Dry eye is the condition where our eyes stop producing enough tears. If the tears are not of good quality and evaporate too soon, this too can result in dry eyes. If the tears don’t drain correctly to the eyes and drain into the nose, the tears produced will not reach the eye. Dry eyes can lead to inflammation in the eye and can lead to pain, scarring and some vision loss. Dry eyes normally do not lead to complete vision loss, but can be quite problematic.

People who have chronic dry eyes should get it treated and not ignore it as a temporary condition. They should not take it lightly and hope that it will go away on its own. The cause of dry eyes can be vast and varied. Blocks in the tear ducts, disease in any part of the eye, pregnancy, eye surgery, reaction to chemicals, allergies, vitamin deficiency can all contribute to dry eye. Strain caused by working on electronic gadgets can cause dry eyes too. Dry eye can also be a symptom of underlying medical conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Dry eyes can also be caused by keratitis, conjunctivitis. Long term use of contact lenses also leads to dry eyes:

1. Clinical treatment for dry eyes
Doctors approach to treating dry eye is based on the underlying cause. If dry eye is a result of medication, it would be altered. If it is caused by a disease, the focus is to treat the disease. Artificial tears are the most common treatment for dry eyes. For some, silicon or collagen plugs the size of a rice grain are inserted in the eyes, preventing draining of the tears to the nose. Surgery is recommended for severe cases where the drainage holes are closed permanently. Eyeglasses will be recommended if dry eye is caused by contact lenses. As of now, the only prescription medication that is used to treat eye is Cyclosporine, which can increase the production of tears but needs to be taken for at least 3 to 6 months.

2. Natural treatments for dry eyes
There are many over-the-counter medicines that naturally help in the treatment of dry eyes. Certain drops, gels, and ointments can provide temporary relief and are often used as the first line of natural treatments for dry eyes. Avoiding working for long hours on computers or taking frequent breaks can also reduce strain on the eyes. Warm compresses to the eye can help release the tears if the tear ducts are blocked.

3. Protect your eyes

Wearing eyeglasses with shields on the side helps prevent the evaporation of the tears in the surface area of the eye. Using a humidifier inside the house can increase moisture inside the house. Blinking eyes regularly, taking breaks during work, and catching up on enough sleep are some of the other ways a person who is affected by this condition. One can also look at the home and natural remedies that help in the treatment of. Particularly if it has been diagnosed as a chronic condition, using medication for a long time can become an issue.