What is Dry Eye?

Dry eyes can be more than just a minor irritation; they can impact your overall eye health and quality of life. This common condition can lead to discomfort, redness, and blurry vision if left  unaddressed.

In this article, we'll explore the various causes of dry eyes, such as environmental factors, examine the symptoms of dry eyes, and provide tips on how to help manage the condition.

By understanding what triggers dry eyes and how to maintain good eye health, you can keep your eyes feeling comfortable and refreshed.

So, what causes dry eyes? The condition can be caused by a variety of factors, with the most common being an insufficient production of tears or otherwise tears that evaporate too quickly.

Some of the factors that contribute to dry eyes in people over 50 include:

-    Ageing – tear production diminishes as you get older

-    Menopause – dry eyes can be a more common for peri and post-menopausal women

-    Long periods of screen time

-    Cataract surgery

-    Laser surgery

Reduced Tear Production

Reduced tear production can cause dry eyes by disrupting the natural balance of moisture in the eye. Tears are the naturally produced fluid needed to lubricate and nourish the eye’s surface, protecting it from irritants, and keeping it healthy. When the tear glands do not produce enough tears, the eyes become dry, which may lead to discomfort, irritation, and a gritty or burning sensation.

Tear Evaporation Due to Outside Elements or Conditions

Even if your eyes are producing enough moisture naturally, tear evaporation due to outside elements or conditions can still contribute to dry eyes. 

Tears play an important role in maintaining the health and lubrication of the eye's surface, but external factors can disrupt their  Role in the body. For instance, exposure to dry or windy environments, air conditioning, or heating systems cause tears to evaporate more rapidly.  

Additionally, activities that tend to cause you to blink less, such as staring at a computer or phone screen for long periods, can cause tears to evaporate from the eye’s surface at a faster rate.

-    Stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes

-    Eye redness

-    Sensitivity to light

-    A feeling of having something in your eyes

-    Difficulty with nighttime driving

-    Difficulty wearing contact lenses

-    Watery eyes – the body’s reaction to the irritation of dry eyes

-    Blurred vision or eye fatigue

Dry eye symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to more noticeable irritation. There is often a persistent, gritty, or scratchy sensation in the eyes.

People with dry eyes may describe the feeling as if there's sand or dirt in their eyes, causing constant annoyance.

Other common symptoms may include redness, burning, or stinging sensations, as well as excessive tearing as the eyes try to compensate for the dryness.

In some cases, dry eyes can lead to sensitivity to light or blurred vision. Some people might also find it uncomfortable or difficult to wear contact lenses comfortably due to the lack of moisture.

Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can improve tear production and help keep your eyes moist. Using artificial tears or non-medicated, lubricating drops for dry eyes can offer relief, but be sure to use them as directed.

If your symptoms persist, it is important to see a doctor or optometrist to assess your condition and receive personalised advice.

Eye Health Supplements

Eye health supplements may play a helpful role in  supporting dry eyes by providing nutrients that support eye health and function.

Eye Protection Such as Glasses

Using eye protection such as glasses can help treat dry eyes by shielding your eyes from environmental factors that can contribute to dryness.

Sunglasses with UV protection can help block ultraviolet rays from the sun, which can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Additionally, wearing glasses outdoors can help to protect your eyes from wind and dust, both of which may lead to tear evaporation and increased dryness.

Indoors, using glasses can somewhat reduce exposure to dry air, air conditioning, or heating systems that might dry out your eyes. If you spend a lot of time looking at screens, consider wearing glasses with blue light filtering lenses to reduce eye strain and reduce the likelihood of dryness.

Reducing the chance of Dry eyes  may be assisted by taking proactive steps to keep your eyes healthy and well-lubricated. Some key ways to do this  include:

Reduce Eye Strain from Excessive Screen Time

Reducing eye strain from excessive screen time can help with dry eyes. When you spend long periods looking at digital screens, you tend to blink less frequently, which can exacerbate dryness.

To reduce the chance of this influencing your eyes, take regular breaks from screens using the 20-20 rule – look at something in the mid distance or out the window for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Adjust your screen's brightness and position to minimise glare and avoid direct air flow towards your eyes from fans or air conditioning.

Reduce Exposure to certain Environmental factors

Reducing exposure to environmental factors such as wind and dust can help reduce the chance of dry eyes. These elements can cause tears to evaporate more quickly and may irritate the eyes, possibly leading to dryness and discomfort.

Wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear may help to shield your eyes from wind and dust, providing a barrier against potential irritants.

Use A Humidifier Indoors

Using a humidifier indoors can play a significant role in alleviating dry eyes by increasing the moisture levels in your living space.

When indoor air is dry, often due to heating or air conditioning, it can cause tears to evaporate more quickly from the eyes.

A humidifier adds moisture to the air, creating a more comfortable and balanced environment for your eyes.

By being proactive about protecting and taking care of your eyes, can help minimise the likelihood of  discomfort caused by dry eyes.

Simple practices such as limiting screen time, using eye protection against environmental factors, incorporating eye health supplements if needed, and keeping indoor air humidified can make a big difference in your eye health.

If you are worried about your eye health or have concerns, always consult your healthcare professional.