December 22 2024

What options do I have for dry eyes?

Dry eyes can be due to a variety of reasons including not blinking often enough, side effects of medications, changes in hormones, seasonal weather variations, or other systemic diseases.

Some symptoms often associated with dryness include:

Irritated, gritty feeling
Burning or stinging sensation
Mild pain
Excessive tearing (trying to make up for dryness)
Foreign body sensation when blinking (may be due to clogged glands along the eyelids)

Tips to try to improve dry eyes at home:

Take frequent breaks when doing near work to consciously blink. Studies have shown us that we do not blink as often when focusing on computers or reading. Taking a break every 20 minutes to look 20 feet away and blink for 20 seconds allows our eyes to relax reminds us to consciously blink.
If dryness is due to clogged glands which produce your tears, you can consider doing warm compresses once or twice a day. Simply wet a clean wash cloth with warm water (not too hot to burn yourself), and place the washcloth on your eyes for a few minutes (making sure it is touching your eyelids). Then massage your eyes by putting mild pressure on the eyelids close to the eyelashes.
Using artificial tears can be helpful to supplement our natural tear production but are often just a temporary relief.

Nutritional Support for Dry Eye Relief

Can Diet Impact Dry Eye Symptoms?
Emerging research highlights the connection between nutrition and eye health. Incorporating specific nutrients into your diet may reduce dryness and support tear production:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts, these reduce inflammation linked to dry eyes. A 2022 study in Cornea noted improved symptoms in patients taking omega-3 supplements.
Vitamin A: Crucial for corneal health; add carrots, sweet potatoes, or spinach to meals. Deficiency can worsen dryness.
Hydration: Dehydration thickens tears, worsening irritation. Aim for 8–10 glasses of water daily.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Berries, turmeric, and leafy greens combat inflammation, a key driver of chronic dry eye.

Long-Term Risks of Untreated Dry Eyes

What Happens If Dry Eyes Go Unmanaged?
Ignoring persistent dryness can lead to complications beyond temporary discomfort:

Corneal Damage: Chronic dryness may scratch the cornea (keratitis), increasing infection risks. Severe cases require corneal transplants.
Vision Fluctuations: Unstable tear film blurs vision, affecting tasks like driving or reading.
Surgical Limitations: LASIK or cataract surgery candidates may need pre-treatment to ensure safe outcomes.
Reduced Quality of Life: Studies link chronic dry eyes to anxiety and sleep disruption due to constant discomfort.

Key Takeaway: Early intervention prevents irreversible damage. Schedule a dry eye evaluation if symptoms persist beyond two weeks.

Contact Lens Wearers: Avoiding Dryness Discomfort

Why Do Contacts Worsen Dry Eyes?
Lens materials and wear habits disrupt tear distribution. Try these evidence-backed strategies:

Lens Material Matters: Daily disposable silicone hydrogel lenses retain moisture better than monthly options.
Lubricant Drops: Use preservative-free rewetting drops labeled “contact lens-safe” (e.g., Systane Ultra). Avoid redness reducers—they worsen dryness.
Wear-Time Adjustments: Limit lens use to 8–10 hours/day; switch to glasses during screen-heavy tasks.
Clean Lenses Daily: Protein buildup traps irritants. Use hydrogen peroxide-based solutions for deeper cleaning.

What can your eye doctor do to help?

Assess your dry eyes to see what factors may be contributing
Discuss and collaborate with your primary care doctor to consider other causes or associated symptoms
Prescribe medication eye drops to treat the inflammatory aspect of dry eyes
Consider inserting punctal plugs, which are used to reduce tear drainage and keep your natural tears on your eye for longer to increase moisture.
Fit specialty scleral lenses in some cases when medically necessary which allow saline to stay on the eye and provide long lasting comfort

While you can consider starting some of these options at home, it is important to have your eyes evaluated to determine the best course of action. You can schedule your appointment online or call our office to schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and the most appropriate management.

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