Dry eyes occur when the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep the eyes lubricated. The condition becomes more common with increasing age and is especially prevalent in postmenopausal women. Dry eyes may also develop following eye surgery, as a side effect of certain medications and in those who live in dry climates. Vitamin A deficiency and some autoimmune and connective tissue diseases are other possible causes. Symptoms of dry eyes include burning, stinging, watering, scratchiness and stringy mucus in the eyes. According to the University of Illinois at Chicago's Department of Opthalmology and Visual Sciences, as many as 12 million Americans suffer from dry eyes.
Step 1
Prevent evaporation of your tears to improve dry eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends using a humidifier inside your home, wearing wrap-around sunglasses and avoiding hair dryers, smoke and wind.
Step 2
Use artificial tears to increase lubrication and reduce symptoms. Artificial tears are available in most retail stores and pharmacies. The Mayo Clinic states that drops without preservatives can be used as often as necessary but that you should limit use of artificial tears containing preservatives to no more than four times each day.
Step 3
Wear contact lenses designed for those with dry eyes. A type of contact lens called Boston Scleral Lens can protect the cornea from drying out by resting on the white part of the eye and creating a lubricating layer over the cornea, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Stop taking any medications that may be causing or contributing to your dry eyes. Antihistamines and certain cold and cough medicines may contribute to dry eyes. Consult with your doctor about the advisability of stopping medications.
Step 5
Take an omega-3 fatty acid supplement every day. According to the Mayo Clinic, supplementation with omega-3s may reduce the risk of dry eyes and provide relief from symptoms.
Step 6
Try medicated eye drops or oral antibiotics to treat dry eyes that fail to respond to artificial tears. Medicated drops, such as cyclosporine eye drops, can decrease eye inflammation and increase tear production. Antibiotics may be necessary when dry eyes are caused by an eye infection.
Step 7
Undergo a surgical procedure to close the lacrimal ducts in your eyes. This prevents the drainage of tears out of your eyes. Because this procedure may cause an overproduction of tears, most doctors will first temporarily close the ducts with silicone plugs. If symptoms improve and side effects are minimal, surgery is typically the preferred treatment choice in severe cases.
Tips and Warnings
- The American Optometric Association states that adequate tear production is vital for healthy eyes and clear vision.
Things You'll Need
- Humidifier
- Wrap-around glasses
- Over-the-counter artificial tear drops
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplement
- Medicated eye drops or oral antibiotics
