Dry eye
Dry eye is a condition that occurs when a person's eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, and potentially serious eye problems if left untreated.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Age: Dry eye is more common in older adults.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop dry eye, especially during pregnancy, menopause, or as a result of using oral contraceptives.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders, can increase the risk of dry eye.
- Medications: Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production.
- Environmental conditions: Windy, smoky, or dry environments can increase tear evaporation.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Symptoms of dry eye can vary from person to person, but may include:
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Red eyes
- A sensation of having something in the eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
- Watery eyes, which is the body's response to the irritation of dry eyes
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for dry eye typically involves one or more of the following approaches:
- Changing medications: If a medication is causing dry eye, the doctor may recommend a different medication that does not cause this side effect.
- Eye drops: Artificial tear drops and ointments can help alleviate the symptoms of dry eye.
- Closing the tear ducts: This can be done temporarily with a plug or permanently with a procedure to help keep tears from draining away from the eye too quickly.
- Treating the underlying condition: If dry eye is caused by a medical condition, treating that condition may help alleviate the dry eye symptoms.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
While it may not be possible to prevent dry eye in all cases, the following strategies may help reduce the risk:
- Avoiding dry conditions: Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air can help.
- Protecting the eyes: Wearing sunglasses or protective goggles can help reduce exposure to wind and sun that can cause tear evaporation.
- Taking breaks during computer use: Taking regular breaks to rest the eyes can help reduce eye strain and dryness.
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD