Dry Eye Treatment And Causes
If you are suffering from dry eye syndrome then your eye problem may be irrefutable. This syndrome is extremely common all over the world, affecting as many as 10 million Americans alone. This condition is also more commonly referred to as “xerophthalmia”, which means “dry eye”. In simple terms, dry eye is caused by the decreased lubrication of the eye balls, reducing its ability to reduce the amount of tears produced, which in turn reduces its moisture. Common causes for this condition include weather conditions, medications, extended eye exposure, and the wearing of contact lenses.
Treatment Dry eye treatment focuses on two main areas: reducing water loss and increasing lubrication. One of the most effective methods of treating dry eye is using eye drops that contain omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids naturally moisturize the eye ball, improving the eye’s ability to retain moisture, as well as decreasing the overall drying effect caused by the conjunctiva. Furthermore, these fatty acids also slow down the progression of the disease. However, depending on its cause, dry eye treatment that includes the use of eye drops can only be effective for some people.
In order for these treatments to be more effective, they must be used on a regular basis. Eye drops are available that can be used once per day or, as a more convenient option, can be taken in conjunction with a daily restarts regimen. Restasis is defined as the gradual decrease of eyelid pressures, which is achieved by allowing the eyes to remain closed for a set period of time. This reduces stress on the eyes as well as relaxing the eyelids, which allows for more moisture to enter the eyeball. It has been found that restarts will work best when it is combined with the use of an eye cream. However, as a dry eye treatment, restasis cannot provide all the moisture that the eyes need, especially when the day’s activities have had a negative impact on the eyes, such as when the eyes are exposed to extreme heat or cold.
For those who still require a dry eye treatment, an artificial tear is an alternative. There are a number of different artificial tears on the market, which can be found in various brands, depending on their ingredients and the cost. However, as most people are more accustomed to the use of artificial tears, they tend to prefer them to the natural option. Those who suffer from chronic ailments, such as diabetes or cataracts, may find that their eye doctor provides them with a specially designed artificial tear, which is easier to apply and more effective than natural tears.
Some dry eyes may also require more invasive treatments, including the implantation of a drainage tube into the ocular cavity, known as the interferential ophthalmic treatment. These procedures involve the insertion of a device known as a microsurgical implant, which drains fluid that causes dryness into the eye. In addition, some doctors recommend laser treatment as an effective treatment for those suffering from severe dry eye syndrome. This procedure involves using a special laser known as an excimer laser, which is able to target the source of irritation in the eyes. However, doctors generally advise patients against undergoing laser treatments as they can cause certain side effects such as dryness, stinging and redness of the eyes.
The most common treatment is the use of artificial tears, although the symptoms experienced can also include inflammation, puffy dark circles under the eyes and night blindness. If one has recurring symptoms, even though they seem to be disappearing, they should consult their eye doctor. Irritated eyes can also make it difficult to fall asleep, as they wake up feeling like they are in the middle of the night, staring. This can result in poor sleep, which can further worsen the symptoms. This can eventually lead to lack of sleep and eventually insomnia, which is known to exacerbate dry eye symptoms.