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Treatment and tips to reduce DRY EYE SYMPTOMS

Almost everyone has experienced gritty, uncomfortable feeling when their eyes become too dry. But for some people, dry eye is more than a temporary problem. It is an ongoing problem called ocular surface disease that demands constant management.

Dry eye and healthy eye

Ocular surface disease is a very common. It happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the quality of tears is poor. Tears, which are made from three separate layers and is vital for keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable. Anyone can have ocular surface disease, though it is more common among women, particularly after menopause.

Where you live may also play a role in developing dry eyes. For example, people who live in major cities with high levels of air pollution may be more likely than those in areas with less air pollution to suffer dry eye symptoms. A study of U.S. military veterans found people in and around Chicago and New York City were three to four times more likely to be diagnosed with dry eye syndrome compared to people in areas with relatively little air pollution.

The polluted environment in HCMC

Below are some treatments and tips to reduce dry eye symptoms:

• Using a high-quality air filter

At home in major cities or other areas with a lot of air pollution, and using a air purifier in the home can help keep the air clean.

• Protect your eyes in the wind

Wear wraparound sunglasses / protective glasses and use a helmet visor when riding a motorcycle or bicycle.

• Avoid cigarette smoke

Avoid smoking and smoky areas. Cigarette smoke can not only cause irritation and watering eyes, it is also toxic to the eyes and bad for overall health

• Rest your eyes often and blink

When working at a computer, reading or watching television can dry your eyes out. This is because you don’t blink as often as you normally do. Take breaks every 20-30 minutes, give your eyes a rest, look away from the screen and into the distance. Try to blink more frequently to help your eyes regain some of the moisture they've lost.

• Use artificial tears

Artificial tears are available without a prescription. Use them as often as you need to, but if you find yourself using them more than once every two hours, then using artificial tears that are preservative-free are safer. Lubricating gels can also help. Because they are thicker and blur your vision, you should use them at bedtime.

• Take Omega-3 fatty acid supplement

Some people find relief from their dry eye symptoms by supplementing their diet with omega-3 fatty acids, found naturally in foods like oily fish (salmon, sardines, anchovies) and flax seeds.

• Care for your eyelids to help improve tear quality – Putting Warm Compresses and clean lid regularly

Putting warm compresses on your eyes can help release oil in your eyelids' glands, helping to improve the quality of your tears. Also, wash your eyelids carefully with a clean washcloth and soap and warm water, rinsing your eyes thoroughly afterward.

• See an Ophthalmologist

If you are unable to manage the dry eye symptoms of ocular surface disease, book an appointment with an ophthalmologist to determine the best course of treatment for you.