Effectively Treat Dry Eyes

Dry eyes – also known as sicca syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca – can have various causes. It is not uncommon for symptoms to be caused by sitting in front of a computer for hours on end. But also environmental stimuli, certain diseases as well as the wearing of contact lenses are possible triggers. The symptoms can usually be alleviated well with tear substitutes in the form of drops or gels. We give you tips on what other treatment options there are for dry eyes and too little tear fluid.

Why do eyes become dry?

One speaks of dry eyes when the conjunctiva and the cornea are no longer moistened with sufficient tear fluid. There are several causes for this: Not enough tear fluid is produced, the composition of the tear fluid has changed or the blink frequency has decreased. Environmental stimuli also play an important role, often causing increased evaporation of the tear fluid. 12 Home remedies for dry eyes

Diseases as a cause

Dry eyes can be caused by a wide variety of diseases. Therefore, you should always consult a doctor if the symptoms persist over a long period of time. Among other things, the following diseases are possible causes:

  • Disease of the sebaceous glands at the edge of the eyelid.
  • Change in the shape of the eyeball
  • Conjunctival scars
  • Vitamin A deficiency
  • Nerve damage
  • Sjögren’s syndrome

Dry eyes as a concomitant symptom

In addition, dry eyes can also occur as a concomitant of rheumatism, diabetes or diseases of the thyroid gland. Women also suffer more often from dry eyes after menopause, because in them the function of the lacrimal glands may decrease due to hormonal changes.

Environmental stimuli lead to dry eyes

Behind dry eyes, however, does not always have to be a disease. Often, environmental stimuli are also responsible for the discomfort. These stimuli include, for example:

  • Tobacco smoke
  • Car exhaust fumes
  • Air conditioning systems
  • Dry heating air

Such environmental factors irritate the eyes and cause the tear fluid to evaporate more quickly.

Dry eyes due to medication

In addition to diseases and environmental stimuli, dry eyes can also be caused by taking certain medications. These include antihistamines or beta blockers, as well as painkillers such as acetylsalicylic acid.

Computer work as a cause

In people who work a lot on the computer, the eyelid blink frequency is often greatly reduced. In extreme cases, blinking occurs only once or twice per minute. The lack of blinking can lead to dry eyes in the long term. Therefore, take regular breaks when working and make sure to blink as regularly as possible. In addition to people with office jobs, dry eyes are also particularly common among older people and people who wear contact lenses.

Red or itchy eyes: other causes are also possible

If the eyes are dry, they are often also red and itch or burn. Likewise, they may be extremely sensitive to light. However, red, itchy or burning eyes can also have other causes. For example, red eyes can indicate conjunctivitis. Injuries or chemical burns are also possible triggers. However, red eyes can also have completely harmless causes, such as a burst blood vessel. In general, you should always go to an ophthalmologist if the redness of the eyes does not disappear within a short time. This is especially true if the eye is itchy, watery or sensitive to light. Itchy eyes often occur in the context of hay fever. Special eye drops can then help to alleviate the discomfort. If the eyes itch or burn, this can also be a sign of an eye infection. In addition, the burning sensation can also be triggered by a trapped insect or a speck of dust.

Eye drops relieve the discomfort

Eye drops – so-called artificial tears – are very often used to treat dry eyes. They form a fine liquid film on the surface of the eye and thus relieve the discomfort. If liquid drops do not have a satisfactory effect, gels can also be used.These have the advantage that they permanently stabilize the tear film. Make sure that the drops or gels do not contain preservatives, as this can increase the discomfort.

Use eye drops correctly

Before using the drops, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid getting germs in your eyes. To drop, tilt your head back slightly, pull your lower eyelid down a bit, and drip the drop into the conjunctival sac. Make sure that the tip of the drop does not touch the eye. Then close the eye for ten seconds.

7 tips against dry eyes

Dry eyes can have many different causes. Depending on the cause, different tips can help relieve the symptoms:

  1. Ensure that the air humidity is sufficiently high, for example by using a humidifier. Also, treat your eyes regularly fresh air.
  2. Avoid smoke and dust.
  3. Drink at least two liters – preferably water – per day.
  4. Make sure you blink at a sufficiently high rate if you work more often at the computer. Take breaks in which you consciously blink and perform relaxation exercises for the eyes.
  5. Avoid drafts. For example, the ventilation in the car should not be directed head-on to the eyes.
  6. Sleep enough. By lack of sleep worsen the complaints namely usually significantly.
  7. Use low irritation cosmetics.

Tips for contact lens wearers

People who wear contact lenses are better off without the lenses if they have dry eyes, or at least wear them alternately with glasses. To avoid damage to the eye, contact lens wearers should wet the eyes with artificial tears if necessary.

In case of doubt to the doctor

If you suffer from dry eyes for a long time, you should see an ophthalmologist. This is the only way to safely prevent damage to the cornea or conjunctiva. The doctor can determine whether enough tear fluid is being produced. This is done by the so-called Schirmer test, in which a small filter paper strip is placed in the conjunctival sac. He can also use a fluorescent liquid to examine the tear film on the eye more closely. If too little tear fluid is being produced, the doctor will check the composition of the tear fluid, the function of the lacrimal glands, the position of the eyelid and the corneal surface. If there is no disease behind the symptoms, it may be useful to temporarily block the lacrimal glands. This prevents the tear fluid from flowing out of the eye. Consult your ophthalmologist for advice on this.

Background: function of the lacrimal fluid

Several glands are responsible for the production of tear fluid. These are located in the eye socket, in the conjunctiva, at the eyelid margins and under the upper eyelid. The blinking of the eyelid – the eyelid normally opens and closes between 10 and 15 times within one minute – distributes the tear film on the surface of the eye. The tear fluid is gradually removed through small openings on the upper and lower inner edges of the eyelid. Tear fluid has several important functions:

  • Supply of the eye (especially the cornea).
  • Washing out dirt and foreign bodies.
  • Defense against pathogens and germs

Against this background, it is easy to understand that too little tear fluid and resulting dry eyes can lead to discomfort. Eye diseases recognize: These pictures will help!