Archived Dry Eyes Articles
Relief For Thirsty Eyes
Do your eyes ever get thirsty? I know that’s an unusual question but I thought it would be an appropriate term to use in this day and age of replenishing sport drinks. We of course guzzle down these forementioned drinks after exercise to help rehydrate our bodies. Wouldn’t it be great if there was also something similar to that for our eyes when they become dry? Well there is an eye drop that actually works in that manner. The drop is called Optive and it was scientifically engineered to optimally rehydrate a dry eye. It’s not difficult to tell when the eyes are dry as they become gritty and irritated. The eyes may even burn. Dry eyes are actually a very common occurrence in contact lens wearers and computer users. Dry eyes may also be seen accompanying certain medical conditions like diabetes and hypothyroidism. In fact, dry eyes affect so many individuals nowadays that I have a dry eye specialty clinic devoted to treating the condition. Optive serves as an important armament that I use in the dry eye treatment regimen. To see if you are a candidate for Optive therapy or additional dry eye therapies its best to be evaluated thoroughly by an ophthalmologist.
New Therapies For Dry Eyes
Dry eyes is a common condition. Many people try over the
counter artificial tears for managing this problem. This gives
temporary relief but often does not correct the underlying problem
which is related to the composition of our tears. Tears are not just
composed of water, but many other components which include nutrients,
antibacterials, lubricants, anti-inflammatory and inflammatory
components, oils, and salts. When the components are out of balance,
dry eye symptoms occur. These symptoms include burning, redness, and
gritty sensation in the eyes. It has been found that people who consume
fish oils regularly have less dry eyes. The fish oils are high in
essential omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have a way of
stabilizing the tear film so that it does not evaporate away as fast.
If our tears evaporate away fast, a lot of salt accumulates in the eyes
leading to burning and irritation. Good sources of fish oils include
broiled tuna and salmon and it is recommended that these be consumed
about twice a week. Other sources of omega 3 essential fatty acids
include flax seed oil pills and Thera tears eye drops.
Another remedy that is available is Restasis. This is not available
over the counter but must be prescribed by your Ophthalmologist.
Restasis is a long term treatment modality that improves the quality of
tears by decreasing components in tears that cause inflammation. With
less inflammation in the eye, the surface of the eye improves and this
allows the eye to start feeling well again.
So there is a lot of promising new treatments for those who suffer from
dry eyes. People most likely to have dry eyes are diabetics, LASIK
patients, contact lens wearers, and women over 35 years of age. If you
feel you may have dry eyes, please contact your ophthalmologist to find
out the various treatments solutions for relieving your symptoms.
