Lack of tears leads to drying of eyes which causes irritation and itching. This condition affects almost 25-30 million people in the United States. In case you are one of those suffering from this condition, read on to know about dry eye medication and treatment...
The tears that roll down the cheeks as a result of joy or sorrow that we feel, do more than just play a mirror to our emotions. Tears form a thin film over our eyes. It lubricates the eyes, giving a clear vision. Tears are produced by lachrymal glands in our eyes. When tears are not produced in enough amount or when they are evaporated from our eyes, it leads to dry eye syndrome (DES). Though this is one of the most common eye problems in older people (those over 40 years), excessive exposure to computer or watching too much television causes DES in younger people as well.
Causes of Dry Eye
Before knowing about the various treatments, it is important to understand what are the causes of dry eyes. Dry eye is primarily a result of decreased production of tears or loss of tears due to evaporation. The main reasons behind the lack of tears in eyes are:
Old age
Dry dusty climate
Exposure to air condition or dry heating system in office or at home
Medicines like antihistamines and antidepressants
Symptoms of diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
Prolonged use of contact lens
Dry Eye Medication
Anti-inflammatory Drug: Restasis is an anti-inflammatory drug which produces results on prolonged use. Recommended doses are 1 drop twice daily. It is the only anti-inflammatory drug that has been approved by the FDA. It increases tear production and prevents it from drying up fast.
Hypotonic Drugs: Thera tears, hypo tears and akwa tears are some hypotonic drops that help fight dryness of the eyes. While hypo tears brings temporary relief from dryness and irritation of the eyes, akwa tears lubricate the eyes that protect them from getting dry in future.
Bicarbonate Drops: Besides protecting the eyes from dryness and itching, bion tears also provides relief from other eye diseases. Murine tears which is another bicarbonate eye drop contains 6 of the 11 major constituents of the natural tear.
Gelling Agent Drops: These drops include lubricating and preservative-free eye drops that provide temporary relief from burning and irritation that is caused due to dry eyes.
Oil Based Drops: These eye drops boost the lipid content of the tear film.
Serum Eye Drops: Serum eye drops are useful in curing dryness of the eyes as these contain growth factors that are naturally present in tears.
Eye Lubricants: Eye lubricants like artificial tear insert, may be used that contains cellulose in them. Cellulose thickens the film of tear in one's eye. These inserts have to be inserted like contact lenses once or twice in the eyes.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics like tetracycline may be prescribed by the physician to treat dry eyes. Although these antibiotics work mainly to kill bacteria in the eyes, that may cause infection, they also restore the tear content of the eyes. Antibiotics are also available in the form of ointments, that may be applied to the eyes every night before going to sleep.
Other Dry Eye Treatments
Surgery: There are openings called puncta on the inner corner of each eye which are the beginning of the tear drainage system. These openings may be blocked surgically using punctal plugs, that prevent tears to drain out of the eyes, down the nose and the throat. In certain conditions, individuals are unable to close their eyelids which might lead to dryness of the eyes. As a remedy, about one-third of the eyelids of such individuals may be stitched to help them close their eyes properly.
Moisture Chambers: These are plastic shields that may be used by those who sleep with their eyes slightly open at night. The moisture chambers decrease evaporation of tears and hence prevent drying of the eyes. Some people use them even during the day.
Self Care: Using a humidifier at home or in the office increases the moisture content in the atmosphere. This reduces the rate of evaporation of tears from the eyes. Taking frequent breaks from watching television or while working on computer will help the eyes maintain their moisture. Washing one's eyes frequently with water will relieve strain in the eyes and aid in better tear production. It is important for those using contact lens to use lubricating eye drops.
Our eyes are the gateway to the colorful world around us. With proper eye care, we can ensure good health of this valuable gift.
No comments:
Post a Comment