If you have chronic dry eye, you may wonder what you can do to increase tear production and permanently cure your dry eyes. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you can try a few things. Flaxseed oil and fish oil supplements, for example, can help lubricate the eye surface.
You can also try using baby shampoo to clean your eyelids and a humidifier to add moisture to dry air. If these home remedies don’t work, your doctor may prescribe eye drops or ointments. However, there are also many more different ideas to explore.
Ready to learn more about how to cure symptoms of dry eyes? Read on!
Is There A Permanent Cure For Dry Eyes?
There is no cure for dry eyes, but there are treatments that can help to relieve the symptoms. However, the good news is that most dry eye conditions have treatment options that will help the root problem. Therefore, your focus should be more on treating the underlying cause rather than trying to seek a permanent solution.
For starters, primary eye care and dry eye treatment need to be done routinely. You have to start taking the dryness seriously if you want to have a shot at getting your tear film up to optimal levels on the ocular surface and beyond.
Common Causes Of Dry Eye
Dry eye disease is a condition where there are not enough tears to lubricate the eye, or the tears are of poor quality. This can lead to pain, redness, and blurred vision. The cause of dry eye is often unknown, but it can be related to other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea, blepharitis, and Sjogren’s syndrome.
There are several treatments for dry eye, including artificial tears, supplements, humidifiers, and restasis. Severe dry eye conditions may require more invasive treatment and, in some instances, surgery.
Symptoms Of Dry Eye
Dry eyes are a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, and blurred vision. Dry eyes can be caused by various factors, including medications, environmental conditions, and certain medical conditions.
Here is a better look at all the symptoms of dry eyes:
- Redness in the eyes
- Watery eyes
- Fatigued eyes
- The feeling of something stuck in your eyes
- Sensitivity to intense pulsed light
- mucus in or around eyes and lower eyelids
- Eyeball is uncomfortable with contact lenses
- Blurred vision
- Fewer natural tears
- Difficulty driving at night
- General burning, scratchy feeling in your eyes.
Before you assume that you have a particular condition, it is advised to see an ophthalmologist. They will be the best ones to assess what is going on and help you develop the best possible treatment plan. Sometimes, dry eyes are caused by pre-existing health conditions. However, it’s always best to seek a professional opinion and complete an eye exam before looking at treatment options.
How To Treat & Prevent Dry Eye
If you wear contact lenses and suffer from dry eye syndrome, as an example, you may be wondering if there are any special eye drops or ointments that can help. The good news is that several over-the-counter products can provide relief from the symptoms of dry eye.
These include artificial tears, which can help to lubricate the surface of the eye, and warm compresses, which can help to soothe the cornea. If you are concerned about your eye health, check out the top treatments for dry eyes below.
Important: Get A Diagnosis Before Doing Treatment
The first thing you need to do when trying to solve your dry eye problem is to get a complete diagnosis from a certified professional. For example, imagine having a problem with your thyroid gland, causing your dry eyes.
A few different conditions can cause problems in this gland, such as autoimmune diseases, certain blood pressure medications, and meibomian gland dysfunction. Xiidra is a new medication studied for the treatment of thyroid disorders. It works by reducing inflammation and lipid production. Antihistamines may also help treat the symptoms of thyroid disorders.
There is no way to know how to go about getting the best treatment without getting a diagnosis first. Therefore, only consider the following treatment options after seeing a professional first!
1. Dry Eye Mask
If you suffer from dry eyes, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Your eyes may feel gritty, dry, and irritated. You may also experience burning, stinging, or aching. A dry eye mask can help relieve these symptoms by providing moisture and lubrication to your eyes. The mask helps to trap moisture in and around your eyes, which can help to soothe and protect your eyes.
2. Fish Oil
If you suffer from dry eye, you may be interested in learning more about omega-3 fatty acids. These acids are found in fish oil and can be used as a supplement or preservative in tear evaporation. Some studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids can help treat dry eyes by reducing tear evaporation and improving meibomian gland function. There are also some potential side effects associated with Omega-3 fatty acids, so be sure to speak to your doctor for more information.
