Let’s start by discussing why it is important to blink?
Blinking it highly important as people normally blink around 10,000 times a day. Each time you blink, your eyes will close for around 0.3 seconds, and will happen as often as around 2-10 seconds and for about the total of 30 minutes every day.
Blinking is very necessary, as it helps replenish the moisture to eye, by spreading thin film layer of tear across the eyes, this always helps to clean the eye surface. If this process doesn’t happen or doesn’t sufficiently spread then it may cause dry eye or some slight irritation.
Having dry eyes can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions which may include eye infections or for having allergies.
So what happens when you suffer from dry eyes?
When experiencing dry eyes, it can sometimes be caused by the lack of sufficient moisture. This can happen by not having the adequate quality or even quantity of tears. If your eyes aren’t being lubricated enough, it can cause your eyes discomfort and may lead you to experience irritated eyes.
Low Quantity of Tears
This is a result of not producing enough tears that will moisten your eyes. There are many of causes to why you have a decreased quantity which include hormones, medical condition, age and some medication, just to name a few for you.
Poor Quality Tears
Within your eye, it consists of three layers. The fatty oils, water and the mucus. These tear film layers are what help to maintain the surface of your eye is clear, protected and smooth. If you have a problem with any of these layers then it will produce the poor quality, leading you to experience dry spots, leading to irritation in the eye.
Things to do if you’re suffering from dry eyes
Maintaining a good eye health care can help. Things like, making sure you blink whilst sat at the computer, reading a book or any other concentration tasks.
Using artificial lubricant can also provide a temporary relief and comfort. Eating foods like oily fish, leafy greens and nuts, all containing omega 3 fatty acids will help to promote healthy tears.
Lid cleansing wipes that are hypoallergenic as part of your day to day routine can help protect your eyes from dirt that may cause and lead to infections.
If you leave your dry eye syndrome to be untreated that you are most likely going to suffer more frequent infections, surface scarring to the eye and worse case, a decreased quality of life.
Talking to an eye care professional who can assess the quality and the quantity of your tears, with a proper diagnosis, they can then recommend the treatment you will need. in some cases, this treatment may simply be lubricating eye drops. Serious cases can lead to surgery.
Feature Credit Image: Augusto Serna Via Flickr
