Dry eye syndrome, or dry eyes, occurs due to insufficient lubrication and moisture on the eyes’ surface. The inadequate lubrication could be due to several factors, including health conditions like retinopathy, diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Patients experience various symptoms, the most common being subtle but persistent eye irritation. Here are the signs, causes, and types of dry eyes and how to manage the condition with home remedies and treatments.

Signs
The telltale signs of dry eyes include a burning or stinging sensation, excess mucus around the eyes, redness, blurred vision, and eye fatigue. Some individuals may become hypersensitive to light. One must visit a doctor in case of prolonged symptoms.

Causes
Dry eyes result from several factors, the most prominent being aging. Lubrication in the eyes reduces significantly as an individual grows older. Pollution and low humidity can also strip the moisture from the eyes, causing them to become itchy and dry. Further, autoimmune diseases like arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren’s syndrome may hinder tear production, resulting in dry eyes.

The use of gadgets is on the rise, and it is another critical factor resulting in dry eyes in recent times. Tear production decreases due to prolonged exposure to the blue light emitted by the screen and the tendency to blink less often.

Types
There are mainly three types of dry eye syndrome:

ADDE
Aqueous deficient dry eye (ADDE) usually affects individuals with autoimmune disorders like Sjogren’s syndrome. The tear glands do not function properly, depriving the eyes of sufficient moisture.

EDE
Evaporative dry eye (EDE) is common in individuals with eyelash dandruff, ocular rosacea, and Demodex mites. Here, the meibomian glands along the eyelids do not secrete oil, leading to a lack of lubrication.

MDE
Mixed dry eye (MDE) is a combination of ADDE and EDE. About 30 to 70 percent of patients are diagnosed with this type of dry eye syndrome.

Natural remedies
Following are the three most effective home remedies for dry eyes:

Heat and massage
Blocked tear ducts can lead to dry eyes. One can unclog tear ducts by placing a warm compress on the eyes for several minutes every day until the symptoms subside. It not only loosens debris but also improves blood circulation in the eyes, enabling it to release natural oils.

Regular eyelid wash
Washing the eyelids with a mild shampoo helps restore lubrication in the eyes by removing the debris and reducing inflammation. One should follow this practice multiple times a day.

Humidification
A humidifier or filter can induce moisture or purify the air, making dry eyes more manageable. Lifestyle changes, such as drinking plenty of water and wearing wraparound sunglasses to protect eyes from outdoor weather and pollution, can also keep dry eye symptoms at bay.

Foods to eat and avoid
Foods rich in vitamins A, B6, B9, B12, C, D, E, and lutein are good for overall health, including ocular health. Eggs, oranges, avocados, broccoli, berries, and dark leafy greens are rich in these vitamins. However, vitamins alone might not be sufficient to increase lubrication in the eyes. Patients must also eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to replenish lubrication and relieve inflammation caused by dry eyes. Flaxseeds, palm oil, soybean oil, chia seeds, walnuts, salmon, and tuna are rich in omega-3.

Besides eating healthy foods, those with dry eyes should avoid high-sodium snacks like chips and salted nuts. In addition, sugary foods, especially those with refined sugars, are harmful.

Treatment options
The condition is treatable with the following methods:

Punctal plugs
Punctal plugs are small sterile devices inserted in the upper and lower eyelids. They prevent dry eyes syndrome by retaining tears on the eye surface.

Eye drops
Different kinds of eye drops are available for managing the symptoms of dry eyes. Some reduce inflammation in the eyes, while others help retain lubrication in the tear ducts.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy
This is an FDA-approved option for treating evaporative dry eye (EDE) and ocular rosacea. It provides relief from inflammation, relieving dry eye syndrome.