Combatting Dry Eyes: Understanding Causes, Remedies and Long-Term Solutions (2024)

Combatting Dry Eyes

Dry eyes, though often dismissed as a minor inconvenience can significantly impact our daily lives and overall well-being. From discomfort to potential long-term effects, understanding this condition is vital for maintaining healthy vision. In this article, we discuss the causes, remedies, levels and long-term effects of dry eyes as well as the crucial role your local pharmacy team can play in finding effective solutions for you.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes occur when your tears are unable to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Without adequate tears, you may have an increased risk of eye infection or damage to the surface of your eyes. If left untreated, severe dry eyes may lead to eye inflammation, abrasion of the corneal surface, corneal ulcers and vision loss leading to decreased quality of life.

Dry eye can happen due to various factors, including:

1. Aging: As we age tear production typically decreases leading to drier eyes.
2. Environmental factors: Exposure to wind, smoke, dry air or air conditioning can exacerbate dryness.
3. Medical conditions: Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disorders can contribute to dry eyes.
4. Medications: Antihistamines, decongestants and antidepressants may reduce tear production.
5. Prolonged screen time: Staring at screens for extended periods can lead to decreased blinking resulting in dry eyes.

Remedies for Dry Eyes:

The best solution for dry eyes is self-care. You may be able to manage your dry eyes with frequent eyelid washing and the use of nonprescription eye drops or other products that help lubricate your eyes. If your condition is long term (chronic), use eye drops even when your eyes feel fine to keep them well lubricated.

There are several remedies that can alleviate the discomfort of dry eyes:

1. Artificial tears: Over-the-counter artificial tear solutions can provide temporary relief by lubricating the eyes.
2. Warm compresses: Applying a warm compress to the eyes can help stimulate tear production and reduce inflammation.
3. Eye Lid Washing: Use a gentlecleansing wipe as part of a daily eyelid care regimen. Pre-moistened wipes remove debris and make-up that can cause eye irritation.
4. Blinking exercises: Taking regular breaks during screen time to blink consciously can help maintain moisture in the eyes.
5. Humidifiers: Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air can prevent eyes from drying out, especially in dry environments.
6. Omega-3 supplements: Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet or taking supplements may help improve tear quality.
7. Rest your eyes: if you wear contact lenses, take them out and wear glasses to rest your eyes.

The Different Levels of Dry Eyes:

Dry eyes can range from mild to severe:

1. Mild dry eyes: Occasional discomfort or irritation, especially in certain environments or during specific activities.
2. Moderate dry eyes: Persistent discomfort, redness and sensitivity to light.
3. Severe dry eyes: Constant discomfort, blurred vision and potential damage to the cornea, leading to vision problems.

The Long-Term Effects of Dry Eyes:

Ignoring dry eyes can lead to several long-term complications, including:

1. Corneal damage: Chronic dryness can cause abrasions or ulcers on the cornea affecting vision.
2. Increased infection risk: Dry eyes can make the eyes more susceptible to infections due to reduced tear function.
3. Decreased quality of life: Persistent discomfort and vision problems can impact daily activities and overall well-being.

Your Pharmacy Team is a valuable resource for managing dry eyes.Our friendly Pharmacists can:

1. Provide guidance: Pharmacists can offer advice on suitable over-the-counter remedies and lifestyle modifications to alleviate dry eye symptoms.
2. Recommend products: They can recommend specific artificial tear formulations or other eye care products tailored to your needs.
3. Refer to specialists: In cases of severe dry eyes or underlying medical conditions, pharmacists can refer you to an eye care specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Tips for administering eye drops:

1. Wash hands
2. Rotate the bottle around gently for 30- 40 seconds before inserting drops
3. Tilt head back
4. Pull the lower lid away from the eye. This can be done by method I, pulling downward with one finger, or by method II, pinching the lower lid into which a drop may be inserted
5. Let the medicine fall from the bottle’s dropper into the pocket. Do not touch the dropper against the eye or anything else
6. If more than one drop has been ordered, wait 3 to 4 minutes before putting another drop into the same eye
7. Replace the bottle cap immediately after use. This keeps the medication clean.
8. After inserting the drops, close the eyelids and apply pressure for 1 to 2 minutes over the point where the lid meets the nose
9. Wipe excess liquid with a tissue.
10. Wash hands

Things to remember:

• To write the date that you opened the eye drops on the container.

• When administering multiple eye medications, wait 5 to 15 minutes before delivering second medication to same eye to prevent dilution.

• Eye drop medical devices are available.

• Avoid contaminating eye dispenser from contact with eye, eyelid, eyelashes, or finger.

• Do not rub eyes.

What happens to eye drops after you open them?

Once you open a bottle of eye drops, the active ingredient(s) can start to break down and germs can be introduced into the bottle. This is because opening the bottle breaks the sterile seal. The sterile seal helps protect the drops from being contaminated. It is best to wait until you need to use the eye drops before opening a new bottle.

Most eye drops contain preservatives, which help prevent the growth of bacteria and lower the risk of infection. These are usually multi-use eye drop bottles. Eye drops can also come as single-use vials, which don’t have preservatives. These single-use vials shouldn’t be used more than 24 hours after opening.

How long can you use eye drops after opening them?

Many manufacturers recommend that you throw away eye drops 28 days after opening the bottle. This is because the preservatives inside can start to break down and allow bacteria to grow. 

Each medicated eye drop may have different instructions for how long they can be used after opening. Generally, you should expect that the eye drops will be stable long enough to finish your treatment. 

What should you do if you’ve used expired eye drops by mistake?

If you accidentally use expired eye drops, you should let your healthcare provider know. It's important to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience any bothersome effects, such as irritation or pain, you may need to seek medical care. 

How can I keep my eye drops from becoming contaminated?

You can help keep eye drops from becoming contaminated once the bottle is open by correctly administering the eye drops as outlined above. 

Key points to avoid contamination include: 

• Washing your hands before and after using the eye drops

• Avoid touching the dropper tip of the bottle to your eye, hands, or anything else

• Replace the bottle’s cap right after use

• Store your eye drops in a dry location at the recommended temperature. Some eye drops should be stored at room temperature. Others should be stored in the refrigerator. The package inserts or label that comes with your eye drops should contain this information. If you are unsure how to use or store your eye drops, check with your pharmacist.

Dry eyes may seem like a minor inconvenience, but they can have significant implications for your eye health and quality of life. By understanding the causes, remedies, levels and long-term effects of dry eyes, as well as seeking assistance from our pharmacy team, you can effectively manage this condition and maintain healthy vision for years to come.