Table of contents:
- 3 steps to treat dry eyes
- 1. Avoid environmental triggers for dry eyes
- 2. Consuming fatty acids in the daily menu
- 3. Using drugs
Dry eye is a common condition these days. Dry eye occurs when the tear glands don't produce enough tears to lubricate the eyes. This condition can be caused either by environmental or medical elements.
When experiencing dry eyes, the patient can feel pain and discomfort. There are several treatment options for dry eye that can relieve symptoms and help your eyes improve.
3 steps to treat dry eyes
1. Avoid environmental triggers for dry eyes
Environment is the most common factor causing dry eyes. Therefore choosing a good place to live and work and avoid smoking and strong winds will help reduce the risk of dry eyes and prevent your dry eye condition from getting worse.
Protect your eyes when riding a motorbike or cycling by wearing protective goggles. In addition, protect your eyes when staring at the monitor screen for too long by using the blue light filter that is usually attached to the glasses.
2. Consuming fatty acids in the daily menu
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce dry eye symptoms by reducing inflammation in the body, especially eye inflammation. Try to eat more foods that are rich in this nutrient as it will help relieve dry eye conditions.
3. Using drugs
Artificial eye drops and ointments
This is the most common method used to treat dry eyes. Patients can find many over-the-counter medications for dry eye at the pharmacy. These medications can help relieve symptoms temporarily.
If you suffer from chronic dry eye, it is better to use eye drops until the eye condition improves. Almost all eye drops in the form of a multidose bottle usually contain a preservative which can sometimes cause side effects in the eye. If this happens, you should use preservative-free eye drops.
If you want to use a product that can help the eyes during sleep, you can use a thicker ointment.
Medicines to treat inflammation of the eyelids
When there is inflammation of the eyelids, it often prevents the oil glands from secreting oil into the eye. If this happens, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to help stop inflammation.
Tear stimulant drugs
This cholinergic type drug will help the glands produce more tears.
Eye drops to control corneal inflammation
These are prescription eye drops containing the immune-suppressing drug cyclosporine and corticosteroid. This drug can help treat inflammation on the surface of the eye and treat dry eyes. Corticosteroids are not for long-term use because of their side effects.
