Dry Eye Syndrome exists as a frequent condition which affects people at every stage of life. The condition develops when eyes produce insufficient tears or tears disappear too rapidly from the surface of the eyes. Dryness and irritation together with discomfort develop because of this condition. Dry eyes are not automatically better in Kerala’s humid climate because air pollution together with air conditioning and excessive screen time can still cause symptoms to appear. Learning about the root causes together with simple management strategies enables you to obtain relief and protect your eye health.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
Multiple conditions lead to the development of this condition. Recognizing the underlying factors behind these conditions enables better symptom management while allowing you to make appropriate protective measures.
1. Reduced Tear Production
The production of tears decreases naturally throughout the aging process. The natural tear production decreases in individuals older than 50 years which causes persistent dryness and discomfort to develop. Medical conditions including diabetes along with arthritis and lupus and thyroid disorders can both affect tear production levels in patients.
2. Increased Tear Evaporation
The lubrication function of tears becomes compromised when they evaporate too rapidly because of three main factors:
- Hot and windy weather – Common in Kerala, especially in coastal and high-temperature areas.
- Air conditioning and ceiling fans – Exposure to both cool and dry air environments results in eye dryness.
- Long hours on digital screens – Long periods of computer or television screen viewing combined with reduced blinking cause tears to evaporate more quickly.
- Wearing contact lenses for extended periods – The use of contact lenses might cause dryness in the eyes because they extract moisture from the tear fluid. This can worsen Dry Eye Syndrome.
3. Poor Tear Quality
The three tear layers including oil and water and mucus function as a system to maintain eye moisture. The spread of tears across the eye surface becomes uneven when any of these three layers become imbalanced. This can happen due to:
- Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) – The blockage of oil glands in eyelids leads to insufficient oil production which causes tears to evaporate.
- Blepharitis – The inflammation of eyelids from this condition produces tears with poor quality, contributing to Dry Eye Syndrome.
- Allergies – Allergic reactions to seasonal allergies result in watery eyes yet the tears the eyes produce lack proper hydration ability.
4. Vitamin Deficiencies
The absence of Vitamin A and Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet results in decreased tear production and dry eye manifestations. A diet lacking in:
- Carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes (rich in Vitamin A)
- Fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds (rich in Omega-3s)
may increase the risk of dry eyes.
5. Smoking and Air Pollution
The toxic elements in cigarette smoke produce eye irritation while simultaneously making the eyes dry. The symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome can be activated by exposure to passive smoke. Symptoms become more severe due to the combination of dust, smoke, and air pollution which frequently affects certain areas of Kerala.
Tips for Managing and Relieving Dry Eyes
1. Stay Hydrated
The consumption of adequate water supports eye moisture maintenance across the entire system. Drinking 8 glasses of water each day will maintain both your body hydration and eye moisture levels.
2. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes when you spend time in front of a screen you should stop and look at an object 20 feet away while performing 20 blinks. The blinking action distributes moisture across the eyes while decreasing tension and stopping tears from evaporating.
3. Blink More Often
Your eyes stay moist when you blink because the process distributes moisture throughout the surface. Periods of computer work or reading should be accompanied by intentional blinking to maintain eye lubrication.
4. Use Artificial Tears
The use of over-the-counter artificial tears which function as lubricating eye drops provides relief from dryness. Choose products without preservatives when you need to use eye drops often. Seek medical advice from an eye professional when symptoms do not improve.
5. Adjust Your Environment
- Avoid direct air from fans, ACs, or car vents – These can dry out your eyes.
- Use a humidifier – This adds moisture to the air, especially in air-conditioned or heated rooms.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors – Protect your eyes from wind, dust, and bright sunlight.
6. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Include foods such as:
- Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
- Nuts and seeds (flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds)
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale, broccoli)
These foods help improve tear quality and reduce inflammation in the eyes.
7. Clean Your Eyelids Regularly
A mild cleanser combined with warm water allows you to wash your eyelids which helps maintain clear oil glands. Individuals suffering from Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) need this practice since it stands as the main contributor to dry eyes.
8. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Eye rubbing intensifies symptoms and distributes bacteria throughout the eyes. To combat Dry Eye Syndrome and eye itchiness, you should apply lubricating drops instead of touching your eyes.
9. Get Regular Eye Check-ups
Consultation with an eye doctor enables proper diagnosis of your dry eye condition followed by treatment recommendations. Medical treatments which include prescription eye drops with tear duct plugs and specialized therapies become necessary when over-the-counter drops fail to help dry eye symptoms. Scheduling an appointment at an Eye hospital in Kochi can ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
When to See an Eye Specialist?
Seek professional medical assistance from an eye specialist when your dry eye symptoms remain uncontrolled or you experience severe pain or blurred vision or eye infections. Getting diagnosed early and receiving treatment will stop complications from occurring while improving your comfort level.
Dry Eye Syndrome exists as a widespread condition that people can successfully manage. A combination of lifestyle modifications with hydration practices and proper nutrition and regular eye care helps prevent symptoms while relieving their effects. You must consult an expert to discover the appropriate treatment when dry eyes become a problem for you.
For professional eye care and personalized treatment, visit The Eye Foundation.
