Introduction:

Are your eyes feeling red, watery, or constantly irritated? You might be experiencing Dry Eye Syndrome. While it may seem like a minor issue, the discomfort it causes can be quite disruptive. 

In this guide, we’ll break down what Dry Eye Syndrome is, explore its causes, and show you how to manage it effectively with the right eye care products, all conveniently available from an online pharmacist.

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

Tears are crucial for keeping your eyes lubricated and protecting them from dust and infections. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right kind of tears to stay moist, they  feel dry, itchy, or gritty.

Our tear film is a thin layer of tears that covers the eye. It plays a key role in eye health. This film is made up of three layers:

  1. Oily Layer: The outer layer, produced by the meibomian glands, smooths the surface of the tears and prevents them from drying out too quickly.
  2. Watery Layer: The middle layer, produced by the lacrimal glands, is mostly what we see as tears. It helps wash away particles and keeps the eye clean.
  3. Mucus Layer: The inner layer, produced by the conjunctiva, helps spread the watery layer evenly across the eye and keeps it moist.

Normally, our eyes constantly produce tears to stay moist. However, if one or more layers of the tear film are affected, it can lead to dry eyes.

Dry Eye Syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t stay moist enough. In other words, it occurs if tear production decreases or if tears evaporate too quickly. 

Symptoms to Watch For

Dry Eye Syndrome can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, 

  • A persistent stinging or burning sensation in your eyes.
  • Difficulty seeing clearly, especially when reading or driving at night.
  • A sensation like something is stuck in your eye.
  • Strings of mucus in or around your eyes.
  • Eyes that are red and irritated, particularly in the wind or near smoke.
  • Pain or difficulty wearing contact lenses.
  • Increased sensitivity to bright lights.
  • Blurred vision or tired eyes from straining to see clearly.
  • Water eyes happen when excessive tearing runs down your cheeks. 

This happens because your meibomian glands aren’t producing enough oil, causing the watery layer of your tear film to evaporate too quickly. Your lacrimal glands then produce more tears to compensate, but these tears can’t properly coat your eye and relieve dryness.

Excessive tearing might seem odd, but it’s a common reaction to dry eyes as your body tries to soothe the irritation.

Common Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

Common Causes of Dry Eye

  • Aging: Hormonal changes with age can reduce tear production, making dry eyes more common, especially in women after menopause.
  • Medical Conditions: Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, thyroid disease, and lupus can impact tear production. Conditions like blepharitis (swollen or red eyelids), entropion (inward-turning eyelids), and ectropion (outward-turning eyelids) can also contribute to dry eye.
  • Environmental Factors: Exposure to smoke, wind, or dry climates can dry out your eyes. Air conditioning and heating can also reduce humidity, further drying out the air and your eyes. Additionally, traveling by plane or in open vehicles exposes your eyes to dry, moving air.
  • Contact Lenses: Extended use of contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
  • Refractive Eye Surgery: Procedures like LASIK or cataract surgery can increase the risk of dry eyes.
  • Medications: Certain drugs can reduce tear production. These include drugs for depression, anxiety, allergies, blood pressure, heart issues, glaucoma, menopause, and pain. Specifically, anticholinergics, oral contraceptives, heartburn medication, and systemic retinoids can also contribute to dry eye symptoms.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, and allergies can raise your risk of dry eyes. Spending long hours on screens, reading, and other activities that reduce blinking can lead to dryness.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, be sure to inform your ophthalmologist about all your medications and lifestyle factors that might contribute to dry eye.

How to Treat Dry Eye Syndrome?

Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter eye drops such as clinitas eye drops for online chemists can keep your eyes lubricated. If you need to use them more than six times a day or have preservative allergies, choose preservative-free options. 

Consult a Doctor: If symptoms persist, see an eye specialist. They might recommend the following treatment

  • Inserting tiny silicone or gel plugs into tear ducts or surgery to close them permanently.
  • Prescription eye drops to stimulate tear production.
  • Specially designed contact lenses to protect the eye surface and retain moisture.
  • Daily warm compresses for eye masks to unblock oil glands; thermal pulsation devices for stubborn blockages.
  • Intense-pulsed light therapy followed by eyelid massage for severe dry eyes.

These treatments can help ease your symptoms and improve comfort.

Preventing Dry Eye Syndrome

Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s how you can help prevent Dry Eye Syndrome:

  • Use Artificial Tears: Regular use of over-the-counter eye drops can keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable.
  • Take Regular Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Also, while reading or using screens, try to remember to blink often to help your tear production.
  • Maintain Good Hygiene: Keep your eyes clean and avoid touching them with dirty hands. 
  • Adjust Your Environment: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and avoid sitting directly in front of air conditioners or heaters. In the winter, you can also put a pan of water near your heater or radiator to add moisture.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which helps maintain eye moisture.
  • Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from wind and sun with sunglasses, especially when outdoors.
  • Use Eye Drops: To keep your eyes clear and bright, use eye drops available through online chemists, especially as you age or if you spend long hours on screens.
  • Avoid Heat Exposure: Try not to use a hair dryer, and stay away from very warm rooms to prevent drying out your eyes. Avoid smoking.
  • Consult a Doctor: If symptoms persist, seek advice from an eye specialist for personalized treatment options.

How to Diagnose Dry Eye Syndrome

Diagnosing Dry Eye Syndrome typically begins with your doctor discussing your symptoms, reviewing your health history, and inquiring about any medications you’re taking. This is followed by a thorough eye examination to check for signs of dryness and irritation.

After the initial assessment, your doctor may perform specific tests to evaluate tear production and quality:

Tear Production Tests:

  • Schirmer’s Test: Measures tear production using paper strips placed under your eyelids.
  • Tear Breakup Time (TBUT): Assesses how long tears remain on your eye before breaking up.

Tear Quality Tests:

  • Fluorescein Staining: A dye is used to highlight dryness or damage on the cornea.
  • Lissamine Green Staining: Another dye is used to detect damage to the conjunctiva.
  • Tear Film Assessment: This measures the thickness and quality of your tear film.

Manage Your Dry Eye Symptoms Better Through Online Pharmacist UK.

Manage Dry Eye Symptoms Better Through Online Pharmacist

Dry eye is a chronic condition that not only causes discomfort but can also affect your vision and quality of life. However, understanding the condition and taking simple eye care steps can make a significant difference.

Proper diagnosis is essential in effectively managing Dry Eye Syndrome. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, it’s important to consult an eye specialist who can recommend the best course of treatment tailored to your needs. Additionally, consider using a reliable UK pharmacy to conveniently buy eye care medicine online and other products that support your treatment plan.