Relief From Chronic Dry Eyes

Dry eyes, or keratitis sicca, occur when the production of tears decreases. The lack of lubrication leaves eyes scratchy or burning. Relief from chronic dry eyes may be obtained by using artificial tear drops or through an insert that provides moisture throughout the day.

Cause of Dry Eyes

• There are a variety of causes for chronic dry eye. Age is a substantial factor, especially for women going through menopause, since the aging process cuts down on tear production through the eye. It may also occur as an effect of medication, especially those used for allergies like antihistamines.

  Dry eyes may be a result of subjecting them to air conditioning or heating, as well as staring at a computer screen for long periods of time. To provide immediate relief from chronic dry eyes as a result of computer strain, look away from the screen many times throughout the day to reduce fatigue and increase moisture production back into the eye.

  Those who wear contact lenses are also prone to chronic dry eye. Those who wear contacts and have dry eye are more prone to rubbing their eyes, and rubbing them worsens the dry eye symptoms.

Treatment for Dry Eye

• While dry eye may not be curable, there are treatments that provide relief from symptoms such as scratchiness, irritation and dryness. Your optometrist may prescribe artificial tears, which will help lubricate the eye through drops placed onto the eyeball throughout the day as needed to relieve dryness.

  Some eye drops, such as Restasis, contain cyclosporine within a castor oil formula to help your eyes produce more tears naturally. Inserts such as Lacrisert, are placed inside the lower eyelid, and is filled with lubrication that is released during the day to provide relief from dry eyes.

  If you wear contact lenses, ask your optometrist before buying any type eye drops as they may not be usable with contacts. Most often, the only relief you may get wearing contact lenses is using the re-wetting drops that provide temporary lubrication to the eye.

  Wear protective sunglasses when going outside into the sun or wind to provide relief for dry eyes, and use a humidifier indoors to add moisture to the room if there is an air conditioner or heater running.