Tips for People With
Dry Eye Syndrome

chillibreeze writer — Shrikant Deshpande

Dry eye syndrome, commonly referred to as “Dry eye”, occurs due to a deficiency of tear film, the coating on the surface of the eyes formed by tears. This results in inadequate lubrication of the eyes. If you experience recurrent itching, redness, irritation, heaviness or dryness of the eyes, you may be suffering from dry eye. Unfortunately, this condition has no permanent cure. However, the following simple measures can be taken to improve the tear film

1. Avoid air flow directly in your eyes: Excessive flow of air makes tear film evaporate rapidly and makes your eyes drier. So avoid sitting at a location where you are in the direct line of fire from the air conditioner or ceiling fan. You should also reduce the speed of the ceiling fan.
2. Use a humidifier: The air surrounding you should have adequate moisture or humidity. Air-conditioners, heaters, and furnaces decrease the humidity of air and make the tear film evaporate faster. The use of a humidifier will maintain an adequate amount of moisture and will make you feel much better.
3. Hot compresses: Any infection in the eyelid disturbs the tear film and makes it unstable, increasing the symptoms of dry eye. If you notice heaviness in your eyelids or your eyelids stick together in the morning, you may have an eyelid infection! You should apply hot compresses over the eyelids for five minutes everyday. To prepare hot compresses, dip sterile cotton in hot water, the temperature should be slightly higher our shower water, and squeeze it out before putting them over your eyelids. This is the hygienic method of preventing and treating any eyelid infection.
4. Lid scrubs: If you notice white scales, scabs or discharge at the corner of your eyelid, use scrubs regularly. Take a teaspoon of baby shampoo in a bowl and add 10 teaspoons of water to it. Dip a sterile ear bud into this mixture and gently wipe the corners of your eyelids with it to remove scabs.
5. Use sunglasses: To prevent the evaporation of tears, use sunglasses while going out or protective eyewear when working in the kitchen. Swimming goggles cover the eyes from the side as well as the front and are most effective in retaining tears.
6. Tear drops: Artificial tear drops can be used to lubricate your eyes. There are two types of teardrops; those with preservatives and those without. Preservative-free teardrops do not have any adverse effects and can be used for a longer duration and more frequently. Do not hesitate to put these drops whenever you feel dryness, itching or irritation. Tear drops with preservative should be used for a shorter duration and not more than 4 times a day.
7. Tear ointments: Tear substitutes are also available in ointment form. Their effect lasts longer; however, they are sticky and cause blurring of vision. You can put them before going to bed so that they will lubricate your eyes while you are asleep.
8. Eye make-up: The chemicals in eye make-up tend to disturb the tear film and increase your symptoms. Avoid using eye make-up as far as possible or use a water based make-up as it tends to disturb the tear film much less and is therefore safer than an oil-based one.
9. 20-20-20 rule: To prevent drying of eyes while using a computer, observe the 20-20-20 rule religiously. Take a break of 20 seconds every 20 minutes while you are working on a computer. During this break, simply look at objects at least 20 feet away.
10. Maintain a proper distance from computer: Make sure that the computer monitor is at least 25 inches away from your eyes. The upper end of the screen should be 6 inches below the level of your eye so that you do not need to look up while using computer.
11. Blinking: Blinking is very important for the lubrication of your eyes. Make sure that you do not continuously stare while watching TV, reading books or working on the computer. Make an effort to consciously blink at least 15 times in a minute.

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—About our writer: Dr. Shrikant says, "I juggle between ophthalmology, teaching medical students and medical writing. I always believe everything is possible if one (I always try to be) is hard-working, committed and sincere."

 

 

 

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