Dry eyes are a problem that many people face. It is caused by various factors leading to the fact that a person either produces an insufficient amount of tears, or its properties are disturbed. Dry eyes cause discomfort and fatigue. In some cases, it can cause serious inflammatory eye disease. Dry eyes often have a range of systems other than dryness; poor sharpness, burning and watery eyes among other things.
The dry eye specialist’s best advice was: Do not use eye drops with preservatives! It can aggravate the problem of dry eyes.
Therefore, Dry Eyes Occur
One of the most common problems is that the eyes are experienced as dry. The most common cause of dry eyes is due to excessive evaporation of the fluid from the eye. This is because the eye’s protective lipid layer does not work properly but the entire tear film becomes unstable and releases too much moisture. It is estimated that about 90 percent have problems with an unstable lipid layer.
The fat is produced in the so-called meibomian glands, which are located in both the lower and upper edge of the eyelid and spread over the surface of the eye when you blink. In many with dry eyes,these glands are clogged and do not work optimally and then too little lipids are produced.
1. With increasing age, problems with dry eyes increased.
2. Hormones can cause tears to be of poorer quality. Mainly women are affected.
3. Skin diseases such as acne and rosacea often cause problems with inflammation of the eyelid edge and dry eyes through it.
4. Many medicines have dry eyes as a side effect, including regular glaucoma drops and moisturizing drops with preservatives. Even antidepressants and allergy medications often cause dry eyes.
5. Among diabetics, 37% have dry eyes! Also common in rheumatism and other immunological diseases.
The Treatment for Dry Eyes
There are three pillars in the treatment of dry eyes and blepharitis: Cleansing, heating and massage. In addition, supplement with moisturizing and lubricating drops as needed. She also recommended omega3 capsules for at least 3 months. It has been shown to have a good effect on the quality of tear film.
Dry Eye Cleaning
Use plain lukewarm water with a little oil. Take a cotton pad with this and clean thoroughly along the eyelid edges. Be sure to remove any dehydrated material. For dry eyes, the lipid (fat) layer in the tear film is usually too thin, so therefore a little oil should be added. You can also use special cleaning agents or cleaning wipes. The advantage is that these have ingredients that are relieving irritation and mild antibacterial. If you have red and irritated eyes, we recommend the Blephaclean napkins, otherwise, you can start with lukewarm water and a little oil (baby, sesame, rapeseed oil, etc.).
Heated Eye Mask
The easiest way is to shop dry eye masks or a heated eye mask for dry eyes that you put in the microwave for a while. But note, it must not get too hot. If it gets too hot, have a towel between the dry eye mask and the eyes. Lie with the mask 8-15 minutes 1-2 times a day in the beginning. If the dryness improves, 1-2 times a week may be enough. There are different varieties.
Eye Massage
After using eye mask for dry eyes, massage with clean fingers along both the upper and lower eyelid. This is to help the sebaceous glands release the soft oil into the eye. You can then use a cleansing gel, Blephagel, which makes the fingers glide smoothly and easily and does not tempt the delicate skin around the eye.
