DES is a condition where the eye dries up, thereby causing great discomfort. The eye has a watery layer called the tear layer which is funded by the tear glands
The tear glands produce tears; they also release a watery substance that lubricates the eyes even when there are no tears. But as we age, this tear production is reduced resulting in what is officially called Kerato Conjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or ocular surface disease, popularly known as ‘dry eyes’.
The reasons for the drying up of tear glands could range from hormonal changes, rheumatoid arthritis to even the use of some types of medicines like antidepressants, beta blockers, etc. The condition is aggravated when the oil secretion from the eyelids also reduces as this oil covers the watery layer reducing its ability to evaporate. But sometimes these oil glands malfunction, like in cases when one suffers from an eye infection such as conjunctivitis. Without the protective oily layer, the watery layer evaporates faster.
Dry eyes could also be caused due to the prolonged viewing involved in an activity, where blinking of the eyes is not as frequent as normal. Sometimes contact lens wear also increases the risk of dry eye syndrome. Even refractive surgery like Lasik could cause dry eyes. In some cases, the presence of dry eyes is an indication of a Vitamin A deficiency or a Hepatitis C infection or even diabetes.
Symptoms Of Dry Eyes
Scratchy or gritty eyes, a burning sensation in the eyes are all common symptoms of dry eyes though in rare cases, the person may experience blurred vision, sensitivity to light, etc. However, since most of these are common symptoms, a visit to the doctor is advised if they persist for a long time. Often these symptoms are aggravated by extreme climatic areas.
Dry Eyes And Contact Lenses
When you wear contact lenses, they rest on the watery layer. But if you have ‘dry eyes’ then obviously the contacts are going to be bothering you. While there is one line of thought which propagates that contact lenses are avoidable for ‘dry eyes’ patients, a newer kind of thinking says that even those suffering with dry eyes can wear them provided they are willing to take proper care.
Here, we talk of three things. First up are basic home remedies for ‘dry eyes’. Second are a couple of medicinal remedies. And third is a complete guide to cleaning contact lenses, so that trouble is restrained at its minimum.
Basic Ways To Treat Dry Eyes
While medically there are several ways to deal with DES, there are some easy-to-do home therapies that can also work.
Use a humidifier. Room temperatures can often hit a ‘dry’ low with excessive usage of room heaters or air-conditioning. Both can reduce the humidity in the air leading to dry eyes. So use a humidifier to even out the extremities.
Reduce speeding fans. For those living in regions where ceiling fans are common – control the speed to minimize the dryness in the air and in the eyes.
Massage eyelids. Use warm compresses for the eyes occasionally. The warmth of the compress and the gentle massage ensures that the oil secretion of the eyelid glands is circulated properly.
Medicinal Methods:
Lubricating eye drops and gels: Applied three to four times a day, they moisten the eyes as well as lubricate the surface.
Artificial inserts: In some cases, doctors recommend an artificial insert that stabilises and thickens the watery layer of the eyes.
Lenses with lower water content: Switching to a lens with lower water content or a rigid gas permeable lens can also help. You can also try Silicone hydrogel lenses.
Complete Guide To Contact Lens Cleaning
Range, sophistication in the manufacturing process and techniques for caring of lenses have taken a quantum leap in the recent years. When it comes to lens cleaning, there are dozens of products in the market that work as excellent options.
Taking Care Of Your Lenses
While lens care has been simplified, there are some basics that need to be adhered to. Here’s a quick dekko.
Step One: Before you switch to a new lens care system, it is always better to consult your eye doctor and get a clear directive from him about the option that suits you.
Step Two: Prior to cleaning, ensure that your hands are washed and preferably not with a deep moisturising soap as the oil in it is not good for lenses. Also, wipe your hands with a soft cotton cloth before touching the lens. A towel or a dry-napkin might leave behind remnants of lint that can scratch your eye.
Step Three: Cleaning. Over a period of time, the eye produces remnants of rheum, the sticky substance discharged during sleep and or eye protein which deposits itself in the corner of the eyes. Ideally, these deposits are washed off. But, if you are a contact lens wearer, then they could settle on the lens, causing itching and irritation. You may also need to clean the grime from the air that could have settled on the lens.
Take one lens and clean it with a small portion of the lens solution. Then, take a few drops of the solution in your palm and gently rub the already cleaned lens as this helps to loosen the stubborn grit. There are certain products whose labels read ‘No Rub’, but doctors usually recommend rubbing.
Step Four: Rinsing. Every cleaning lotion mentions the time you should take to rinse the lens. Ensure that you toe the line by doing just that. The cleaning agent basically disinfects the lens and one solution’s disinfecting period might differ from the other.Once cleaning of the first lens is complete, repeat this entire process with the other lens.
Step Five: Disinfecting. When you are dealing with something as fragile as the eyes, you must take extra care. It is important to disinfect anything that comes in touch with your contact lenses. Therefore, after cleaning and rinsing your lenses, disinfect the lens holder by throwing off any old solution that may be lying in it. Then, after thoroughly cleaning the lens holder, place the cleaned lenses in it and fill it with fresh lotion.
The Five Commandments Of Contact Lens Care
- Never touch the tip of a solution bottle to any surface, like a table or your own body surface else it may get contaminated.
- Never use tap water to clean as it carries a microorganism called Acanthamoeba that can cause an eye infection.
- Clean and disinfect lenses once a day and discard the contact lens case every month.
- Never use eye drops/solutions while wearing contact lenses, other than those recommended.
- Never wear lenses used by others, not even cosmetic lenses.
