Someday You May Need an Eye Mask for Dry Eyes
You might experience dry eye syndrome (DES) at any age, but this uncomfortable eye health condition becomes more common as people grow older. The issue may occur due to a range of external factors, from undergoing laser eye surgery, to using certain medications, to developing Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Fortunately, treatments can be very helpful in managing DES, such as the routine application of an eye mask for dry eyes. If you do experience dry eye, addressing it as soon as possible is crucial for your comfort and your health.
Developing Dry Eye Syndrome with Age
Various circumstances can cause dry eye over time. Hormonal changes, such as those sustained by menopausal women, are an example of one common factor connected to DES. In fact, according to optometrists.org, dry eye impacts more than 60 percent of menopausal and perimenopausal women.
Another common link to DES is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), which also occurs more frequently as people get older. When the Meibomian glands in the eyelids degenerate or become blocked, insufficient oil production results in dry eye. Other health conditions that may affect older people and cause DES include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and thyroid disease.
Additionally, dry eye can be a side effect of some medications that many people need to take as they age. One example is beta blockers, which are often prescribed to those with hypertension. Other medications that can lead to dry eye or worsen it include some heartburn medicines, medication for overactive bladder, sleeping pills, diuretics, and antidepressants.
As some individuals age, they require laser surgery for their eyes. This procedure can also lead to a decrease in tear production and resultant dry eye syndrome.
Don’t Ignore Dry Eye Symptoms!
If you suspect that you have DES, seeing an eye doctor as soon as possible is important. Be on the alert for the following symptoms:
- red eyes
- itchiness
- scratchiness, burning, or stinging
- stringy mucus in the eye area
- light sensitivity
- a feeling that something is in the eye
- eye fatigue or blurriness
- trouble driving at night
- discomfort with contact lenses
If you ignore the symptoms of dry eye, you could experience worse issues later. You might experience inflammation, infection, loss of vision, corneal abrasions, or increasing difficulty with normal daily activities that require proper vision.
Treating and Managing Dry Eye
Once the issue is diagnosed by your eye doctor, you can begin the process of dry eye treatment and management. Your doctor might first help identify any conditions that can be changed, such as possibly substituting a medication for one that could be causing the dry eye symptoms. Since too much “screen time” can exacerbate this eye condition, your doctor may recommend less time in front of the computer, your phone, and TV screens.
Medical treatment may also be necessary. Your eye doctor might refer you to a surgeon for plastic surgery on your eyelids. You may be prescribed with eye drops or medication to decrease inflammation. You might need to take a nasal spray or other medicine that can help to increase tear production.
In addition, you can significantly reduce the severity of your symptoms by practicing various remedies at home and away from home. Wearing wraparound sunglasses may limit the amount of dust and other pollutants that make contact with your eyes. Adding a filter and humidifier to your environment might also be useful. You can take an eye health supplement to support the functionality of your eyes’ oil glands and to promote the health of your eyes, in general.
Get Relief with an EyeGiene® Eye Mask for Dry Eyes
Another tried-and-true home treatment for dry eye is the regular application of a dry eye therapy mask. In fact, the right warming eye mask system can greatly alleviate the symptoms of DES and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, enabling you to function better as you go about your daily life.
Questions or concerns? Want to know how our dry eye relief mask works so well? Contact us at info@eyegiene.com.
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