Do you have dry eyes in the morning? Wondering exactly what the term “dry eyes” means? Read on!
To help us feel comfortable throughout our day, we blink automatically. This helps lubricate and moisten our eyes.
But sometimes our eyes don’t produce enough tears to moisten our eyes and those tears don’t drain properly. This condition is common when we get older.
Dry eye symptoms: What to look for
People over the age of 40 often have dry eyes. Some symptoms include:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Itchy eyes
- An increased sensitivity to light
We’ve all had red, dry eyes at some point.
A constant breeze can dry out our eyes and staring intently at monitors can cause us to not blink as often as we should; when this happens, we don’t receive the moisture our eyes need. However, those with symptoms of dry eyes require more than some time away from their computers to feel better.
Dry eye remedies
While common, having chronically dry eyes isn’t something you’ll simply “get over,” like the common cold. Your eye doctor will prescribe treatment for you that you’ll need to stick with to help your eyes.
These treatments may include:
- Eye drops - If your eyes are chronically dry, then applying moisture by using artificial tears throughout your day may help. Note that our tears are more than just water. They also contain other ingredients that help fight infection and lubricate the eye, so that it stays moist. Don’t think splashing water in your face will do the trick. It won’t.
- Dry eye ointments - If you need a little help getting those tears to start flowing, prescription medications are available that may help. Ask your eye doctor.
- Surgery for dry eyes - With surgery for Dry Eye Syndrome, the ducts that allow our tears to drain can be closed. Why do such a thing? Because it can help keep more tears around the eyes, and thus help them stay moist, too.
While there isn’t one method for alleviating dry eyes for everyone, the methods we’ve listed here have helped others with this problem. Consult with your eye doctor to see if these treatments may be right for you.
Nothing in this article is to be construed as medical advice, nor is it intended to replace the recommendations of a medical professional. For specific questions, please see your eye care practitioner.
Source of original article: http://coopervision.ca/eye-health-and-vision/dry-eye