Dry Eyes: Are They Permanent?

Almost 16 million Americans have dry eyes. This common eye condition occurs when the eyes don’t produce sufficient tears to remain lubricated and nourished. People who have it might experience discomfort and some vision problems. 

A common question patients ask about dry eyes is if the condition is permanent. Discover the answer from your local optician. 

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Tears are vital in keeping your eyes healthy and maintaining good vision. They lubricate your eyes and help focus light, allowing you to see clearly. Another thing tears do is flush out harmful bacteria and foreign materials from your eyes, preventing irritation and infections. 

The glands above your eyes are responsible for creating tears. Whenever you blink, a tear film coats the cornea’s surface. You can develop dry eyes if your eyes don’t generate adequate tears. As you age, your risk of getting this eye condition increases. It’s because your tear production declines as you get older. 

 

Lupus, Graves’ disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and other health conditions can contribute to the development of dry eyes. Women might experience dry eye symptoms during pregnancy and following menopause. Prolonged screen time, contact lens wear and certain medications can also heighten the risk of this eye condition. 

What Are Its Symptoms?

Redness, itching and light sensitivity are common symptoms of dry eyes. If you have this eye condition, you might feel like there’s something stuck in your eyes. You might also experience a burning or stinging sensation. Ironically, dry eyes can sometimes cause the eyes to water excessively due to the overproduction of low-quality tears.

If you are suffering from dry eye symptoms, it’s best to consult your eye doctor. During your eye exam, they might assess the amount of tears your eyes produce and how quickly the tears evaporate. Your specialist might also examine your eyelids’ structure to determine if you have dry eyes. 

Are Dry Eyes Permanent?

Dry eyes tend to improve on their own if caused by environmental factors. For instance, you might get temporary dry eye symptoms during certain times of the year, such as summer and winter. When you use your smart devices for too long, your eyes could dry out. It’s because you tend to blink less in front of digital screens.

If you wear your contact lenses for too long or incorrectly, you might feel dryness in your eyes. Contacts can limit the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes. Are you taking medicines that can cause dry eyes? If so, your symptoms will go away once you stop taking the medication. 

Moreover, dry eyes could be a chronic condition for some individuals. Treatment may improve symptoms but won’t cause them to disappear completely. People with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Sjögren’s disease are at a higher risk of developing chronic dry eyes. 

How Are Dry Eyes Treated?

Artificial Tears

Your eye doctor might recommend over-the-counter eye drops or artificial tears if you have mild dry eyes. A prescription isn’t necessary to purchase these eye drops. Some over-the-counter gels and ointments can also improve dry eye symptoms. 

Prescription Medications  

Cholinergics are among the most common medications that doctors prescribe to people with dry eyes. They increase the eye’s tear production and exist in the form of eye drops, gels and pills. If your doctor discovers inflammation along the edge of your eyelids, they might recommend oral or topical antibiotics. Prescription eye drops with immune-suppressing cyclosporine or corticosteroids can be used to treat corneal inflammation-related dry eyes. 

Punctal Plugs

Tears drain from your eyes through tiny holes in your lids called puncta. Punctual plugs are minuscule devices placed in the tear ducts to keep tears from escaping the eye. They can keep the surfaces of the eyes lubricated and comfortable. When used correctly, it can alleviate eye redness, itching and burning. 

What Can You Do to Get Relief From Dry Eyes?

Take Breaks from Screens

Does your job involve facing digital screens throughout the day? Giving your eyes regular breaks can help you avoid dry eye symptoms. Consider following the 20-20-20 rule. It’s where you look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. 

Blink More

Blinking coats your eyes with tears, helping them stay lubricated. It’s something you can easily forget when doing focus-heavy tasks like using a computer. The American Optometric Association (AOA) strongly encourages everyone to blink more to keep the eyes healthy and moisturized. 

Use a Humidifier

Do you live in a dry climate? If so, you might benefit from using a humidifier. It can help maintain healthy moisture levels in your living space and prevent your eyes from drying. 

Eat Nourishing Meals and Drink Plenty of Water

Consuming foods high in vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids can benefit your eyes’ oil glands and keep tears from drying out too fast. It also helps to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. The most important part of the tear film is the aqueous layer, which primarily contains water. 

Get Enough Sleep

Sufficient sleep is necessary to regulate your metabolism and keep different parts of your body healthy, including your eyes. When you don’t get enough sleep, you might notice that your eyes are puffy or have dark circles around them. These aren’t the only consequences of not having a good night’s sleep. Your eyes’ tear production could suffer due to lack of sleep. As a result, you may experience light sensitivity, blurred vision and other dry eye symptoms. 

Schedule Routine Eye Exams

Regularly scheduling an eye examination goes a long way in maintaining good eye health and preserving vision. It can help in the early detection and treatment of different eye conditions, including dry eyes. If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, let your eye doctor know. They can identify the cause of the problem and recommend the most suitable treatment for you.