Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when tears are not able to provide adequate lubrication to the eye. Dry eyes may occur if you don’t produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears. This tear instability leads to inflammation and damage to the eye surface. In this blog we are going to learn about dry eyes in depth and the best dry eye treatment in Bangalore.
Dry eye can lead to discomfort, irritation, and impact vision. Dry eyes occur when the tear glands fail to produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Tears play a crucial role in maintaining eye health by lubricating the surface of the eyes, washing away debris, and providing nutrients and oxygen. When tear production is insufficient or tears evaporate too rapidly, the eyes become dry, leading to various symptoms.
Dry eyes can manifest through several symptoms, including:
Common Symptoms of Dry Eyes
- Persistent dryness, itchiness, or a gritty sensation in the eyes.
- Redness and inflammation.
- Excessive tearing as a reflex response to dryness.
- Blurred or fluctuating vision, especially during tasks that require focus.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Discomfort while wearing contact lenses.
Also visit the video for better understanding of reason for dry eye issue from our experts.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors can contribute to the development of dry eyes, such as:
- Aging: Tear production tends to decrease as we age.
- Environmental factors: Dry or windy climates, air conditioning, and indoor heating can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
- Prolonged digital device usage: Staring at screens for extended periods can reduce blink frequency and cause dryness.
- Hormonal changes: Women experiencing hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy or menopause, may be more susceptible to dry eyes.
- Medical conditions: Conditions like autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and certain medications can affect tear production.
- Eyelid problems: Poor eyelid function or conditions like blepharitis can disrupt tear distribution.
Tear Film: Tear film has 3 layers
- The outermost fatty or oily layer
- Middle aqueous layer/ Water layer
- Innermost mucin layer
This concentration keeps the surface of the eye moist. Disruption in any of these layers can cause dry eyes.
A person with Tear Film Dysfunction:
- Computer user
- Hormone change – post & peri menopausal women
- Autoimmune Disorder- SLE, Rheumatoid Arthritis,
- Allergic eye disease
Prevention
- Avoid air blowing into your eyes – Air Condition, Hairdryer
- Consider wearing wrap-around Sunglasses/ other protective eyewear.
- Pay attention to the situation and environmental factors.
- Take breaks during long tasks.