The eyes require lubrication for good vision. The process of blinking helps lubricate the eyes by allowing the eyelids to deposit a moist film, which consists of tears, over the surface of the eyes. When there are insufficient tears or blinking does not occur, the surface of the eyes may develop dry areas, which decrease vision. Approximately 12 million Americans suffer from dry eyes, according to the University of Illinois at Chicago.
The Role of Tears
Tears consist of mucus, oil and water. In addition to lubricating the eyes, tears help remove foreign substances and decrease the potential for infection. Tears may not perform those functions properly if glands do not produce an adequate amount of tears or if tears have an imbalanced proportion of mucus, oil and water. Dry eyes most often result from insufficient water in tears, according to the American Optometric Association, although other factors may include aging, irritating substances such as smoke and taking medications that reduce tear production.
Dry Eye Medical Treatments
Treating dry eyes helps maintain or restore an adequate level of tears to keep eyes sufficiently lubricated and healthy. Treatment usually begins with identifying any underlying causes and addressing detected factors, such as by changing a medication or treating an eyelid problem.
Persistent or severe dry eyes may require prescription medication to decrease inflammation on the eyelids, such as antibiotics, or eyedrops containing corticosteroids or cyclosporine. Tiny eye inserts made of hydroxypropyl cellulose can lubricate the eyes when placed between the eyelid and eyeball and allowed to dissolve. Contact lenses called corneal shields and bandage lenses can seal in moisture and protect the front of the eyes in severe cases of dry eyes. If tears leave the eyes too quickly, doctors can also surgically close, or plug, the tear ducts responsible for draining tears.
Other Dry Eye Treatments
People with occasional or mild cases of dry eyes can frequently control the condition by washing the eyelids as needed with water and mild cleansers such as baby shampoo to reduce inflammation, which restores proper tear flow, and using store-bought artificial tears, eyedrops or eye ointments to lubricate the eyes. Avoid using eyedrops designed for reducing red eyes, however, because they can make dry eyes worse.
The Mayo Clinic also reports early research indicates omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce symptoms associated with dry eye, such as blurred vision, burning and light sensitivity. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in dietary supplements and such foods as canola oil, sardines, tuna and walnuts, but you should discuss omega-3 fatty acids with a qualified health professional before consuming them to treat dry eyes.
Preventing Dry Eye
Prevent dry eyes when possible by controlling situations that contribute to the condition. For example, avoid smoke and air blowing directly into eyes, take frequent breaks during eye-intensive tasks such as reading and using a computer, and use a humidifier to increase moisture in the air. Wearing goggles while swimming and wraparound glasses in windy environments also shield the eyes from environmental irritants.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome, also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, occurs when tears contain insufficient water. The most common type of dry-eye condition, it often appears in healthy people and becomes more likely as you age. Although dry eye syndrome is not preventable, you can treat it successfully with the same methods used for general dry eyes.
