Dry eyes may sound like a very simple concern. However, it is a serious health issue. It is a condition that occurs when a person’s tear ducts cannot produce enough tears to lubricate the eyes. This can damage the surface of the eye and even cause inflammation. This article discusses the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and different treatments for dry eyes.

Symptoms of dry eyes
The various signs of this health condition include:

• Blurry vision or eye fatigue
• Watery eyes
• Difficulty driving at night
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• A feeling of something being in the eyes
• Red eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Mucus in or around the eyes
• Scratchy, burning, or stinging sensation in the eyes

Causes of dry eyes
Generally, dry eyes result from an increase or decrease in the production of tears.

• Increased production of tears
  Common causes include a deficiency of vitamin A; dry air, smoke, or wind; certain preservatives used in topical eye drops; eye-related allergies; problems with eyelids; less blinking due to Parkinson’s disease and other activities like reading; and meibomian gland dysfunction.
• Decreased production of tears
  Causes of this are corneal nerve de-sensitivity due to contact lens or nerve damage because of laser eye surgery; use of particular medicines like antidepressants, birth control, and hormone replacement therapy; some health conditions like lupus, arthritis, thyroid disorders; and aging.

Risk factors of dry eyes
There are many risk factors for dry eyes, some of which include:

• Wearing contact lenses or having a history of refractive surgery
• Deficiency of vitamin A
• Gender (mostly females)
• Age (older than 50)

How to prevent dry eyes
If one experiences dry eyes or wants to avoid the condition, they can follow many precautionary measures. Some of them include:

• Making regular use of artificial tears
• Quitting smoking and avoiding environmental pollutants
• Positioning the computer screen below eye level
• Being aware of the environment and avoiding irritants
• Taking eye breaks during long tasks
• Wearing wraparound goggles or other protective eye gear
• Adding moisture to the air

Dry eye treatments – medical
Some dry eye treatments that can prove helpful are:

• Eye drops made from one’s blood
  Known as autologous blood serum drops, these are created from a sample of one’s own blood to remove red blood cells (RBCs), which are later blended with a salt solution.
• Drugs that stimulate tears
  Examples of these are pills, gels, and eye drops. They are called cholinergic drugs.
• Artificial tear-like eye inserts
  These provide lubrication to the eyes and are placed between one’s eyeball and lower eyelid. Slowly, the insert dissolves, releasing a lubricating substance.
• Cornea-inflammation controlling eye drops
  These may contain immune-suppressing medication corticosteroids or cyclosporine. However, they are not suitable for long-term use.
• Eyelid-inflammation reducing drugs
  While some antibiotics can be taken by mouth, others come in the form of ointments or eye drops. One should consult their doctor before taking these drugs.

Dry eye treatments – home remedies
Some of the dry eye treatments that can be done at home are:

• Using mild soap on the eyelids
  This will help control inflammation. One can use a mild soap or baby shampoo and place the cleanser on the fingertip. Then massage the closed eye gently near the eyelash base and rinse the eyes thoroughly.
• Applying a warm washcloth
  One should use warm water for this. The cloth should be placed over the eyes for around five to seven minutes. One can also rub the cloth gently over the eyelids to loosen any debris.

The above information on dry eye treatments, symptoms, causes, and risk factors can help make informed medical decisions.