Dry eye usually occurs in people who are otherwise healthy. It becomes more common with age. This can occur due to hormonal changes that make your eyes produce fewer tears.
Other common causes of dry eyes include:
Dry environment or workplace (wind, air conditioning)
The first step in treatment is artificial tears. These come as preserved (screw cap bottle) and unpreserved (twist open vial). Preserved tears are more bottle) convenient, but some people are sensitive to preservatives. There are many brands available without a prescription.
Start using the drops at least 2-4 times per day. If your symptoms are not better after a couple of weeks of regular use:
Increase use (up to every 2 hours)
Try a different brand
Talk to your health care provider if you can’t find a brand that works for you
Other medical treatments may include:
Fish oil 2-3 times per day
Glasses, goggles or contact lenses that keep moisture in the eyes
Medicines such as Restasis, topical corticosteroids, and oral tetracycline and doxycycline
Tiny plugs placed in the tear drainage ducts to moisture stay on the surface of the eye longer
Don't smoke and avoid second-hand smoke, direct wind, and air conditioning.
Use a humidifier, especially in the winter.
Limit allergy and cold medicines that may dry you out and worsen your symptoms.
Purposefully blink more often. Rest your eyes once in a while.
Clean eyelashes regularly and apply and warm compresses.
Some dry eye symptoms are due to sleeping with the eyes slightly open. Lubricating ointments work best for this problem. You should use them only in small amounts since they can blur your vision. It is best to use them before sleep.
Surgery may be helpful if symptoms are because the eyelids are in an abnormal position.
The conjunctiva is exposed to bacteria and other irritants. Tears help protect the conjunctiva by washing away bacteria. Tears also contain proteins and antibodies that kill bacteria.
There are many causes of conjunctivitis. Viruses are the most common cause. Viral conjuctivitis is referred to as "pink eye." Pink eye can spread easily among children.
Use of contact lenses (especially extended-wear lenses)
Newborns can be infected by bacteria in the birth canal. This condition is called ophthalmia neonatorum, and it must be treated immediately to preserve eyesight.
Allergic conjunctivitis may respond to allergy treatment. It may disappear on its own when you avoid your allergy triggers. Cool compresses may help soothe allergic conjunctivitis.
Antibiotic medication, usually eye drops, is effective for bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis will disappear on its own. Many doctors give a mild antibiotic eyedrops for pink eye to prevent bacterial conjunctivitis.
You can soothe the discomfort of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis by applying warm compresses (clean cloths soaked in warm water) to your closed eyes.
