Dry eye syndrome is characterized by decreased tear production, which leaves the eye a little drier than normal, and also reddish and irritated, with the feeling that there is a foreign body in the eye like a speck or small particles of dust.
Increased sensitivity to sunlight is also a common feature in people who have this syndrome, which can occur at any stage of life, although it is more frequent after the age of 40, especially affecting people who work hours in front of the computer and that is why they tend to blink less eyes. See more symptoms by clicking here.
The sensation of dry eyes on waking is not usually related to this syndrome, but the lack of water in the body and to avoid this discomfort in the morning is advised to take 1 glass of water before going to sleep and avoid excess salt.
This syndrome has a cure, but the individual must make the treatment, indicated by the ophthalmologist, rigorously, and have some care during the day to prevent the symptom from appearing again.
Common Causes
Causes of dry eye syndrome include:
- Work in very dry places, with air conditioning or wind;
- Use of allergy or cold remedies and also contraceptive pills that may have as a side effect the reduction of tear production;
- Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis or blepharitis;
- Constant and incorrect use of contact lenses.
A very common cause of dry eye is prolonged exposure to the sun and wind, which is very common when going to the beach and so it is important to wear a good sunglasses, which has UVA and UVB filter to protect the eyes of the harmful effects of the sun and also of the wind, which can worsen dry eyes.
How to treat
The treatment for dry eye can be done at home with the use of artificial tear or eye drops, such as Teuto or Moura Brazil, which help prevent dry eyes and decrease this discomfort. See the names of other eye drops by clicking here.
Two to three drops of eye drops should be applied to each eye several times a day, depending on the person's need, but it is important that the eye drops are indicated by your ophthalmologist to avoid complications due to incorrect use of this medication.
Putting cold compresses on the eyes before bedtime can also help relieve this discomfort because it helps to lubricate the eyes quickly, at a low cost.
However, if there is no improvement in symptoms, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist to start the appropriate treatment, since the treatment also depends on the cause.
During treatment, you should spend little time in front of the television, avoid using allergy medicines or go in dry places and especially with a lot of smoke, which is common in a party or barbecue day, for example. See other daily care you should have by clicking here.
Dry eye may arise in pregnancy
Dry eye can arise in pregnancy is a very frequent and normal symptom that happens due to the hormonal changes that the woman goes through during pregnancy. Usually, this symptom disappears after the baby is born, but to reduce the discomfort the pregnant woman should use a suitable eyewash for pregnancy, which should be indicated by her doctor.
