Many people will have dry eyes at night. Dry eyes usually occur when the body does not produce enough tears to keep the eyes hydrated. This condition can cause itching and blurred vision.
Several factors can contribute to an imbalance between the creation and removal of cracks, including excessive screen use, dehydration, and certain medical conditions.
Dry eyes often go away on their own, but in other cases, various treatments and home remedies are available to help relieve symptoms.
In this article, we will discuss some of the causes of nighttime dry eyes, the most common symptoms, and the treatment options.
Dry eyes are a common problem 16 million People of the united states.
A film of tears covers the eyes with every blink. This tear film contains three layers:
- An outer layer of oil that prevents the tear film from evaporating too quickly and keeps the surface smooth
- A middle layer of water, which makes up most of the tear film, washes away foreign objects to reduce the risk of infection, irritation and damage
- An inner layer of mucus that distributes the watery film evenly over the surface of the eye and helps tears to adhere to it
A healthy tear film is important for good vision and eye health because:
- smears the eye
- Removes foreign objects to reduce the risk of damage or infection
- keeps the surface of the eye smooth and clear
Dry eyes occur when there is an imbalance between the creation and removal of tears. The imbalance may be due to insufficient tear production, poor quality cracks, or cracks that evaporate too quickly.
Common causes of dry eyes are:
- Nocturnal lagophthalmos: People with this disease sleep with your eyes open due to damaged or weakened eyelids.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can affect tear production or quality.
- Age: It becomes harder to produce tears with age.
- Hormonal factors: Pills for pregnancy, menopause, and birth control can make it difficult for the body to produce tears.
- Diseases: Some chronic diseases like metabolic diseases or Sjogren’s diseasecan increase the risk of dry eyes.
- Wear contact lenses: Long-term use of contact lenses can increase the risk of dry eyes, especially when you sleep.
- Eye surgery: Refractive eye surgery can decrease tear production.
- Long periods of use of screen-based devices: Excessive screen use without sufficient blinking could cause dry eyes and eye strain.
- Environmental factors: Wind, smoke, pollution, or allergens can all increase the risk of dry eyes.
- Medication: Certain medications reduce tear production, including some antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants.
- Malnutrition: Not eating enough nutrients that support the tear film or eyes, such as: Vitamin A. and Omega-3 fatty acidscan cause dry eyes.
Dry eyes can cause a number of symptoms. including::
- stinging or burning sensations in or around the eye
- Redness in the eyes
- increased sensitivity to light
- blurred vision
- a scratchy or grainy feeling, like something has stuck in the eye
- String slime around or near the eyes
- watery or watery eyes
- Pain when wearing contacts
The best treatment for dry eyes depends on the severity and cause of the condition.
Some treatment options are:
- Add tears: People can try using artificial over-the-counter (OTC) tears or moisturizing ointments or gels. It is best to choose preservative-free solutions with fewer ingredients that can cause irritation.
- To keep tears: This involves plugging the tear ducts that drain tears with tiny gel or silicone plugs to help keep natural tears in your eyes longer.
- Treatment of eye or eyelid inflammation: Doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory ointments, eye drops, or eyelid washes to treat these conditions.
- Increase in tear production: Prescribed eye drops such as cyclosporine can increase tear production.
- Changing medication for dry eyes: A person can talk to a doctor about suitable alternatives to medications that cause dry eyes.
- Surgery to strengthen and tighten the lower eyelids: These procedures can prevent tears from draining too quickly or help with nocturnal lagophthalmos.
Several home remedies can help relieve dry eye symptoms. Some pointers lock in::
- stay hydrated
- get enough rest
- Apply a warm compress to the eye, e.g. B. a clean washcloth soaked in warm water
- Massage the closed eyelid
- with OTC eyelid cleansers
- get enough vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids
- Avoid smoky, heavily polluted, or dry environments and climates
- Use a humidifier at home or at work to keep the air moist
- Wear UV protective goggles outdoors or in bright light
- Time limit in front of screens and regular breaks
- Avoid allowing fans, heaters, or conditioners to blow air into your eyes
- Wearing glasses instead of contact lenses
- Cleaning homes, bedding, and clothing to reduce exposure to allergens and dust
- Using air filters to remove allergens and foreign particles from the air in your home or indoor workplace
The appearance of mild symptoms of dry eyes before or during sleep is usually not a cause for concern. The symptoms should go away on their own.
However, a person should speak to a doctor about dry eyes if their symptoms are severe, chronic, or unresponsive to home care or OTC treatments.
Many people have dry eyes, especially at night. Dry eyes can develop due to certain medical conditions, medication use, or lifestyle and environmental factors.
It is important to speak to a doctor about severe or chronic dry eye symptoms, or those that do not respond to home remedies or lifestyle changes. Without treatment, dry eyes can damage the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye.