Causes and Prevention of Dry Eye - Şanlıurfa | Health Guide

Introduction

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when the surface of the eye is not kept sufficiently moist. Tears form a thin layer that protects and nourishes the surface of the eye; when the amount of tears decreases or their composition is disrupted, the eye starts to feel uncomfortable. Dry eye usually shows itself with stinging, burning, itching and redness, and in some people it can temporarily blur vision. In this article, we look at the causes and symptoms of dry eye and the steps you can take in daily life.

Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye usually develops when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. The most common causes are:

Age: Tear production may decrease with age. Dry eye is more common in older people.
Eyelid gland dysfunction: Small glands along the edge of the eyelids produce the oily layer that keeps tears from evaporating. When these glands become blocked or do not work properly, tears evaporate quickly and dryness develops. Inflammation of the eyelid margins (blepharitis) may accompany this condition.
Contact lens use: Wearing contact lenses for long periods can reduce the moisture on the eye surface and increase the feeling of dryness.
Hormonal changes: Dry eye may be more common during hormonal periods such as menopause.
Rheumatic and autoimmune diseases: Some diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome, can affect the tear and salivary glands and cause marked dryness. Dry eye can also occur in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Thyroid diseases: Some thyroid diseases can affect the eye surface and the closing of the eyelids, causing symptoms of dryness.
Medications: Medicines such as antihistamines, some antidepressants and some blood pressure medicines can reduce tear production. If you think a medicine you take is affecting your eyes, do not stop it on your own; talk to your doctor.
Environmental factors: Wind, dry and cold air, air conditioning and heating systems that dry the air, cigarette smoke and dust can increase tear evaporation.
Looking at screens for a long time: When focusing on a computer, phone or tablet, we blink less often. This can make tears evaporate faster and dry out the eyes.
Eye surgery and eye injuries: Temporary dry eye may occur after some eye operations. Injuries to the eye and eyelids can also disrupt the tear balance.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Symptoms of dry eye can vary from person to person. The most common are:

A stinging, burning or gritty feeling: One of the most typical symptoms of dry eye.
Itching and redness: When the tear layer is disrupted, the eye surface can become irritated.
Watering: A dry eye may produce extra tears as a reflex to irritation. Frequently watering eyes can therefore also be a sign of dry eye.
Blurred vision and eye strain: Vision may become blurred, especially when reading or working at a screen for a long time; it may clear when you blink.
Sensitivity to light: Some people may become more sensitive to light.
Difficulty wearing contact lenses: Lens wearers may feel increasing discomfort.

Dry eye can usually be kept under control with simple measures. However, severe dry eye that lasts a long time and is not treated can damage the surface of the eye (the cornea). If your symptoms continue, get worse or affect your vision, it is important to see an eye doctor.

When Should You See a Doctor?

See an eye doctor without delay in the following situations:

If you have severe eye pain,
If your vision has noticeably decreased or suddenly become blurred,
If your eye is clearly red and has a discharge,
If your symptoms do not improve within a few weeks despite the measures you take.

How to Prevent Dry Eye

Some measures you can take in daily life may help reduce the symptoms of dry eye:

Take regular breaks from screens: When using a computer or phone, look away from the screen at a distant point from time to time and blink consciously. A common recommendation is to look into the distance for about 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
Humidify the room: Using a humidifier, especially in winter and in air-conditioned rooms, can make the air less dry.
Protect your eyes from wind and dust: Wearing glasses in windy and dusty weather can reduce tear evaporation. Make sure air conditioning and car vents are not blowing directly at your face.
Avoid cigarette smoke: Cigarettes and cigarette smoke can irritate the eyes and increase dryness.
Drink enough fluids: Drinking enough water during the day supports your general health.
Artificial tear drops: Artificial tear drops available at pharmacies can moisturize the eye surface and provide relief. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which drops to use and how often; for long-term and frequent use, preservative-free drops may be preferred.
Follow contact lens wearing times: Do not wear your lenses longer than recommended, and take a break from lenses when your eyes feel dry.
Eat a balanced diet: A balanced diet with vegetables, fruit and fish supports your general health. If you are considering supplements, talk to your doctor.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

"Dry eye only affects older people": Dry eye can occur at any age. Long screen use and contact lens use can also cause dryness in young people.
"My eyes water, so they can't be dry": Frequent watering can be the body's response to dry eye.
"Using drops is enough": Drops provide relief, but daily measures such as screen breaks, room humidity and lens habits are just as important. If there is an underlying cause, it also needs to be evaluated.
"Dry eye is not important": It is usually mild; however, severe and long-lasting dry eye can damage the eye surface. Symptoms that do not go away should be evaluated by an eye doctor.

Tips for Eye Health

Regular eye examinations: Even if you have no complaints, regular eye examinations help detect many eye diseases early. Decide how often to be examined together with your doctor, based on your age and health.
Wear sunglasses: UV-protective sunglasses protect your eyes from sunlight and wind.
Have your chronic conditions monitored: Regular follow-up of diabetes, thyroid and rheumatic diseases also protects your eye health.

Which Department at Lotus Hospital Can Help?

Dry eye complaints are evaluated and treated by our Ophthalmology (Eye Diseases) department. During the examination, tear production and the eye surface are assessed, the cause of the dryness is investigated and a treatment plan suited to you is made.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a stinging feeling in the eye?

A stinging feeling in the eye is most often caused by dry eye, allergies, eyelid inflammation or a foreign body in the eye. Looking at a screen for a long time can also make it worse. If the stinging is severe or does not go away, see an eye doctor.

What helps with dry eyes?

Taking regular breaks from screens, humidifying the room, protecting your eyes from wind and using the artificial tear drops your doctor recommends can provide relief.

Do eye drops cause dizziness?

Artificial tear drops usually do not cause dizziness. However, some medicated eye drops may have other side effects. If you have a complaint related to a drop you use, talk to your doctor.

What causes dryness and flaking of the eyelids?

Dryness and flaking of the eyelids may be related to eyelid margin inflammation (blepharitis), allergies or skin conditions such as eczema. In this case, an examination by an eye doctor is recommended.

Does dry eye go away completely?

It depends on the cause. Dry eye related to the environment and habits can decrease significantly with the right measures; dry eye caused by chronic conditions requires regular follow-up and treatment.

Conclusion

Dry eye is a common condition and can often be relieved with simple measures. Understanding the cause and adjusting daily habits helps reduce symptoms. If your symptoms continue or affect your vision, see an eye doctor.