“All You Need to Know About Nocturnal Dry Eyes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options”

2023-05-05 09:24:31

12:21 PM

Friday 05 May 2023

Books – Karim Hassan

Many people suffer from dry eyes at night, which usually occurs when the body produces insufficient tears to lubricate the eyes, and this condition can cause vision disturbances.

Ad space

In the following lines, “The Consulto” explains everything you need to know about dry eyes at night, according to “Medical news today”.

Ad space

Causes of dry eyes at night

Dry eye occurs when there is an imbalance between tear production and tear removal, and this can be the result of insufficient tear production or poor quality, which means that they evaporate quickly.

Common causes of dry eyes include:

Eyelid damage: People with this condition sleep with their eyes open due to damaged or weak eyelids.

Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids may reduce tear production or quality.

Age: Tear production becomes more difficult with age.

Hormonal factors: Pregnancy, menopause, and birth control pills can make it difficult for your body to produce tears.

Medical conditions: These include certain chronic conditions, such as metabolic disease or Sjogren’s disease, that can increase your risk of developing dry eyes.

Wearing contact lenses: Long-term use of contact lenses may increase the risk of dry eyes, especially while sleeping.

Eye surgeries: Refractive eye surgeries may reduce tear production.

Long periods of screen use: Excessive screen use without sufficient blinking can lead to dry eyes and eye fatigue.

Environmental factors: Exposure to wind, smoke, pollution, or allergens may increase your risk of developing dry eyes.

Medications: Some medications reduce tear production, including some antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants.

Nutritional deficiencies: Not eating enough nutrients that support the tear film or the eye, such as vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, can cause dry eyes.

Also read: When are eye drops harmful?

Symptoms of nocturnal dry eyes

Dry eyes can cause a range of symptoms, including:

A burning sensation in or around the eye.

Redness in the eye.

– Increased sensitivity to light.

– Blurred vision.

A feeling that something has entered the eye.

Stringy mucus around or near the eye.

Watery eyes.

Pain while wearing contact lenses

Nocturnal dry eye treatments

The best treatment for dry eyes depends on the severity and cause of the condition. Some treatment options include:

Adding tears: People can try using over-the-counter artificial tear drops, moisturizing ointments or gels, and it’s best to choose preservative-free ones with fewer ingredients that can cause irritation.

Tear preservation: This involves blocking the tear ducts, which drain tears, with small gel or silicone plugs to keep natural tears in the eye longer.

Treating an eye or eyelid infection: Doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory ointments, eye drops, or eyelid washes to treat these conditions.

Increased tear production: Prescription eye drops can increase tear production.

Changing medications associated with dry eyes: A person can talk to their doctor about appropriate alternatives to medications that cause dry eyes.

Surgery to strengthen and tighten the lower eyelids: These procedures can prevent tears from draining too quickly.

Home remedies for nocturnal dry eyes

Several home remedies may relieve dry eye symptoms, including:

– Maintaining body hydration.

Get enough rest.

Place a warm compress on the eye, such as a clean cloth dipped in warm water.

Closed eyelid massage.

Use eyelid cleansers available without a prescription.

Get enough vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids.

Avoid highly polluted or dry environments.

Maintaining the humidity of the air in the house.

Wear UV-protective sunglasses when outside.

Limit screen time and take regular breaks.

– Avoid exposure to fans, heaters, or air conditioners that blow air into the eye.

Wear glasses instead of contact lenses.

– Clean homes, bedding and clothes, to reduce exposure to allergens and dust.

Use air filters to remove allergens from the air at home or in the workplace.

When do you go to the doctor when dry eyes?

Mild symptoms of dry eyes before or during sleep are usually not a cause for concern, as they usually go away on their own.

However, the affected person should talk to a medical professional about dry eye if its symptoms are severe, chronic, or unresponsive to home care or over-the-counter treatments.

You may be interested: Are There Glasses To Treat Dry Eyes?

1683385789
#Dry #eyes #night

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.