treatment? Find out what could be the real issue behind your dry eye syndrome now.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes can be caused due to internal and external factors.Treatment and cure vary based on the dry eye triggers. Here are a few common causes of dry eyes:

• Extended screen time 
• Using expired lenses 
• Wearing lens for extended periods or improper usage 
• Allergy 
• Diseases like graft vs. host disease, lupus, scleroderma,  sarcoidosis, thyroid
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Smoke and bad weather

The membrane lining the eye which is  responsible for lubrication gets damaged after being exposed to any of the above irritants, it can lead to dry eyes. The sensation can last anywhere between three and six  months. 

Avoiding Dry-Eye Triggers

While you can always take medication and external drops to treat dry eyes, here are a few ways you can protect your eyes from external damage. 

• Limit screen time. If your school or work requires you to stay online for prolonged periods, opt for a 10-minute break every hour or so to rest your eyes.
• Wear glasses in windy or smoky conditions.
• If you wear contact lenses, ensure that you give your eyes appropriate rest. Try spending at least an hour without contacts or glasses.
• Use contact lenses properly
• Stay hydrated always 
• Massage your eyes before going to sleep and after waking up
• Practice eye exercises to strengthen your optical muscles and nerves
• Look for allergy triggers and methods to avoid allergies to reduce dry eye symptoms

Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eyes are caused by the lack of lubrication in your eyes. The common symptoms of dry eyes are:

• Excessive watering leads to reduced lubrication
• Stringy goop collecting in the corners especially after waking up
• Sensitivity to light, redness, itching, burning, and irritation
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses or driving 
• The need to blink too much or the constant feeling of having dust or irritant inside the eyes

Treatment for Dry Eye

Dry eyes can go away on their own if caused by external irritants. You should always get yourself tested as early as possible if you are not sure about the cause. The latest treatment for dry eye syndrome includes:

• Lubricating eye drops and acupuncture 
• Lifestyle and diet changes
• Opting for special contact lenses
• Blocking tear glands and opening up oil glands
• Taking Omega-3 fatty acids and other vitamin supplements
• Medication to prevent inflammation or allergies
• Drugs that stimulate or create artificial tears

There is no permanent cure for dry eyes, avoiding dry eye triggers and taking up treatment will aid in reducing symptoms and difficulty. Dry eyes can be a seasonal disease too, they can disappear on their own and come later too.