Our eyes must remain constantly moist to maintain healthy visual function. This moisture is provided by tears. In some cases, there may be a decrease in tear production or deterioration in tear quality. Medically, this condition is referred to as dry eye syndrome, or commonly known as dry eye. Insufficient wetting of the eye surface can disrupt both comfort and the quality of vision.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
Dry eye may initially present with mild complaints; however, if not addressed in a timely manner, it can significantly affect the quality of life in the later stages. The most common symptoms of dry eye include:
- A burning, stinging, and dryness sensation in the eyes
- The discomfort of feeling like there is a foreign body in the eye
- Redness and sensitivity
- Sticky discharge inside the eye
- Excessive tearing (reflex due to dry eye)
- Discomfort during contact lens usage
- Sensitivity to light and blurred vision
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult your ophthalmologist for an evaluation.
What Are the Causes of Dry Eye?
The causes of dry eye can arise from both intrinsic and environmental factors. The most common factors include:
- Advanced age: Tear production naturally decreases with age.
- Hormonal changes: Particularly post-menopausal women are more likely to experience dry eye syndrome.
- Rheumatic and autoimmune diseases: Conditions like Sjögren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis can damage the lacrimal glands.
- Certain medications: Systemic medications like antidepressants, antihistamines, and some blood pressure drugs can adversely affect tear production.
- Vitamin A deficiency: Though rare, it can lead to deterioration in tear quality.
- Environmental conditions: External factors such as wind, dry air, air conditioning, and prolonged screen use can trigger dry eye.
- Contact lens use: Prolonged use can irritate the eye surface and increase the sensation of dryness.
What Helps with Dry Eye?
The answer to what helps with dry eye is important both for alleviating symptoms and for maintaining the health of the eye surface. Here are some recommended effective methods:
- Use of artificial tear drops: It is the most common and practical solution. Types without preservatives are more suitable for contact lens users.
- Keeping the environment humid: Humidifiers can be used in air-conditioned or heated environments.
- Regular water consumption: The body's overall fluid balance directly affects tear production.
- Taking breaks from computer usage: Long screen time increases tear evaporation. It is recommended to look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes (20-20-20 rule).
- Foods containing Omega-3: Foods like walnuts, flaxseeds, and fatty fish like salmon can help improve tear quality.
- Avoiding smoke and wind: Tobacco smoke and air currents irritate the eye surface.
How Is Dry Eye Syndrome Diagnosed?
Dry eye syndrome can be easily diagnosed through certain tests performed by an eye disorders specialist:
- Schirmer's test: Tear production is measured with a thin paper strip placed in the lower eyelid.
- Tear evaporation time: The duration of time the tears remain on the eye surface is evaluated.
These tests provide important information about the quantity and quality of tears and assist in forming a treatment plan.
Artificial Tear Drops in the Treatment of Dry Eye
The most frequently used method in treatment is artificial tear drops. These drops mimic the properties of natural tears to moisturize and soothe the eye surface. They can be applied several times a day or more frequently as recommended by a doctor. For contact lens users, preservative-free forms should be preferred.
Living with Dry Eye
For individuals suffering from chronic dry eye problems, regular eye examinations, lifestyle changes, and the appropriate use of drops are crucial. Dry eye can be managed with proper treatment and preventive steps. Being informed is the most important step in protecting eye health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What helps with dry eye?
Dry eye occurs due to insufficient moisture on the eye surface, and if untreated, it can reduce vision quality. Therefore, measures should be taken to alleviate symptoms and protect the eye surface.
One of the most effective solutions is the regular use of artificial tear drops. These drops temporarily compensate for the tear deficiency, moisturizing the eye surface and reducing complaints such as stinging and burning. Preservative-free forms should be preferred upon the recommendation of an eye doctor. This type of drop is particularly safer for contact lens users.
In dry weather and indoor environments, using air humidifiers can help reduce the drying effects of systems like heaters or air conditioners. Increasing daily water intake is also important; the body's overall fluid balance directly affects tear production.
Omega-3 fatty acids (available from sources such as salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds) can help improve tear quality and prevent dry eye. Protecting eyes from wind, smoke, and polluted air, reducing screen time, and taking regular screen breaks also help in preserving the eye surface.
What are the causes of dry eye?
Dry eye can develop due to many different factors, and identifying these factors is crucial for choosing the right treatment approach.
One of the most common causes is the reduction in tear production due to aging. Particularly after menopause, hormonal changes in women can adversely affect the function of lacrimal glands. Rheumatic diseases (for example, Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus) can result in the immune system damaging the lacrimal glands.
Additionally, some systemic medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and birth control pills can suppress tear production. Prolonged use of contact lenses can irritate the eye surface, both increasing tear evaporation and predisposing to dry eye.
Environmental factors are also primary causes of dry eye. Air conditioning, wind, low humidity, tobacco smoke, and air pollution can disrupt the tear film. Prolonged screen use can reduce the frequency of blinking, leading to dryness on the eye surface. In rare cases, Vitamin A deficiency can also lead to a decrease in tear secretion.
Can dry eye syndrome be treated?
Dry eye syndrome is often seen as a chronic and recurring condition. Therefore, instead of saying "completely cured," the aim is to control symptoms and improve quality of life. The treatment process starts with identifying the underlying cause and is planned specifically for the individual.
The initial stage usually targets replacing deficient tears with artificial tear drops. These drops help alleviate symptoms and may require long-term use. Punctal plugs, which temporarily or permanently block tear ducts, can offer an effective solution by keeping existing tears on the eye longer.
In some cases, especially when there is inflammation of the lacrimal glands, anti-inflammatory eye drops or medications that regulate the immune system may also be added to the treatment. Improving environmental conditions, reducing screen time, and adjusting the diet to support eye health are also important parts of the treatment process.
Dry eye syndrome can be permanent; however, with proper diagnosis, appropriate treatment methods, and lifestyle changes, it can be controlled, and patients' quality of life can be significantly improved.
How long should artificial tear drops be used?
The use of artificial tear drops can vary depending on the severity, cause, and lifestyle of the individual's dry eye. In some individuals, 2-3 applications per day may suffice, while in more severe cases, drops might need to be used every hour or more frequently.
It is essential to adhere to the usage frequency and composition recommended by the doctor. Especially with long-term use, preservative-free artificial tears should be preferred. These drops are gentler on the eye surface and do not cause allergic or irritative effects. For contact lens users, these types of drops are more suitable.
Artificial tear therapy usually requires consistent maintenance. Dry eye may not completely heal, but regular and informed use of drops can alleviate symptoms. If the feeling of dryness and discomfort in the eyes persists or increases, it is important to have the treatment plan re-evaluated by an eye doctor.