Get the inside scoop on dry eye

  Corneal dryness, commonly referred to as “dry eye”, is a general term for a variety of diseases that are characterized by abnormal tear quality or kinetics for any reason, resulting in decreased tear film stability and associated ocular discomfort or ocular surface tissue lesions.  The eyes are often easily fatigued and dry, and if you have this feeling, you may be suffering from dry eye. There is a tear film on the surface of the eye, which is secreted by the lacrimal gland, the lid gland and the conjunctiva.  Many cosmetic advertisements emphasize skin moisturizing, compared to eye moisturizing, which is more important. To moisturize your eyes well, do not “keep your eyes on the ground”, you may want to blink your eyes frequently. If you use a computer for more than 2 hours, you should look into the distance and move your shoulders and neck at the same time.  For patients with dry eyes, the treatment plan in a specialized hospital includes: Phase 1: Clean the eyelids to remove harmful components of the lid secretions; supplement with preservative-free artificial tears four times a day, and reduce the amount after a week, aiming to use them only when needed.  Phase 2: Preservation of existing tears by wearing wet room lenses instead; supplementation with preservative-free artificial tears; combination of anti-allergy eye medication if the patient has allergic factors, such as itchy eyes, and only then should anti-hormonal antibiotic eye ointment be added if the patient has persistent blepharitis, and continued lid cleaning.