Dry Eye Pain

Dry eye pain can be a chronic condition because of the lack of lubrication or moisture, which can cause inflammation. Many who suffer from dry eyes have an itchy or burning feeling in the eyes. Dry eyes can also create the feeling like there is something in the eye. Tears help to filter out debris and microorganisms in the eye. Tears are necessary to maintain optimum health for the eye.

Dry Eye Pain Symptoms

• Dry eye pain is a condition that is often marked by dryness, a scratching feeling and burning. Dry eyes normally means that there is an abnormalities in the tear layer of the eye and can even present by having watery eyes. Dry eye pain can be intense, especially since the cornea has the highest number of nerve endings anywhere in the body. Those with dry eyes may often wake with a severe pain as though there is something in the eye. If dry eye pain goes untreated, it can often cause inflammation of the cornea and a severe sensitivity to light can occur along with blurry vision.

Dry Eye Pain Causes

• If a person has dry eye pain, the eye is no longer producing tears or they are evaporating quickly. There are many reasons this might occur, including aging, change in hormone levels, medications such as allergy medication and blood pressure medication, and birth controls. Heating, air conditioning and exterior climate can also affect how the eye produces tears as those living in dry, dusty, and windy climates are where dry eye syndrome is more prevalent. Those who work at a computer all day may not blink as often as they should, causing tear production to decrease and the eye to dry out. Health problems, such as lupus, arthritis, rosacia and Sjogren's syndrome are rheumatoid conditions that have effects such as dry mouth and dry eyes.

Chronic Dry Eye Pain

• Dry eye pain can become chronic and often becomes severe or debilitating. It is important to learn how to manage flair ups and reduce the pain so that you can be comfortable. Depending on the type of eye drops you have, it may help them to be more soothing if they are refrigerated. It is important to check on the instructions or prescription information first, as some cannot be refrigerated. Eye ice packs or warm compresses may be helpful in soothing the pain. Eyewear can also help to reduce the amount of sun, wind or other elements affecting your eyes and reduce not only the wear on your eyes, but also the pain.

Dry Eye Pain and Eye Drops

• If you suspect that you have dry eyes, see an optometrist and opthamologist who treats dry eyes. An eye doctor will probably first recommend the use of a nighttime lubricant or eye drops, such as restasis eye drops or castor oil drops to improve the moisture of the eye. Castor oil drops can be used one to four times daily, with one drop in each affected eye. Irritation from dry eyes can normally be reduced within a few weeks. Custom castor oil drops are also available at LeiterRx.com and ApothecareOpthalmic.

Dry Eye Pain and Tear Duct Inserts

• The long-term use of artificial tears can be frustrating when needed several times a day. There is an option that will make eye lubrication more simple and effective. Lacrisert is a dry eye pain treatment option that includes an insert filled with lubrication that is then inserted into the tear duct. This system provides lubrication and ongoing moisture for the eye as a tear would do if functioning properly. Inserts placed in the eye in the morning dissolve throughout the day to provide relief.