3. Warm Compresses
Warm compresses can help relieve symptoms of dry eyes by increasing blood flow to the area and helping to break up any blockages in the tear ducts. The increased blood flow can also help to reduce inflammation and pain.
A warm compress is a type of therapeutic heat treatment used to relieve pain and muscle tension. The compress is usually made from a soft, absorbent material heated in water or a microwave. Once it is heated, the compress is applied to the affected area for some time.
4. Humidifier
If you suffer from dry eye symptoms, a humidifier can help by adding moisture to the air. This can help reduce the amount of evaporation that occurs from your tears and help to keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable.
5. Lessening Your Screen Time
Another way to help lessen the symptoms is by reducing your screen time. This means cutting back on the amount of time you spend looking at screens, such as computers, phones, and TVs. When you use screens, take breaks every 20 minutes or so to give your eyes a rest. Also, make sure the lighting in the room isn’t too bright, and try to blink often to keep your eyes lubricated.
In addition, blue light is a type of light that is emitted from screens, such as computers, phones, and TVs. This light can be harmful to your eyes because it can cause eye strain, headaches, and even sleeping problems. Additionally, blue light can also damage your retina over time.
6. Artificial Tears
Artificial tears can be used to treat dry eyes by replenishing the naturally produced tears. This can help relieve the symptoms of dry eyes, such as burning, itching, and redness. Artificial tears can also help protect the eyes from further damage and irritation.
People with conditions that cause dry eyes, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes, may find that artificial tears can help to relieve their symptoms. Artificial tears can also be used short-term to relieve dry eyes caused by environmental factors, such as wind or smoke.
The relief provided by artificial tears typically lasts for a few hours. However, people with chronic dry eyes may need to use artificial tears several times daily to maintain relief.
7. Blinking More Often
The average person blinks about 12 times per minute. Blinking is important because it spreads tears over the eye’s surface and keeps the eye lubricated. Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears. Therefore, blinking is an effective treatment method for dry eye syndrome because it helps to keep the eyes lubricated.
8. Baby Shampoo
If you have dry eyes, you can use baby shampoo to help treat the condition. All you need to do is add a few drops of the shampoo to a cup of warm water and mix it well. Then, use a clean cloth to apply the solution to your eyes. You should do this for at least five minutes each day, or as directed by your doctor.
9. Stay Out Of The Wind
When the wind blows, it can dry out your eyes and make them feel irritated. The tear film is what keeps your eyes lubricated and protected from the outside environment. High winds are most common in desert climates, where the air is dry, and there is little vegetation to block the wind. To avoid being in the wind, you can wear sunglasses or a hat with a brim to protect your eyes. You can also try to stay in sheltered areas, such as near buildings or in forests.
10. Put Cigarettes Down
Cigarettes are bad for your health for many reasons. They can cause lung cancer, heart disease, and other health problems. Cigarettes can also make dry eye syndrome worse. When you don’t produce enough tears and end up with dry eye syndrome, cigarettes might be the culprit.
Cigarettes can make dry eye syndrome worse because they contain chemicals that can irritate your eyes and prevent them from producing tears. This can cause your eyes to feel dry, irritated, and uncomfortable. If you smoke cigarettes, it’s essential to see your doctor if you think you might have dry eye syndrome.
The Bottom Line
There are several different treatments for dry eyes, which an eye doctor or optometrist can determine. Some common treatments include artificial tears, gels, ointments, and the options listed above. Home remedies can also be used, such as increasing the humidity in your home by using a humidifier. In some cases, tear ducts may need to be cleared, or oil glands must be treated. Punctal plugs may also be used.
In our opinion, a great way to get started with treatment in a safe and non-invasive manner is by using a dry eye mask!
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we have covered the main treatment options for dry eyes, let’s break down some of the common questions people have. Here are some of the top questions we receive about dry eye treatment, dry eyes, and the process for getting relief of your symptoms.
