Are your eyes tired, tired or dry? The eyes use more than 80% of the amount of energy produced by the body, so when the eyes have problems, the energy used to function becomes much greater. Dry eyes are just one of the problems that can drain the body's energy. Dry eyes can also be a symptom of a variety of other problems. Determine what causes dry eyes, and provide nutrition for the eyes. You will soon notice that your eyes are no longer dry and your body is re-energized.
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Part 1 of 2: Caring for Dry Eyes
Step 1. Understand why tears are important
Not only keep your eyes moist, tears also have several important roles. Tears provide vital electrolytes and contain bacteria-fighting enzymes and proteins that keep the eyes healthy. Tears quickly coat the entire eye to provide moisture and nutrients.
Problems with any part of the tear can cause problems with the whole eye. The cause can be anything, but you can try a variety of treatments
Step 2. Use artificial tears
Artificial tears in the form of eye drops are designed to moisten dry eyes and keep the outer surface of the eye moist. Artificial tears do not treat the main cause of dry eyes, but only relieve symptoms. Some brands contain preservatives that can irritate the eyes if used more than four times a day. If you need to use artificial tears more than four times a day, look for a preservative-free brand.
The trial and error method is usually the only way to find the best artificial tear brand for your dry eyes. In some cases, a combination of several brands is even necessary. Artificial tears can be purchased without a prescription and are available in a variety of brands
Step 3. Try medical eye drops
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is the most commonly used drug for dry and irritated eyes, followed by carboxy methylcellulose. The drug is also used as an eye lubricant in the form of eye drops that can be purchased without a prescription at pharmacies. Antibiotic eye ointments, such as tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and chloramphenicol, may also be used. Antibiotic eye ointment is usually used if the eyelid is swollen.
Step 4. Have an eye exam
If you have tried prescription and over-the-counter eye drops, but are still experiencing severe dry eyes, see an ophthalmologist. Once your doctor finds the cause of your dry eye, other treatment options will be available.
If you experience pain, such as itching, burning, or blurred vision, see an eye doctor
Step 5. Apply eye ointment
The doctor may prescribe an eye ointment. Unlike artificial tears, which only treat dry eye symptoms, ointments contain medications that can treat the cause of dry eyes.
Eye ointments can also make the eyes feel more comfortable, because they have a lubricating effect. Eye ointment is useful for long periods of time when artificial tears cannot be used (for example, during sleep)
Step 6. Undergo surgery to block the tear duct
More permanent or aggressive treatment may be needed. Your doctor may suggest inserting a plug into the tear duct. It will block the drainage of tears, so that the eye remains lubricated.
The plug saves tears as well as the artificial tears used
Step 7. Cauterization of the tear duct
If your tear ducts are blocked, but you still have severe dry eyes, your doctor may recommend cauterization of your tear ducts. After the doctor approves the operation, the eye surgeon will examine you and perform the operation.
Understand that tear ducts can heal over time. You will need the same or another type of surgery to treat the eye again. Cauterization of the eye canal is a non-permanent surgical operation
Part 2 of 2: Preventing Dry Eyes
Step 1. Prevent evaporation of moisture in the eyes
Dry eye doesn't completely heal, but there are some preventative methods that can help, while undergoing treatment. Just like other liquids, tears also evaporate when exposed to air. To keep the eyes moist:
- Do not expose your eyes directly to air (such as car heaters, hair dryers, and air conditioners).
- Keep the humidity level in the house between 30-50%.
- Use a humidifier during winter to humidify the dry air in the room.
Step 2. Put on the glasses
Wear sunglasses when going outside on a hot day. Wear swimming goggles when swimming. You can also get special glasses from an ophthalmologist. These special glasses produce extra moisture by forming a humid chamber around the eyes.
Step 3. Do not irritate the eyes
Do not smoke, because it can drain tears quickly and cause other health problems. Also, don't rub your eyes, to prevent bacteria from spreading from your fingers and nails to your eyes.
Step 4. Increase eye moisture
Apply artificial tears to keep the eye moist and lubricated. You can also use ointments, which are longer lasting than eye drops. However, the use of ointment may be more messy because it is more viscous and can cause blurred vision. Ointment is better to use at bedtime.
Use eye drops before, rather than after, activities that strain the eyes, to prevent dry eyes. Try to blink often. This will help spread the tears or eye drops more evenly
Step 5. Reduce salt intake
Dry eyes can also be caused by consuming too much salt. You can test this yourself, especially when you wake up at night to go to the toilet. If your eyes are dry, drink about 360 ml of water. See if the eyes immediately feel better. If so, reduce your salt intake, and keep yourself hydrated.
