Is It Possible To Cure Dry Eye Permanently?
Unfortunately, there is not a permanent cure for Dry Eye Syndrome. However, there are certain steps you can take to try and ease any symptoms you have, and make the condition easier to live with.
What are the reasons for dry eyes?
Dry Eye occurs when your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. This can happen for many different reasons, but one of them could be if you don’t produce enough tears, which can lead to inflammation and damage to the eyes’ surface.[1]
There are also numerous factors which play a large role in whether you develop the condition or not. For example, having dry eyes is more common in those over 50 as tear production tends to decrease once you hit this age. In addition to this, women tend to produce less tears, especially if they’re experiencing hormonal changes such as menopause. Other risk factors also include:
– Screen time
– Lack of the correct vitamins
– Wearing contact lenses
– Being a frequent flyer
– Smoking or drinking alcohol
How can you relieve dry eyes?
Dry Eye Syndrome can be incredibly frustrating for people who suffer with it, causing itching or stinging sensations and making everyday tasks difficult. However, there are some simple changes you can make to your lifestyle, environment and diet that can help to relieve the condition.
Limit screen time
With many of us working in an office or sitting at a computer all day, screen time is inevitable. Dry Eye has been linked to increased screen time. This is because when we look at screens for long periods of time, we don’t blink as often. Blinking helps to keep eyes moisturised, so not blinking is likely to cause them to become irritated or sore. Taking regular breaks away from the screen can help with this. It might also be worth trying to limit TV watching in the evening, especially if you’ve been working all day, so that your eyes get a rest.[2]
Follow the 20/20/20 rule
Using this simple rule when you’re working or watching TV can help to relieve symptoms of Dry Eye. The rule is that every 20 minutes, you should focus on something else that is 20 feet away, for 20 seconds. In a study examining university students, researchers found that those who took regular breaks from their screens to look at far away objects, had fewer eye strain symptoms like dry eye.[3] In other words, the 20-20-20 rule works!
Adjust your diet
While research into vitamins and Dry Eye is still ongoing, there is substantial evidence to suggest that certain vitamins can help to improve your symptoms.[4] For example, Vitamin A helps protect the cornea of the eye by becoming a protective barrier against bacteria. This barrier can reduce the risk of eye infections, so is beneficial for many who have dry, irritated eyes.[5] For a full list of vitamins and how they might help you, read our blog.
Give your eyes a break from contact lenses
It’s often reported that those who wear contact lenses experience discomfort and Dry Eye symptoms. Contact lenses can cause dry eyes because the presence of the contact lens on the cornea limits oxygen flow into the eye, and oxygen is vital to develop natural tears. The lens material may also limit tear exchange between the outer and inner layers.[5] Therefore, it may be useful for those who wear contact lenses to try to take them out for a few hours a day so that your eyes can get access to the oxygen they need.[6]
Protect your eyes
Environmental factors such as the cold and harsh winds that can cause your eyes to dry out. Providing the right protection for your eyes in these conditions can help to manage your symptoms. Wraparound glasses are a great way to give them that protection as they tend to have bigger frames and thicker arms to block dust and debris. They can also shield against pollen and allergens so are a good choice if you also suffer from hayfever – another condition that can aggravate dry eyes.[7]
Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome
While all these tips can help reduce the feelings of itchiness and soreness, the best treatment for dry eyes is to use an eye gel twice a day. With our VisuXL® Gel you can do just that, and it offers 12 hour protection with just one drop. It works by providing the essential lubrication that your eyes need to form a protective cushion over the surface of the eye.
It’s not a cure, but it’s the next best thing! To find out more about our VisuXL® Gel visit our VISUfarma shop.
In most cases, the best way to treat dry eyes, Also known as dry eye syndrome, is to use eye gel or eye drops.
VisuXL Gel® is a preservative-free smart gel lubricant for dry eye syndrome. It provides comfort in a bottle with it’s long-lasting lubrication properties giving 12-hour dosing with just one drop and is suitable for both day and night use.
VisuXL® is a preservative-free eye drop lubricant for dry eye syndrome. Due to its unique ingredients, VisuXL® will help you recover from eye surgery, an injury or persistent damaging dry eye.
VisuEvo® is a preservative-free eye drop that prevents excessive evaporation of the tear film. Its unique formula contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and D and ultra-filtered phospholipids that facilitate tear film presentation and control evaporation.
All three products are contact lens-friendly and can be used for 180 days after opening.
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References
- Mayo Clinic, ‘Dry Eyes’, Sept. 23, 2022, Accessed September 2022
- Nunez, Kirsten, ‘7 Ways to Ease Computer Vision Syndrome’, March 4, 2021, Accessed September 2022
- Reddy, S Chandrasekhara, CK Low, YP Lim, LL Low, F Mardina, and MP Nursaleha. 2013. “Computer Vision Syndrome: A Study of Knowledge and Practices in University Students”. Nepalese Journal of Ophthalmology 5 (2):161-68.
- Lazarus, Russel, ‘Can Vitamins Help Dry Eyes?’, June 9, 2021, Accessed September 2022
- Muntz A, Subbaraman LN, Sorbara L, Jones L. ‘Tear exchange and contact lenses: a review’. J Optom. 2015 Jan-Mar;8(1):2-11. Accessed September 2022
- Specsavers, ‘Contact lenses for dry eyes’, Accessed September 2022
- Specsavers, ‘Dry eyes and glasses explained’, Accessed September 2022
