Dry Eye Treatment Options

Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eyes
The more common signs and symptoms of dry eyes include:

• Chronic eye irritation, which some liken to feeling sandpaper in their eyes or rubbing against the surface of their eye.
• Decreased tear production.
• Burning or irritation in the eye.
• Redness and inflammation of the eye.
• Chronic eye infections resulting from decreased tear production.

Causes for Dry Eyes
There are many causes for dry eyes. Sometimes dry eye simply results from chronic eye irritation. This may result from living in an arid climate or from hormonal changes, including those occurring during menopause or menstruation.

Some people experience decreasing tear production in the eye from medication use. Common culprits contributing to dry eye may include diuretics, steroid use and use of certain antidepressants. There is also some evidence over the counter medications including antihistamines may contribute to dry eye. In some cases, simply switching medication may be all that is necessary to help reduce the side effects or dry eye.

Still others simply don't blink enough, perhaps because they use a computer too many hours during the day. Blinking is important for coating the eye in fluid. If you don't blink enough, clearly your eyes will suffer.

Fortunately there are many simple treatments you can use for dry eyes. Many you can buy over the counter!

Flax Seed Oil for Dry Eyes
Flaxseed oil is a nutritional supplement you can get at your local health food store. Many eye care professionals recommend supplementation with flaxseed oil or fish oils to help overcome dry eye, especially when it relates to living in a dry climate.

Flax seed oil contains essential fatty acids, nutrients our body needs to help function properly. Since our body is not capable of producing these essential fatty acids or omega-3 fatty acids on its own, it is important we get enough of them in our diet.

Unfortunately, most people don't eat enough foods containing essential fatty acids. This can result in dry eye. While not everyone will realize a reduction in dry eyes by supplementing with flaxseed oil, many will realize other health benefits. Essential fatty acids help reduce inflammation in the body, help improve our immune response and may even protect against cardiovascular and other diseases.

Be sure you also take a good quality multi vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure your body is getting the vitamins, minerals and nutrients it needs to produce tears and function optimally. That combined with enough sleep each night and daily exercise may help improve your overall health and well-being, which ultimately will impact the health of your eyes.

Prescription Medications for Dry Eyes
Sometimes dry eye is so severe medication is necessary to help overcome inflammation and irritation. The more commonly used medication used for dry eye is Restasis. This remedy is commonly prescribed patients experiencing dry eye resulting from LASIK surgery to correct their vision.

This medication helps the eyes product more tears, thus it not only helps relieve symptoms but also helps "cure" or address the problems resulting in dry eyes.

Another simple remedy may involve use of artificial tears. Your doctor may prescribe artificial tears to help temporarily overcome the signs and symptoms of dry eye, particularly if caused by medication use or temporary exposure to environmental causes including living in an arid climate.

Related Articles:

• Dry Eye - Causes and symptoms
• Eye Drops - Application tips and side effects
• The Latest Trends In Dry Eye Research
• Squinting At Your Computer May Increase Risk Of Dry Eye
• Dry Eyes and Menopause in Women Hormone levels can effect your eyes
• Sjogren's Syndrome and Dry Eyes
• Flax Seeds and Your Eyes
• Fish Oil For Your Eyes
• Does Listening To Mozart Improve Your Vision?

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