Do you have tired, fatigued or dry eyes? The eyes use over 80% of a person's total energy. When they report a problem, even more is used for good functionality. Dry eye is therefore a disorder that can consume the energy produced by the body. Furthermore, it can be a symptom of various pathologies. Determine the cause and provide the right nutrients to the eyes. You will soon notice that the dryness will disappear and you will regain the lost energy.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Treating Dry Eye
Step 1. Try to understand why tears are important
Not only do they create optimal hydration, they also perform other important functions. In fact, they provide essential electrolytes. Plus, they contain antibacterial enzymes and proteins that keep eyes healthy. Tears quickly coat the entire eye to moisturize and nourish it evenly.
A problem with tearing can disturb the entire eye. There are potentially many reasons, but you can try different treatments
Step 2. Use artificial tears
This product was designed simply to lubricate dry eyes and keep them hydrated on the outer surface. They don't necessarily address the real cause of dryness. Instead, they relieve the symptoms of the disorder. Some artificial tears contain preservatives that can irritate the eyes if they are used more than 4 times a day. If you need them more often throughout the day, look for preservative-free eye drops.
Trial is usually the only way to find the right brand of artificial tear for your type of dryness. In some cases, a combination of several products may also be required. There is a wide range of over-the-counter eye drops
Step 3. Try medicated eye drops
Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose is the most popular active ingredient to treat dryness and ocular irritation, followed closely by carboxymethylcellulose. These ingredients are incorporated into artificial tears as they have a lubricating function and can be found in many over-the-counter eye drops. You can also look for antibiotic ophthalmic ointments based on tetracyclines, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol. They are useful in case of swollen eyelids.
Step 4. Book an eye examination
If you've tried over-the-counter or prescription eye drops but still suffer from severe dry eyes, see your eye doctor. Once the specialist has determined the cause of the disorder, he will prescribe other treatments.
If you experience pain and discomfort such as itching, burning or blurred vision, consult your eye doctor
Step 5. Use eye ointment
The specialist may prescribe this drug for you. Unlike artificial tears, which treat the symptoms of dryness, ointments are medicated to act on the cause of the disorder.
Ophthalmic ointments can also give you relief thanks to their lubricating action. They are useful for extended periods, when you cannot apply artificial tears (for example, while you are sleeping)
Step 6. If necessary, undergo surgery to place a punctum plug in the tear duct
In fact, you may need more permanent or invasive treatment. Your doctor may suggest that you insert devices into the tear ducts; these block the drainage of tears so that the eyes maintain good lubrication.
These plugs retain the natural and artificial tears you apply
Step 7. Cauterize the tear ducts
If a punctum plug has been applied to your tear ducts but you still have severe dry eyes, your specialist may suggest that you cauterize them. Once your ophthalmologist approves the surgery, you will need to undergo some tests and the operation.
Remember that the results of the surgery may fade over time. At that point, you would need to repeat the operation or choose another technique to treat the eyes again. Cauterization of the tear ducts is a reversible procedure
Part 2 of 2: Preventing Dry Eye
Step 1. Prevent the water from evaporating from the eyes
Dry eye cannot be completely cured, but there are some preventative methods that can make the treatment more effective. Just like any other type of liquid, tears also evaporate when exposed to air. Here's how to keep your eyes hydrated:
- Do not expose them directly to air (for example, to car heating, hair dryer and air conditioning).
- At home, keep the room humid, with a humidity level between 30 and 50%.
- In the winter, use a humidifier to keep the air from getting too dry in your home.
Step 2. Put on your glasses
When you go out during the day, put your sunglasses on. If you plan to swim, use goggles. You can also get a prescription for wet chamber glasses, which promote hydration around the eyes.
Step 3. Don't irritate your eyes
Avoid smoking, as smoking can dry them quickly and cause many other health problems. Also, don't rub your eyes. This prevents the passage of bacteria from the fingers and nails to the eye area.
Step 4. Hydrate your eyes
Use artificial tears and drops to keep them lubricated and hydrated. You can also use ointments, which last longer than eye drops. In any case, they can dirty the eyes due to their viscous consistency and cloud the vision. You should only apply them before going to sleep.
To prevent dry eyes, apply the drops before engaging in eye-intensive activities, not afterwards. Try blinking often. This helps to spread the tears or drops more evenly
Step 5. Reduce the salt in your diet
Dry eyes can be caused by excessive salt consumption. You can easily check if this is the case, especially when you wake up at night to go to the bathroom. If you have dry eyes, drink about 350ml of water. See if this gives you immediate eye relief. If so, reduce the amount of salt in your diet and maintain optimal hydration.
