** Our eyes need tears to stay healthy and comfortable, If your eyes do not produce enough tears, this condition is called dry eye. Dry eye also occurs when your eyes do not produce the right type of tears or tear film.**
**How do tears work?**
When you blink, a layer of tears spreads across the surface of the eye. This keeps the eye’s surface smooth and clear. The tear layer is essential for good vision.
The tear layer is composed of three layers
Each layer of the tear film serves a specific purpose, such as preventing tears from evaporating too quickly, cleaning the eye, and keeping it moisturized.
Normally, our eyes produce tears continuously to stay moisturized. If our eyes are irritated or if we cry, our eyes produce more tears. However, sometimes the eye does not produce enough tears, or something affects one or more layers of the tear film. In such cases, we end up with dry eye.
**How do I know if I have dry eye?
Here are some symptoms of dry eye:
- You feel like your eyes hurt with a stinging sensation.
- Blurry vision, especially while reading.
- A rough or gritty feeling, as if something is in your eye.
- Stringy discharge in or around your eyes.
- Red or irritated eyes, especially in windy conditions or near cigarette smoke.
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses.
- Excessive tearing in your eyes.
Having excessive tears with dry eye may seem odd, but your eyes produce more tears when they are irritated by dryness.
**What are the main causes of dry eye?**
People tend to produce fewer tears as they age, but there are other causes of dry eye:
- Blepharitis (when the eyelids are swollen).
- Entropion (when the eyelids turn inward); ectropion (when the eyelids turn outward).
- Being in a smoky, windy, or very dry environment.
- Prolonged computer use, reading, or other activities that reduce blinking.
- Extended use of contact lenses.
- Undergoing vision correction surgery, such as LASIK.
Taking certain medications, such as:
◦ High blood pressure medications.
◦ Allergy medications (antihistamines).
Certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
It is important to inform your eye doctor about all the medications you take, whether prescribed or over-the-counter.
**How is dry eye diagnosed?**
The eye doctor will start by examining your eyes. They will check your eyelids and the surface of your eyes. They will also assess how you blink.
There are several tests that help diagnose dry eye. The eye doctor may perform a test to measure the quality or thickness of your tears. They may also measure how quickly your eyes produce tears.
**Does dry eye go away?**
**Treating dry eye with artificial tears**
Your eye doctor may recommend using artificial tears. These are eye drops that mimic your natural tears. You can use them whenever needed, and they are available over the counter. There are many brands available.
If you use artificial tears more than six times a day or are sensitive to preservatives, you should use preservative-free drops. This is because drops containing preservatives may irritate your eyes.
**Stopping dry eye by preserving tears**
Your eye doctor may suggest blocking your tear ducts. This keeps your natural tears in your eyes longer. These plugs can be removed later if necessary. The doctor might also recommend surgery to permanently close the tear ducts.
**Stopping dry eye by increasing tear production**
Your eye doctor might prescribe medicated eye drops that help your eyes produce more natural tears.
**Treating the causes of dry eye**
If your eyes are irritated, the eye doctor can address these problems. They may recommend:
- Prescription eye drops or ointments
- Warm compresses on the eyes
- Special eyelid cleansers
- Using light therapy and eyelid massage
A technique called intense pulsed light therapy, followed by eyelid massage, may help individuals with severe dry eye.
**Prevention**
If you have dry eye, be mindful of situations that may trigger your symptoms. For example:
- Avoid directing hairdryers, heaters, air conditioners, or fans toward your eyes.
- Add moisture to the air. In winter, a humidifier can help add moisture to the dry indoor air.
- Wear protective sunglasses.
- Take eye breaks during long tasks. If you are reading or doing a visually intensive task, take regular breaks and close your eyes for a few minutes.
- Be aware of your environment. Air at high altitudes, in deserts, and on airplanes can be very dry. When spending time in such environments, it may help to close your eyes for a few minutes.
- Position your computer screen below eye level. This may slow the evaporation of your tears between blinks.
- Quit smoking and avoid smoke.
- Use artificial tears regularly. If you have chronic dry eye, use eye drops even when your eyes feel fine to keep them well-lubricated.
**When should you see a doctor?**
See your eye doctor if you experience signs and symptoms of dry eye for an extended period, including redness, irritation, fatigue, or pain in the eyes. The doctor can take steps to identify what is causing your eye problem
