Page 59 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: EYE AND EAR PROBLEMS 57

Dry eyes

Dry eyes tend to develop when you are not producing enough tears or the tears are not lubricating the eye
properly. Your eyes may feel irritated or gritty. People of any age can be affected, but older people, particularly
women after menopause, are more susceptible. The problem is worsened by dry or windy weather, chlorinated
swimming pools, and air conditioning or central heating. Diabetes, and certain medications such as
antihistamines, can also cause dry eyes, as can inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis).

See also Itchy eyes, opposite page; Conjunctivitis, p.58; Contact lens problems, p.60.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor
to establish the cause of dry eyes. Artificial tear drops and gels
containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose keep the
eyes moist and can help relieve irritation (see EYE
LUBRICANTS, p.182). Don’t wear contact lenses while
What you can do yourself
using these products.
Try the following measures to relieve the Lubricating eye ointment (see EYE
discomfort of dry eyes. LUBRICANTS, p.182) is applied at bedtime to lubricate
the eyes through the night. Lubricants are not
● Blink frequently, particularly when you are
usually recommended for use during the day as
focusing on detailed work for long periods. Take
they may blur your vision. Ask your pharmacist
frequent rests if you are working at a computer.
to recommend an appropriate product.
● For occasional dryness, use artificial tears to
moisten your eyes (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). Applying eye treatments
● Try using a lubricating ointment to keep your When using any eye treatment,
apply it just inside your
eyes moist at night (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
lower eyelid. Hold the
● In heated rooms, increase the humidity by using end of the nozzle or
a humidifier, or place a bowl of water beside dropper away from
a radiator to keep the air moist. your eye to keep
it clean.
● Drink 6–8 glasses of water a day. Cut down
on coffee, tea, and cola, since these drinks contain
caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
● Wear goggles when swimming.
● Avoid smoky or polluted environments, which
could further irritate your eyes.
● Attach side shields to your glasses, especially
in windy or dry conditions.

Seek further medical advice
Arrange to see your doctor again if:
● You often have dry, uncomfortable eyes
● You develop any other symptoms