Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a common disorder a person suffers from when his or her tear glands do not produce the thin film of tears that lubricates eyes, make them comfortable and fight infections and bacteria. DES is more likely to affect people above 40 years when our body produces less oil thus also affecting tear glands too. Hormone imbalances can also cause DES and some disorders like thyroid, Parkinson's, Bell's Palsy or eye infections are also responsible for the syndrome too. Then hot, dry or windy weather, smoke, air-conditioning, and pollution, working on the computer and watching TV for long hours, wearing contact lenses can cause dry eyes. Women are more susceptible to DES than men. If you have symptoms like redness, itching, burning and stinging, mucus surrounds your eyes you may have Dry Eye Syndrome. You need to get it treated because it can be a painful condition that can damage the cornea and harm vision.
But first you must bring about some changes in your activities that could lead to DES. Wear glasses when you go out in a windy place or while you're driving and swimming. Don't rub your eyes because it can cause irritation. Avoid air conditioner, car heater and hair dryer air from coming in contact with your eyes. Repeated blinking keeps your eyes moisturized. Also remember to take a five-minute break every hour if you are doing any task that requires intense use of eyes. When you take a break, close your eyes for a few minutes. You can also deal with the problem by bringing about dietary changes like consuming foods rich in Vitamin A, like green leafy vegetables, salmon, sardines, or eggs. More fish, less vegetable oil also helps. White bread, refined cereals, margarine and processed foods should also be avoided. If you consume the right amount of fatty acids - Omega 3 and Omega 6 in 4:1 ratio – you won't suffer from dry eyes. Consume almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds, sunflower and its oil, borage oil, primrose oil, grape seed oil, soybean oil and whole grains. Drinking tea with honeysuckle daily also helps. You can massage your eyes with a cloth dipped in warm water and wrung. Keep it on for 15 minutes and it will unblock the glands. Then you can gently massage with your finger tip applying a little pressure using sweeping motions in outward direction. There are artificial tears also available, which you can take only after consulting an eye specialist.
answered by G M