Treat dry & red eyes

Are dry eyes a minor nuisance or a symptom of something more serious?

 

Dry eyes are the result of inadequate lubrication from tears or an imbalance in the tear system. Normal tears are composed of water, oils and mucus. They also contain several antibodies and proteins which provide resistance against infection. All these substances are secreted by glands around the eye.

As strange as it sounds, people with dry eyes may also experience excessive tearing but their eyes may still feel irritated, red and sore. This happens because the excessive dryness and lack of lubrication triggers the tearing response.

While this may help wash away any debris or foreign bodies that may have been present, it will not rectify the underlying dryness since the tears produced in this situation do not have the lubricating qualities and antibodies of normal tear film.

Various factors can affect the tear-flow system or cause excessive drying. These include air-conditioning, the use of heaters, ageing (in particular menopause) and certain medical conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and collagen vascular diseases.

Another possible cause to consider is structural problems where the eyelids do not close properly. This allows tears to leak out and the eyes to dry out excessively.

Eye dryness can also be a side effect of some medications such as antihistamines or certain oral contraceptive pills.

The treatment of dry eyes involves identifying and then attempting to manage any causal or exacerbating factors. In addition to these steps, the use of "artificial tears" eye drops and ointments can provide supplementary lubrication and moisture.

If you have a condition where your eyelids are not closing properly, your doctor might refer you to an ophthalmologist who may recommend an operation to improve your eyelid function. Sometimes, the tear-draining ducts can be temporarily or permanently plugged to allow tears to remain around the eye.