Many of us suffer from dry eyes, including myself. That burning sensation, overly teary eyes, redness, scratchiness, even blurred vision and pain can be from insufficient or unhealthy tears.
Tear chemistry: Our tears are made of 3 components.
1. Oil from the Meibomian glands in our eyelids. This component is the outermost layer of the tear film and works to slow evaporation.
2. Aqueous which is the watery middle layer, produced in the tear gland.
3. Mucin, the layer closest to the eye which coats the cornea and to which the aqueous sticks.
If any of these components are lacking, the imbalance can lead to dryness.
Treatments: Simple things you can do on your own.
1. Warm compresses (or washcloths soaked in warm water and wrung dry) twice a day for 5 -10 minutes a day. Gently massage your closed lids with the compresses to open up the oil glands and encourage flow.
2. Lid hygiene using a mild soap like diluted baby shampoo (no more tears) to gently scrub the lash line and keep that area clear of debris.
3. Artificial tears, preferably preservative-free, used periodically throughout the day, depending on severity of symptoms. Often when your eyes feel dry, the damage has been done and it takes a couple days for your cornea to heal. Try to use artificial tears before the symptoms start, preventing the discomfort to begin with. If you find yourself using artificial tears more than four times a day, please use preservative free since extensive preservatives administered to the eye can actually cause the symptoms of dryness. Severe dry eye may merit lubricating ointment at night for sustained protection.
4. Evaluate your diet. Do you drink 6 - 8 glasses of water a day? Sodas, caffeine and alcohol as well as some medications can promote dry eye.
Fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, halibut, cod), soy and flaxseed provide essential fatty acids, Omega-3 and -6, to protect cells and stabilize the tear film. A good supplement is 500 mg of fish oil or flaxseed oil twice a day with meals. B Vitamins (green leafy vegetables) tend to build up membrane tissues.
5. Evaluate your environment and activity. Cold temperature and dry air can cause irritation. Consider using a humidifier. Reading, driving, and computers for extended periods of time can dry your eyes from the tendency not to blink. Remind yourself to blink when you're engaged in concentrated staring.
Treatments: If all that isn't enough, I can help.
1. Punctal Plugs are small plastic plugs that are inserted by your eye doctor to block the drainage path that leads from your eye to your nose. These are permanent, though they may fall out, but can be removed.
2. Some dry eyes are caused by low grade inflammation. Medications like Restasis can be prescribed for use twice a day and need to be used for a few weeks consistent for results.
