Secretion of tears is necessary to keep your eyes healthy. A tear film ensures that your vision is clear, and if your tear film is affected, it can cause dry eyes. There are several causes of dry eyes, and sometimes you might miss out on the symptoms or brush them off. Once you can identify your symptoms, you can seek the right treatments. You can also resort to home remedies for dry eyes.

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Causes of dry eyes
Dry eyes can occur due to several factors. Your tear films consist of three layers; mucus, aqueous fluid, and fatty oils. Issues with any one of these layers can result in dry eyes as they are primarily responsible for keeping your eyes clean and lubricated. The layers and the tear film issues can arise from hormonal changes, eye allergies, autoimmune disease, and other underlying factors. You can consult a doctor to receive a proper diagnosis. A decrease in the production of tears can lead to dry eyes. The following reasons can cause a decrease in tear production.

• Aging
• Medical conditions like thyroid, eye allergies, and lupus
• Intake of medication like antihistamines, antidepressants, and hormone replacement therapy
• Eye sensitivity caused due to laser surgery and wrongful use of contact lens

Symptoms of dry eyes
There are some recurring and obvious signs of dry eyes. Once you recognize the symptoms, you can go to the doctor for a consultation and seek treatment. Some of the prevalent symptoms of dry eyes are:

• Redness in the eyes
• Watery eyes
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light and an itchy sensation
• String-like mucus formation around the eyes
• Eyes feel very heavy, making it difficult to keep them open

Treatment

Artificial tears
Dry eyes can progressively worsen based on the underlying cause of the condition. However, a range of treatment options can address mild to severe dry eyes. The use of eye drops for lubrication can help treat dry eyes. Artificial tears and other eye drops are available in various volumes and contain different ingredients. The ones with low viscosity, which is thin, can provide automatic relief and help you deal with blurriness. The ones that are gel-like in consistency provide your eyes with long-term lubrication but can cause blurring for a couple of minutes. You can use them around bedtime for convenience.

Punctal plugs
A punctal plug is a tiny sterile device placed near the tear ducts to ensure that your eyes don’t dry. It prevents the tears from draining quickly and ensures that the tear film remains undisturbed for a longer time. Some dissolvable punctal plugs can last for a couple of days, and others can last for a month. After undergoing LASIK surgery, to prevent dry eyes from reoccurring, doctors usually recommend punctal plugs.

Home remedies
Home remedies are cost-effective and simple. Several home remedies can help cool your eyes and keep them hydrated. You can assess these remedies for yourself and choose what works for you. Some of the best home remedies for dry eyes are:

• Include Omega-3 supplements like flaxseed and palm oil since they effectively reduce inflammation.
• Rest your eyes and don’t watch television. Avoid reading a book for long periods without resting your eyes
• Use a humidifier to keep the air moist during winter, as a heater can dry the air in the house
• Use a combination of a warm and cold compress on your eyes
• Stay away from vehicle and cigarette smoke
• Be mindful of limiting your exposure to immense air movement, and avoid blow dryers or heavy fans