Causes and Symptoms of Chronic Dry Eyes
We often tend to ignore signs that we’re not in the pink of health. Call it laziness or fear; we’re all guilty of looking the other way when our body gives an indication of any kind of distress. The same goes with the problem of dry eyes. There are many causes and symptoms of chronic dry eyes and if you notice any of them for a prolonged period, you should consult your doctor.
Dryness of the eyes is caused when the eyes are not adequately lubricated, causing friction when one blinks. Going through your day with a case of dry eyes can be extremely uncomfortable.
Causes of dry eyes
Chronic dry eyes may be caused by many things. Some of the most common causes of dry eyes are menopause, frequent usage of computers, contact lenses, exposure to smoke, hormonal imbalances etc. Most of the causes are related to the kind of lifestyle you maintain. For instance, using laptops, tablet devices, and phones all through the day may give you tired and dehydrated eyes which in turn lead to dryness. Adopting a healthier lifestyle goes a long way in protecting your eyes.
The causes and symptoms of chronic dry eyes can be detected early enough to take curative action to restore their health.
Early indicators of chronic dry eyes
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Dehydrated eyes
Dehydrated eyes are a red flag and as soon as you experience this, you should take appropriate action.
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Itchiness
Chronic dryness of the eyes leads to irritation and itchiness in and around the eyes. The most common reaction to this symptom is to rub the eyes, but that only makes the problem worse by irritating the eyes even more.
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Swelling
Sometimes dry eyes lead to swelling of the eyes as well as the eyelids. This also makes one feel as if their eyes have become heavier.
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Pain
Acute dryness in the eyes is a very painful condition. It is a symptom you can’t miss. Dry eyes cause a burning sensation due to the friction caused by blinking.
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Redness
The friction caused by dehydration of the eyes leads to redness of the eyes and sometimes even the area around the eyes. If your eyes appear inflamed and red, it is probably best to have them looked at by your doctor right away.
Home remedies for dry eyes
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Cucumber slices
Cucumber slices are classic relaxing agents for the eyes. The soft, cool, gel-like inner core of the cucumber soothes the eyes.
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Avoid soap
As silly as it sounds, preventing the eyes from coming into contact with soap may be all that you need to do to stop them from stinging and burning.
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Warm compress
You may dip cotton balls in warm water and press them into flat pads. These cotton pads, when laid on the eyelids, help the eyes to relax and allow them to rehydrate.
The home remedies mentioned above come in handy when you need quick relief from dry eyes. However, to consult a qualified physician and seek further treatment to ensure your eyes are healthy are safe.
