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Dry Eye |
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Dry Eye Syndrome is one of the most common problems treated by eye physicians. Over ten million Americans suffer from dry eyes. It is usually caused by a problem with the quality of the tear film that lubricates the eyes.
What are symptoms?
Itching, Burning, Irritation, Redness, Blurred vision that improves with blinking, Excessive tearing, Increased discomfort after periods of reading, watching TV, or working on a computer.
Treatment
When it comes to treating dry eyes, everyone’s needs are a little different. Many find relief simply from using artificial tears on a regular basis. Avoid products that whiten the eyes – they don’t have adequate lubricating qualities and often make the problem worse. Sometimes a prescription eye drop is needed.
Closing the opening of the tear drain in the eyelid with special inserts called punctal plugs is another option. This is a nonpainful procedure that can be done in the clinic by your ophthalmologist.
There are also simple lifestyle changes that can significantly improve irritation from dry eyes. For example, drinking eight to ten glasses of water each day keeps the body hydrated and flushes impurities. Make a conscious effort to blink frequently – especially when reading or watching television. Avoid rubbing the eyes. This only worsens the irritation.
Treating dry eye problems is important not only for comfort, but also for the health of the eye. |
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