What Relieves Dry Eye? How Does Dry Eye Heal?

Medically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry eye is a very common eye condition. Tears are a secretion with many functions. They have vital roles such as moisturizing the eye surface to prevent dryness, protecting against infections, and maintaining the clarity and stability of the cornea. Tears also help wash and cleanse the eye. For these activities to continue, tears need to be secreted in sufficient quantity and frequency. In individuals with dry eye syndrome, tears are not produced in amounts sufficient to keep the eyes moist. A reduction in tear production or a change in the proportion of its components disrupts the eye's moisture balance. This disruption makes the eye susceptible to harmful external factors that can lead to infection. Over time, damage occurs in the epithelial layer of the eye, which is prone to infection. The formation of epithelial damage is influenced by increased friction due to reduced moisture and the resulting mechanical abrasion. This epithelial damage leads to symptoms such as itching and discomfort in the eye, redness, stinging, and frequent blinking. The frequent blinking reflex also causes eye watering. Often, the symptoms are not limited to these and, over time, vision problems can also arise. Dry eye can occur in people of all ages. However, it is more common in the elderly, especially those over 50, due to a more pronounced decrease in tear production with age. Studies examining the prevalence of dry eye in men and women show that the condition is more common in women.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a complex disease that leads to instability of the tear film and potential damage to the eye. Due to the complex nature of the disease, its exact causes are not fully determined. However, some risk factors that can cause dry eye have been identified. These risk factors are divided into internal and external factors. Factors causing dry eye include:

• Exposure to smoke from chemicals,
• Living in areas with high air pollution,
• Living in areas with low humidity,
• Contact with irritating substances,
• Autoimmune and widespread diseases such as Sjögren's Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Lupus,
• Eye diseases like Blepharitis,
• Systemic diseases such as connective tissue disorders and thyroid diseases,
• Graft-Versus-Host Disease,
• Long-term and uninterrupted use of contact lenses,
• Some viral infections (like Herpes),
• Vitamin deficiencies such as Vitamin A,
• Reduced blinking or forgetting to blink during prolonged screen or computer use,
• Long-term use of medication groups such as antihistamines, hypertension drugs, anxiolytics, benzodiazepines, diuretics, and antidepressants.

What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?

Dry eye usually occurs in both eyes at the same time, but it can also occur in one eye. The variation of symptoms from person to person and their typically subjective nature makes clinical diagnosis difficult. There are various symptoms of dry eye. Common symptoms include:

• Dryness and frequent blinking due to dryness,
• A burning and stinging sensation as if there is a foreign body in the eye,
• Itching and redness,
• Vision problems,
• Sensitivity to light,
• Difficulty performing daily visual activities,
• A feeling of eye fatigue.

What Relieves Dry Eye?

Before determining the treatment plan for dry eye, a definitive diagnosis must be made. Doctors use the Schirmer test and the tear osmolarity test for diagnosis. The Schirmer test measures the amount of tears. The presence of dry eye is determined based on the amount of wetting of the paper strips placed in the eye by the doctor. The tear osmolarity test determines both the quantity and the composition of the tears.

Dry eye disease is not only characterized by insufficient tear production or excessive evaporation from the eye, but it is also a complex inflammatory process influenced by multiple factors. Therefore, the disease is generally controlled by using various methods together. Methods that relieve dry eye include:

• Following the 20-20-20 rule, which involves looking at an object approximately six meters away for 20 seconds after 20 minutes of screen exposure. This rule significantly prevents dry eye caused by prolonged screen use.
• Over-the-counter artificial tear drops are used for mild dry eye conditions. These drops help to moisturize the eye. They can also be found in forms such as gels, creams, and ointments.
• Using tear production-stimulating medications is also frequently preferred in the treatment of dry eye. For this purpose, cholinergic drops, pills, and gels are used.
• Oral Omega-3 fatty acid supplements help alleviate the symptoms of dry eye in patients with dry eye due to prolonged computer use. They can also have a beneficial effect on Schirmer test results by reducing the rate of tear evaporation.
• Using special contact lenses that help maintain moisture balance can alleviate the symptoms of dry eye. These lenses are also known in the market as scleral lenses or bandage lenses. It is necessary to consult an eye doctor before using these lenses.
• Tear duct blockage can be performed on the recommendation of an eye doctor. This procedure helps retain the naturally produced tears in the eye for a longer period by placing small silicone or gel plugs in the tear ducts. These plugs, known as punctal plugs, can be removed later if necessary. It is also possible to close the tear ducts surgically. This procedure, performed by specialized eye doctors, is a type of surgery done under local anesthesia and is not a commonly preferred method for dry eye.
• Using a warm compress can help treat the symptoms of dry eye and many other eye conditions. For a warm compress, a clean towel or cloth is soaked in water at a non-burning warm temperature and then held over the eyelids for about ten minutes. This heat application can alleviate the irritation or inflammation caused by dry eye. Additionally, a warm compress can stimulate tear production in the tear glands.
• Gently massaging the area around the eyes relieves tension, revives blood circulation in the area, and supports muscle relaxation. Although there is no direct contact with the eye, this movement can also stimulate tear production in the tear glands.

How to Prevent Dry Eye?

If dry eye is not treated, it can cause significant damage to the cornea. Therefore, it is crucial to treat and prevent dry eye. Actions that can be taken to prevent dry eye include:

• Trying to stay away from smoke, wind, and air conditioning,
• Using devices that can humidify the air to prevent excessive dryness in the home air,
• Limiting screen time and taking breaks while looking at the screen,
• Wearing sunglasses when going outside to protect the eyes from sunlight,
• Increasing daily water intake,
• Getting enough and regular sleep,
• Using Vitamin A supplements or consuming foods rich in Vitamin A such as carrots, broccoli, and liver.