Do your eyes burn? Do you experience excessive tearing or an itching sensation? It is a paradox, that when your eyes tear the most, you may be suffering from the so-called Dry Eye Syndrome. It sets in when the tear film protecting the eye is damaged. When this happens, the eyes hurt, tear and burn. How to recognise this ailment and what to do about it?
A dry eye cries the most. Mostly during work on your computer, outside exposed to the elements, when reading or watching TV. Based on statistics, 20% of the population have come across one or more of the most common symptoms – tearing, hurting, burning at least once.
What causes the Dry Eye Syndrome? The eye`s tear film – made up of a lipid layer, a water layer and a mucin layer – gets damaged. It manifests itself through pain, scratching pricking in the eye, irritation or general worsening of vision. Under normal circumstances and in full health, our eyes manage to maintain the tear film naturally through blinking. Usually, this problem appears when we don`t blink sufficiently, for example when focusing hard on work on the computer, when exposed to a dusty environment, over-heated spaces, dry air or air-conditioning. When the eye`s film dries out, the eye will self-defend against insufficient moisture by tearing excessively. The problem is more common during the winter months when we spend more time indoors, in over-heated rooms with dry air.
What can be done about it? Work on the computer as well as staring at the monitor or into the mobile phone the whole day long is often to blame. It is a good idea to blink more frequently – you can achieve this by devising reminders. Blinking spreads tears over the eye`s surface and thus protects it. All those who use contact lenses are more susceptible because contact lenses prevent the tears from being spread across the entire eye`s surface. Avoid dry air – let in fresh air regularly, turn down your heater, possibly invest in a humidifier. If you can manage it, avoid dusty, smoky or otherwise polluted environment.
Thorough eye hygiene and a healthy lifestyle help. Including supplements such as Vitamin A or Omega 3 fatty acids into your diet and drinking plenty of water are a good idea.
A handy and quick home remedy are bandages soaked in clean warm water – these will provide relief to the eyes, body and mind. The best, most effective and immediate help, however, are artificial tears eye drops or eye gels and ointments recommended by your doctor. Often, the problem is not simply insufficient moisture in the eye, but also the composition of the tear film, where some important components may be missing. Have eye drops or artificial tears always handy and apply whenever you feel discomfort. Apply according to the recommendations.
Overall health issues or other ailments such as diabetes may also cause the Dry Eye Syndrome. Using medication such as antihistamines or diuretics may affect the proper functioning of the tear film. Make an appointment for a preventive eye check-up and find out what the actual cause really is.