4-Step Guide to Busting Dry Eyes Myths

(Photo : Hobble, Unsplash)

Many people around the world deal with dry eyes. Pollution, dry weather, and inadequate sleep are among the reasons why it happens.

Dry eyes are usually mild and can be treated with over-the-counter drugs. But severe cases need a doctor's monitoring since it can cause various conditions like corneal ulcer and inflammation that can interfere with your ability to see clearly.

Below are the common myths about chronic dry eyes.

1. Dry eyes are normal and you can ignore it.

While it can go away naturally, dry eyes can be a symptom of other diseases like Sjogren's syndrome, an auto-immune disease where the body's white blood cells attack organs particularly the glands that control your eyes and mouth's moist.

If you experience dry eyes a lot, you should seek medical help to know if you have an underlying condition. But in case you do not have any, the doctor will then evaluate what causes it. Aside from medication, he or she may suggest changing your lifestyle like reducing the amount of time staring at the computer screen.

2. Just buy an eye drop to cure your dry eyes.

While eye drops are the most common medication for eye illness, there are many types of eye drops and all of them have different functions.

The eye drops for dry eyes are called lubricating eye drops which are sometimes called artificial tears. But for more severe conditions, lubricating gel is recommended. However, this variant can make your vision blurry temporarily so most people use them before going to bed.

Also, avoid decongestant eye drops as it can worsen the symptoms in the long run. It is used to shrink the tiny blood vessels in the eyes to make it less visible and get rid of the redness of the eyes. Other side effects include making pupils dilated and eye irritation. Frequent users might also develop tolerance in the long run which can worsen the redness.

Other examples are antihistamine eye drops, which is used for allergy, and antibiotic eye drops for infections.

3. Watery eyes are not a form of dry eyes

Contrary to some beliefs, excessive tearing is associated with dry eyes. Whenever your eyes get irritated or are dry, your body will combat it by secreting fluids to re-moisten your eyes.

But having watery eyes are not necessarily caused by dry eyes itself. When some allergens like dust or pollen went to it, your body will try to flush it using tears too.

4. Dry air causes dry eyes

Yes, it is, but not always the case. Dry eyes can age-related, as older people experience it more. Hormones might also cause this, which is why pregnant women usually experience it.

Certain medications can reduce tear production too. Examples are antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and medication for blood pressure. 

Using contact lenses can dry your eyes too, and so undergoing corrective eye surgery like LASIK.

But probably the most common factor is the lifestyle. Staring at a computer screen or cellphone may dry eyes. People who do not blink enough or do not sleep enough are at risk too.

Do you suffer from dry eyes? Check this article for some home remedies.