The feeling of dryness in the eyes is quite uncomfortable, usually causing itching and redness – which can occur for different reasons.
However, to relieve this sensation, it may be necessary to use eye drops. Especially if it is a frequent condition.
Better understand what can cause this problem and when medication may need to be used. Also, check out some options and ways to naturally relieve dryness:
Contents
What causes dry eyes?
The sensation of dry eyes is usually linked to a problem in the production of tears – which have the function of protecting and lubricating the eyes, avoiding friction between the eyelid and the cornea.
This can occur for different reasons, such as:
- Advanced age;
- Hormonal changes;
- Use of contact lenses;
- Conjunctivitis;
- Allergies;
- Dry climates, pollution, smoke and air conditioning;
- Excessive use of tablets, computers and cell phones;
- Some pathologies – such as diabetes mellitus, Parkinson’s, lupus, etc;
- Side effect of medications;
- Deficiency of vitamin A or omega 3.
However, some people suffer from more severe cases of dryness, when Dry Eye Syndrome occurs . In such cases, it is an anomaly in the production or quality of the tear, often requiring continuous treatment with an artificial tear.
Symptoms
It is not difficult to notice that your eyes are dry, considering that this creates a great discomfort and can even hinder daily activities. But, among the most common symptoms are:
- Itch;
- Redness;
- Dryness;
- Burning;
- Feeling of “sand” in the eyes;
- Photophobia (sensitivity or aversion to light);
- Difficulty moving the eyelids.
In more severe cases, secretion (mucus) in the eyes may also occur.
It is worth mentioning that, if the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, it is very important to seek medical help to have the prescription of the appropriate treatment.
What is the best eye drops for dry eyes?
Just as self-medication is not recommended for oral remedies, it is also not indicated in the case of eye drops – which are classified as an eye medication.
Therefore, to choose the best eye drops, it is important to seek an ophthalmologist.
In this case, the indication may vary according to each case. In everyday situations, such as climate change or exposure to air conditioning, eye drops are usually recommended to moisturize and clean the eye area.
In more severe cases, the use of artificial tears may be prescribed. It is a type of eye drops that aims to replace or increase the natural tear, in order to keep the eye lubricated and with its normal function (without sensitivities).
Next, check which eye drops (s) can be indicated according to some symptoms:
Dry and burning eye
As mentioned, some situations can cause burning and dry eyes. Especially those that are part of everyday life: exposure to air conditioning, changes in the weather, overuse of electronic devices, contact with smoke or dust.
Under these circumstances, it is not difficult for the eyes to become more sensitive and even dry. Consequently, causing discomfort and irritation.
To treat, you can seek pharmaceutical assistance to choose eye drops that help with moisturizing and cleaning the eyes – considering that foreign bodies may be causing the symptoms.
Some of the options that can be indicated are:
- Geolab eye drops ;
- Eye drops Neo Brasil ;
- D Lavolho .
Dry eyes upon waking
When a person feels dryness in the eyes upon waking, there is a high chance that this condition is related to Dry Eye Syndrome.
That is, there is a decrease in the amount of tears or a deficiency in their quality. So that the eye is not sufficiently lubricated, which commonly causes burning and itching in the eyes.
In this case, the situation is usually daily. So, you need to seek help from a professional and he / she can prescribe the use of artificial tears, such as:
- Refresh ;
- Lacril .
However, when this situation is not recurrent, it can occur due to allergic reactions (such as rhinitis , sinusitis , etc.), side effects of some medication or other everyday causes.
Thus, it is possible to use “common” eye drops to clean and moisturize the eyes:
- Colírio Moura ;
- Legrand eye drops ;
- Teuto eye drops .
When to use dry eye ointment?
Dry eye ointment is usually indicated under the same conditions as artificial tears. That is, when there is a deficiency in the production or quality of natural tears – often related to a problem in the lacrimal gland.
Therefore, the ointment (or lubricating gel) should only be used in more severe cases, such as Dry Eye Syndrome.
