Dry eyes are a common eye concern that affects numerous people. Although it may seem trivial in the beginning, it can get severe with time and become a hindrance to clear vision. People with dry eyes experience redness, inflammation, swelling, and blurred vision, which affect their overall productivity and quality of life.

Hence, there is a need to understand the symptoms of dry eyes. This will help you diagnose your condition early on and take measures to control these symptoms. There are numerous treatment options for dry eyes, and they vary depending on the cause of dry eyes.

Let us discuss dry eyes, their symptoms, and treatment options in detail.

• What are dry eyes?

Our eyes are naturally covered with a thin layer of the tear film, which provides them with moisture and lubrication. The tear film contains:

• tear/water that consistently provides moisture to the eyes

• the oil that prevents evaporation of water and also provides lubrication

• Mucus for even spread of the fluid on the eyeball

• Antibodies and special proteins to prevent eye infection.

However, due to various conditions, the eyes may fail to produce enough fluid, or the tears may evaporate quickly leaving dry patches on the eyes. this points towards a deficiency in your tear system or a blockage in glands. Dry eyes can be extremely uncomfortable. Hence it should be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

• What are the symptoms of dry eyes?

The symptoms of dry eyes vary from person to person. Also, the severity of these symptoms is different for each patient. Some of the symptoms of dry eyes include –

• Itchiness and dryness

• Watery eyes

• Sore eyes

• Eye fatigue

• Inflammation

• Blurred vision

• Photophobia

If you experience any of the above symptoms it can prompt dry eyes or other eye conditions.

• What are some of the treatment options for dry eyes?

The treatments for dry eyes depend on the underlying cause and symptoms. Some of the treatment options that you can choose are mentioned below.

Eye drops

One of the most common treatments for dry eyes is eye drops. They provide the eyes with moisture and lubrication. These drops are available on a prescription basis as well as over-the-counter.

Some eye drops contain antibiotics and also help in removing cornea inflammation. Also, eye drops can be obtained from your blood and plasma. It imitates the natural tears and helps in treating severe cases of dry eyes.

Artificial tears

Artificial tears are the most commonly prescribes medication for dry eyes. it supports a malfunctioning tear system and adds moisture to your eyes. Your doctor may prescribe artificial tears that need to be applied every three to four hours.

Also, there are eye inserts that serve the same purpose as artificial tears. The insert is placed over the eyeballs near the lower eyelid. The insert dissolves and adds moisture to the eyes.

Warm compresses

Another suitable treatment for dry eyes includes warm compresses. Applying heat to the area can help in reducing soreness. Also, warm compresses can remove any blockages in the tear gland. This stimulates tear production and adds natural oils to keep prevent the tears from evaporating.

You can provide warm compresses to your eyes with a washcloth soaked in warm water. Also, you can purchase self-heating pads for your eyes.

Tear inducing medicines

Some medicines help in increasing the production of tears. These medications are available in the form of pills, eye drops, and ointments. They restore the natural tear film of the eye by addressing the underlying cause of the dry eyes.

Light therapy and eyelid massage

Intense pulsed light therapy can help the patient with an extreme dry eye condition. The in-office procedure is followed by eyelid massages. Hence, a combination of heat and pressure is used to unblock tear glands and stimulate the production of tears.

These are some of the treatments for dry eyes. Now that you are well- aware of them, you can choose one that fits your requirements.