I Spy Dry Eyes - Part 1: Artificial Tears
The most understated, often overlooked eye condition that can comes with a few to several symptoms.. The masquerade that is confused with allergies, infection, or a possible change in glasses prescription.. The disease that fools so many so easily is none other than Dry Eyes.
Dry Eye Disease is a common issue among us because it can be induced by a wide array of sources. The common culprits are environment triggers (i.e. dust, pollen), change in temperatures, extended computer use, ventilation in our cars, hormones, and certain medications.
Since this diagnosis is so prevalent, it tends to make some of us downplay its impact in our lives and ignore it altogether. Neglecting it, however, takes us from bad to worse and risks long term consequences.
What we don’t realize is that if the dryness gets severe enough, the nerves in our corneas begin to malfunction, which causes our eyes to become desensitized to sensation overtime. Since we no longer feel the burning and foreign body sensation, we assume our eyes are doing better.
Au contraire - What we may think to be “improvement” turns out being a detriment to our vision and overall eye health.
This results in a downward spiral of further concerns such as no longer being able to tolerate our contact lenses and disturbances in our vision.
The Good News: There are methods of treating Dry Eye Disease successfully!
Artificial tears:
The first line of treatment for mild to moderate dry eyes are over-the-counter artificial tears. There are a number of brands out there to regain moisture into the eyes. Of these brands, the crème de la crème also work to heal the eye’s moisture layers, aka tear film layers, and thereby, steadily resolves Dry Eye Disease.
Our favorite in the office - Oasis Tears - They’re preservative-free, a serum consistency for a cooling relief, and they combat dry eyes very effectively.
Not all eye drops are created equal.
Some over-the-counter brands on the market claim to relieve dry eyes, but they merely constrict the blood vessels and temporarily reduce the redness. In a matter of time, the dryness returns with a vengeance. For that reason, steer clear of brands with active ingredients Tetrahydrozoline and Naphazoline.
Gels and Ointments:
If artificial tears are not lasting long enough before the symptoms return, a thicker consistency may be needed. Coupling artificial tears with a gel or ointment before bedtime provides long lasting moisture and heal the eyes while asleep.
Don’t find yourself spiraling down the rabbit hole of Dry Eye Disease. Ask your Optometrist the best solution for your dry eye relief and begin your dry eye journey!