In this case, it is essential to seek the assistance of an ophthalmologist in advance, so that he / she can make the diagnosis and indicate the correct treatment. This can be (or not) the use of eye ointments, such as:
- Hylo-gel Eye Lubricant ;
- Refresh Gel ;
- Liposic ;
- The Lacrigel .
Is eye drops artificial tears?
There are different types of eye drops, indicated for different purposes. Among these types , there is the artificial tear.
However, it is necessary to emphasize that not all eye drops are artificial tears . Considering that this type is indicated only for specific situations, usually when there is a deficiency in the lacrimal production.
Unlike the most “common” eye drops, used to clean the eyes or relieve minor discomfort, the artificial tear is used daily and continuously.
In these cases, the need to have the help of an ophthalmologist to monitor the treatment and prescribe the appropriate eye drops for your case is reinforced.
In addition, do not confuse these eye drops with those that have antibiotic or anti-inflammatory action, which are used to treat other eye diseases – such as conjunctivitis , for example.
Treatment for severe dry eye
As mentioned, severe cases of dry eye are related to Dry Eye Syndrome – caused by a deficiency in tear production.
In such cases, it is common for the person to have greater sensitivity in the eyes and often needs continuous treatment. This is done with the use of an artificial tear , which acts as an eye lubricant.
It is common to recommend the application of eye drops 3 to 4 times a day, in order to keep the eye lubricated throughout the day.
Two other treatments may also be recommended:
- Lacrimal point occlusion (use of tear plug) – mechanical treatment that blocks the lacrimal drainage system, helping to preserve natural tears on the ocular surface;
- Use of autologous serum – it is a type of eye drops made with the patient’s own blood plasma.
In addition, it is essential to avoid the factors that tend to trigger or worsen the dryness of the eyes. For example, exposure to air conditioning or dust.
When this condition is associated with other diseases ( lupus , diabetes , etc.), it is also very important to carry out the necessary care and treatments for these diseases. Thus, it is possible to control other problems that can trigger (such as dry eye).
How to treat dry eye naturally?
The “natural” or home treatment should not replace the search for a specialist, especially when the dryness in the eyes is recurrent.
However, in order to relieve the irritation and itching that tend to arise, you can take some precautions that can help:
- Do not scratch or rub your eyes – this could even make the problem worse;
- Gently wash your eyes with saline solution – if the dryness is due to a foreign body, dust or air conditioning, it can help to relieve it;
- Apply sterile cold water compresses over closed eyes – it can help to reduce the burning sensation.
It is worth mentioning that these procedures are not a cure for the problem, but they can help in eventual situations of dry eye. If symptoms persist, be sure to seek medical help.
How to prevent dryness in the eyes?
Some precautions can help prevent dryness in the eyes, many of them are related to common habits in everyday life, but that can cause this discomfort. Check out:
- Avoid “rubbing” or “scratching” your eyes;
- Keep your contact lenses clean and, if possible, use them less often (choosing to wear glasses at home, for example);
- Watch your eye makeup – make sure you remove it correctly and avoid using other people’s products;
- Avoid exposure to fumes such as tobacco;
- Try to keep the environments free of dust;
- Avoid exposure to air conditioning and check the cleanliness of the filters;
- Do not share towels and wash your sheets and pillowcases frequently – they can store harmful microorganisms;
- Wear sunglasses on very sunny or windy days.
In addition, if you work or are used to being overexposed to electronic devices, include more breaks in your day. This is because, when we are dealing with this equipment, we tend to blink less.
This way, consequently the eyes can become dry. So, take breaks for your eye to have that rest period.
Eye drops are very suitable for relieving discomfort in the eyes, such as itching or redness. However, as we have seen, there are situations (such as Dry Eye Syndrome) in which specific types of eye drops are required and sometimes even continued use.
Therefore, pay attention to the symptoms and if necessary seek an ophthalmologist.
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