What is dry eye
Dry eye is a condition in which an individual cannot produce enough tears to lubricate or nourish the eyes. This condition is also referred to as dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis.
The eye always needs a layer of tears covering it to keep it moist and to avoid entry of dust, allergens and other irritants. A deficiency in this layer can lead to dry eyes and irritation in the eyes of the affected person.
Causes of dry eyes
The most common cause of dry eye syndrome is not having enough tears to lubricate the eyeballs. It can also be caused by medical conditions, environmental factors, and even certain medications, such as:
- antihistamines
- Nasal decongestants
- Medicines to lower blood pressure
- Hormonal therapy and oral contraceptives
- Acne medication
- Antidepressants/antipsychotics
- Medications for Parkinson's disease.
The best way to get rid of dry eyes
Washing the eyelids and eyelashes
When washing the face, pay close attention to the eyelids and eyelashes. Use warm water or a preservative-free eyelid cleanser to gently clean the upper and lower eyelids. Pay special attention to areas with makeup or face creams that can get into the tear film and may irritate the eyes.
This can be followed up with a mask or a warm wet washcloth that I use as a poultice to help the eyes restore moisture.
Rest the eyes
Constant contact can contribute to dry eyes, and the light from your computer screen , smartphone, and TV can be irritating. Decreased blinking rate or incomplete blinking can also contribute to dry eyes.
According to the National Institutes of Health, several studies show that computer users sometimes have a decreased blink rate, which may contribute to dry eye syndrome.
Another study says that passive blinking where the upper eyelid does not completely cover the surface of the cornea can obstruct the layer of fluids designed to nourish and lubricate the eye, and this layer of lipids may evaporate completely due to passive blinking.
Regular computer breaks should be taken to rest the eyes and avoid eye strain associated with electronic devices.
Quit Smoking
Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals that can irritate the eyes. In fact, smokers' risk of developing dry eyes doubles.
Smoking can also change the composition of your tears, which can lead to more dry eye symptoms. Obviously, smoking and eye health don't mix.
If you smoke, consider quitting. If you don't smoke, try to avoid environments with heavy smoking.
Drink more water
It is not surprising that drinking water is good for the eyes. This water lubricates the eyes, allowing them to produce tears, focus and everything they do. Without proper hydration, the eyes cannot remove debris, blink comfortably, or even see without strain. Drink 8 to 8 10 glasses of water daily.
Get more sleep
A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health says that lack of sleep robs the eyes of tears, and this is enough to cause more problems for those who suffer from dry eyes.
Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night. If you're having trouble sleeping, you can:
- Changing your daily routine, such as exercising in the morning instead of in the evening.
- Create a comfortable sleeping environment, preferably dark and quiet.
- Establish a bedtime routine and go to bed at the same time each night.
way to reduce eye irritation
Here are some ways to reduce eye irritation:
- Use a cool mist humidifier.
- Avoid dry air or blowing, as air conditioning can irritate the eyes.
- Use filters to block out pollutants and allergens.
- Keep windows closed.
Treating dry eyes with olive oil
There is a study conducted that confirmed that the effect of consuming olive oil on dry eyes is not significant, but there are some opinions proving that using olive oil in massaging the eyelids reduces dry eyes, because olive oil contains fatty acids such as oleic acid and linoleic acid, and it also displays anti-inflammatory properties. It is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and thus may help moisturize and replenish lost moisture in the eye and reduce irritation and inflammation. Olive oil can be used in the following way:
- Take a few drops of extra virgin olive oil on your fingertips.
- Gently massage it on closed eyelids and cover them with your hands for a few minutes.
- Do not wash off the oil, let your skin absorb it naturally.
