Dry eye syndrome is increasingly getting common in individuals of all age groups these days. It primarily happens when tears are not able to provide the required lubrication to the eyes or poor quality tears are produced. Due to these factors, inflammation and damage to the eye surface can occur, leading to bigger problems. Dry eye syndrome can cause things or burn in the eyes, causing dryness in certain situations such as in an air-conditioned room, eyes prone to a computer or phone screen for a long time, or traveling on a two-wheeler. Apart from seeking medical treatments, lifestyle changes and the use of a heated dry eye mask can also have positive effects on reducing the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Let us check out the various symptoms of dry eye syndrome:
1. Burning sensation
2. Heavy eyes
3. Itchy eyes
4. Fatigued eyes
5. Sore eyes
6. Dryness
7. Aching sensation
8. Red eyes
9. Blurred vision
10. Irritation in the eyes
11. Watery eyes
Among all of these symptoms, watery eyes can be the initial one indicating to get treated. Water is secreted in the eyes due to the dryness on the ice surface to act as a protective mechanism of the body. However, it brings along a lot of other issues or symptoms such as inflammation or irritation in the eyes.
What are the potential causes of dry eye syndrome?
Dry eyes can be caused by a variety of reasons that can hamper the healthy tear film and glands producing adequate moisture in the eyes. Fatty oils, aqueous fluid, and mucus are the three layers of fear film that are responsible for keeping your eyes lubricated, moisturized, and clear. Any issues with one of these or all of these layers can result in dry eyes. The issues with any ailment in the tear film can be e due to hormonal changes, inflamed eyelid glands, autoimmune diseases, or allergic reactions. Moreover, decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation are some of the common causes of dry eye syndrome.
What is ‘decreased tear production’?
Decreased tear production is caused when glands or film is unable to produce enough water. This can be caused due to aging or other medical conditions such as allergic eye disease, arthritis, thyroid, scleroderma, or the deficiency of vitamin A.
What is ‘increased tear evaporation’?
Small glands producing oil film on the edge of your eyelids may get clogged sometimes. This issue is commonly faced by individuals suffering from rosacea or other skin disorders or having a deficiency of vitamin A. However, other causes of increased tear evaporation may include blinking eyes less often, causing Parkinson’s disease, or concentrating too much while reading, working on a screen, or driving. Moreover, it can also be caused due to numerous eyelid problems, eye allergies, constant contact of your eyes with wind, smoke, or dry air.
How can you control the symptoms of dry eye syndrome at the initial stage?
Cleaning and massaging the eyelids by gently wiping them with a clean cotton ball dipped in warm water. Using a heated dry eye mask for dry eyes also reduces the likelihood of your eyes becoming inflamed or irritated. Gently massaging your clean fingers in circular motions on your eyelids boosts the eyelid glands to produce mucus to moisturize your eyes. Explore and shop for a dry eye mask to soothe and heal your dry eyes.
Furthermore, Consuming a considerable amount of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acid is known to reduce the risk of dry eyes. These can be easily found in food products such as oily fish, canola oil, walnuts, flax oil, ground flaxseed, hemp oil, hemp seed, olive oil, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, and much more.
