Help for Gritty Dry Eyes

Living with dry, gritty eyes can be painful and uncomfortable. Lifestyle changes and diet can improve the eyes' production of tears, but often the solution is entwined with finding the root cause, allowing you to address the underlying issue. Pay attention to any other problems that have presented themselves simultaneously and consult a doctor if your conditions worsen or are prolonged.

Why So Dry?

• Causes of dry, gritty eyes are vast. Environment is a major factor. The eyes are only protected from the elements by a thin layer called the cornea. They are highly susceptible to pollutants like cigarette smoke, dust, chemicals and low humidity. Hormonal changes, especially in the female body, can affect the production of tears. Decreased levels of estrogen at the postmenopausal stage can cause dry eyes.

  Diseases such as glaucoma, lupus, and arthritis can be hidden originators for dry eyes. Most autoimmune diseases have this condition as a symptom. Dry eye disease is also diagnosed as an issue that can be treated with the help of a medical professional. Working with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment may address your dry, gritty eye issue.

Help Your Dry Eyes

• There are number of treatments for dry eyes. It is common to administer over-the-counter artificial tears to rehydrate the eyes. If these are ineffective, a doctor will often prescribe a steroid eye drop that is stronger. In extreme cases, a physician will recommend surgery to close the tear duct so the eyes will retain their moisture.

  You are not simply limited to medical treatments. The eyes react to omega-3 taken on a daily basis. Your doctor can suggest the proper dosage. Researchers at Harvard have proven that consuming large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids reduce the instance of dry eyes, reducing the inflammation and enabling eyelid oil glands to produce oil to lubricate the eyes.

  In the winter months, a humidifier can calm the dry, gritty eye by adding extra moisture to the air in your home. Also, shielding your eyes from exposure to the sun, wind, and cold with shades can protect them from these drying natural elements. Avoiding areas that are filled with smoke, pollution and dust saves your eyes from irritation. For those that wear contact lenses, switching to glasses and allowing their eyes to breathe may ease the dryness.

  Understanding the side effects of the medication you are taking is also the key to resolving your dry eye issues. Antihistamines and allergy medication has been know to dry the eyes. Carefully read possible side effects of prescription medication, looking for dry eye as a possible development.