Can dry eyes be cured naturally?
Dry eye symptoms can be treated naturally, but they cannot be cured completely. You can do several things to treat dry eyes, including using artificial tears, increasing your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids, and other options listed above.
Typically dry eyes can be treated naturally using artificial tears or gels to lubricate the eyes, using a humidifier to keep the air moist, a dry eye mask, and avoiding smoke and windy conditions. In addition, prescription eye drops are another excellent option to check out if you notice that standard eye drops are not giving you the complete desired relief.
What is the best remedy for dry eyes?
A dry eye mask is the best remedy for dry eyes because it is a simple and easy way to provide relief. The mask helps to retain moisture and protect the eyes from further irritation. Here at Dry Eye Mask, we have the ultimate solution for you.
A dry eye mask helps to keep your eyes hydrated and free from dryness. It can be used to help with conditions such as blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and dry eye syndrome. The mask works by providing a barrier between your eyes and the outside environment, allowing your tears to evaporate less and keeping your eyes lubricated.
How can I increase eye lubrication?
There are a few things you can do to increase eye lubrication:
- Use artificial tears. This is a safe and effective way to add moisture to your eyes.
- Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. This can be done by eating more fish, nuts, and seeds.
- Drink more water. This will help to keep your whole body hydrated, including your eyes.
- Blink more often. This simple act can help to spread tears over the surface of your eyes.
- Use a dry eye mask. This is an affordable yet simple way to increase eye lubrication and get your symptoms in check.
In any case, the best thing you can do is get the opinion of a medical professional. They will be the ones who can best diagnose what is going on and help you develop the best treatment plan.
How long can dry eye last?
Dry eye symptoms can last for a while because the eye constantly produces tears, and the tears are continually evaporating. The evaporation of tears causes the eye to become dry and irritated. The dryness and irritation can cause the eye to produce more tears, leading to a vicious cycle of dryness and irritation.
The cycle can last for weeks or even months. There are a few things you can do to minimize the length of dry eye symptoms. Avoid activities that will cause your eyes to dry out, such as spending time in front of a computer screen or a dry, dusty environment.
If you can, increase the humidity in your home or office. Use artificial tears or ointments to keep your eyes lubricated, and take breaks often to give your eyes a rest. If your symptoms are severe, you may need to see a doctor for more treatment options.
Do dry eyes cause blurry vision?
If you suffer from dry eyes, you may experience blurry vision. This is because your tears cannot lubricate your eyes properly, causing the surface of your eyes to become irritated. You may also experience symptoms such as redness, itching, and burning.
There are several things you can do to help relieve your symptoms, including using artificial tears, wearing sunglasses, and avoiding smoke and wind. If your symptoms persist, you should see an eye doctor. Generally, blurry vision and symptoms of dry eyes are something to take very seriously.
Is steam good for dry eyes?
There is no definitive answer to whether or not steam is good for treating dry eyes. It does, however, mimic some of the therapeutic benefits that you can get with warm compresses. Some people find that the moisture from steam can help soothe and lubricate the eyes, while others find that it can worsen their dry eye symptoms.
If you have dry eyes, it is best to experiment with different treatments to see what works best for you. However, don’t try using steam unless specifically directed to by your ophthalmologist.
There are also a number of things you can do to help relieve your dry eye symptoms, such as using artificial tears, avoiding smoke and wind, and protecting your eyes from the sun. These should be tried out first.
Ready to get your dry eyes under control?
If you want to start getting your dry eye symptoms under control, we are here to help. Here at Dry Eye Mask, we are experts at dry eye symptoms and know what it takes to start getting your condition under control. As we mentioned, the first thing that you should do is go see an eye doctor to find out exactly what is causing your symptoms.
Once you know what is causing the problem, you might receive a recommendation to start using a dry eye mask. If this is the case, we invite you to check out our professional-designed dry eye mask, which has been proven to be effective against dry eye problems.
