Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: How to Treat Dry Eyes
• Part 2 of 2: How to Prevent Dry Eyes
• Warnings

Do you have tired, faded, dry eyes? The eyes use more than 80% of all energy produced. If your eyes are bothering you, they use even more energy to function. Dry eyes are a problem that can drain your body's energy reserves. It can also be a symptom of a number of other problems. Determine what is causing dry eyes and provide the eyes with nutrients. Very soon you will notice that the dryness of the eyes goes away and the energy returns.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: How to Treat Dry Eyes

1. 1 Understand why tears are important. Tears not only moisturize the eyes, but also perform several other important functions. Tears supply essential electrolytes, proteins to fight bacteria and enzymes that help keep your eyes healthy. Tears quickly cover the entire eye to provide moisture and nutrients.
   • If there is any problem with tears, it becomes a problem for the whole eye. Almost anything can be the cause, but you can try different treatments.
2. 2 Use artificial tear drops. The artificial tear drops serve as a lubricant for dry eyes and to moisturize their outer surfaces. Artificial tear drops will not necessarily cure the root cause of your dry eye. However, they will help relieve symptoms. Some contain preservatives that can irritate your eyes if you use them more than four times a day. If you need to use artificial tears more than four times a day, look for preservative-free ones.
   • Trial and error is usually the only way to find the best brand of artificial tears for your particular dry eye case. Sometimes a combination of several brands may be required. A wide range of brands is available at any pharmacy.
3. 3 Try medicated eye drops. The most commonly used drug to treat dry, irritated eyes is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, followed by carboxymethylcellulose. They are also used in drops as a lubricant and can be found in many OTC drops. You can also look for an antibiotic eye ointment such as tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, or chloramphenicol. This will be helpful if you have eyelid puffiness.
4. 4 Check your eyesight. If you have tried eye drops and prescription drops and are still very concerned about dry eyes, see your optometrist. The doctor will determine the cause of your dry eye and provide other treatment options.
   • If you experience pain, itching, burning, or blurred vision, see your optometrist.
5. 5 Use an eye ointment. Your doctor may prescribe an eye ointment for you. Unlike artificial tears, which relieve dry eye symptoms, ointments contain a drug that will treat the cause of dry eyes.
   • Eye ointments can provide relief due to their lubricating effect. They help during long periods when artificial tears cannot be used (for example, during sleep).
6. 6 Operate your tear ducts to block them. You may need longer, more effective treatment.Your doctor may suggest inserting plugs into your tear ducts. They stop tears from flowing out by providing lubrication to your eyes.
   • Thanks to these plugs, neither tears nor artificial tears will flow out.
7. 7 Cauterize the tear ducts. If you have plugs inserted, but your eyes are severely dry, your doctor may suggest cauterizing your tear ducts. Once your doctor approves this surgery, the ophthalmologist will do the examinations and surgery.
   • Be aware that tear ducts may heal over time. You may need to have surgery again or treat your eyes in another way. Cauterization of the tear ducts is a reversible operation.

Part 2 of 2: How to Prevent Dry Eyes

1. 1 Moisturize your eyes without becoming dehydrated. Dry eyes cannot be completely cured, but certain preventive measures can be taken that can help when combined with treatment. Like any liquid, tears also evaporate when exposed to air. To keep your eyes hydrated:
   • do not expose your eyes to direct airflow (such as a car heater, hair dryer and air conditioner)
   • keep the humidity level in your home between 30-50%
   • use a humidifier in winter to humidify dry indoor air
2. 2 Wear glasses. Wear sunglasses when going outside in sunny weather. Wear safety goggles if planning to go to the pool. In addition, you can order special glasses from an optometrist. These glasses create additional moisture by forming cavities around the eyes.
3. 3 Don't irritate your eyes. Avoid smoking as it can quickly reduce tears and cause many other health problems. Also, don't rub your eyes. This will help prevent bacteria from spreading from fingers and nails to your eyes.
4. 4 Moisturize your eyes. Place artificial tears on your eyes to lubricate and moisturize your eyes. You can use an ointment that will last longer than eye drops. However, due to its viscosity, it can be unpleasant and cause blurred vision. You may decide to use the ointment only when you sleep.
   • Use eye drops before, not after, eye-strain activities to prevent dry eyes. Try to blink more often. This helps to distribute tears or drops evenly.
5. 5 Reduce salt intake in your diet. Dry eyes can result from consuming too much salt. You can see this for yourself, especially when you get up at night to use the toilet. If you have dry eyes, drink about 350 ml of water. Notice if you feel immediate relief in the eye area. If this happens, then reduce your salt intake and stay hydrated.
   • Try increasing your intake of fatty acids in your diet. In particular, add omega-3s to your diet. This will help relieve dry eyes by increasing the production of tears.

Warnings

• If you have chronic dry eyes, talk to your doctor. If you suffer from diabetes and hypertension, you should have regular eye examinations due to the complications caused by these chronic conditions. If you have chronic diseases, then you need to convey this to the attention of all doctors so that none of the aspects of your condition is left unattended.