Guides and advice Eye health tips Keys to keeping dry eye under control

Keys to keeping dry eye under control

12 de April de 2022

Dry eye syndrome is an extremely common disorder of the ocular surface, which affects more than a quarter of the population. Although it cannot be cured because it is a chronic problem, it can be controlled in order to reduce eye discomfort, vision problems and injuries to the cornea and conjunctiva.

To that end, it is essential for the ophthalmologist to obtain an accurate diagnosis and pursue a tailored therapeutic strategy. With regard to fulfilling treatment and ensuring that preventative measures are taken, the role of the patient is key. The IMO’s Dry Eye Area (new) seeks to accompany and provide support to patients between appointments through the offering of personalised guidance and recommendations to follow.

Here are 8 key tips from our specialists to minimise the impact of ocular dryness on visual health and quality of life:

1. Eyelid hygiene

It is important to ensure good eyelid hygiene by removing excess bacteria and oil from the eyelid edges and preventing deterioration of tear quality.

Follow these three steps to achieve good results:

Apply heat to the eyelids with warm swabs with the eyes closed for 5 minutes.
Massage the eyelids, making vertical movements towards the eyelid margin (near the eyelashes). This will help release bacteria and oil.
Clean the edge of the eyelids with soap solution applied to the root of the eyelashes or using special eyelid hygiene wipes.

In addition to being consistent in this daily care at home, carrying out regular consulting room treatments, such as eyelid microexfoliation or thermal pulsation, can help to reinforce eyelid hygiene.

2. Contact lenses

Contact lens wearers should take precautions to prevent ocular dryness. A first step is to consult with specialists on the most suitable type of contact lenses for each case, always use them correctly (do not put them in immediately after waking up, do not sleep or bathe with them in, do not overuse them, etc.) and ensure that they are properly maintained and always kept moist.

3. Environmental measures

Environmental measures also have an influence on the challenge of keeping dry eye under control. Above all, it is advisable to:

Avoid heating and air conditioning
Use humidifiers
Protect the eyes with glasses that feature adequate sunscreens
Protect the eyes in polluted or dusty environments
Hydrate the eyes with artificial tears without preservatives

4. Habits

There are habits that are especially harmful for patients with this syndrome and should be avoided, such as rubbing the eyes, a common reaction to itching, eye fatigue or foreign body sensation, which, if done repeatedly, can weaken the cornea and increase the risk of developing keratoconus.

By contrast, it is advisable to adopt other habits that are beneficial for eye health, such as taking visual breaks every 20 minutes, when carrying out near vision activities (reading, computer work, looking at a mobile phone, etc.). In these situations, blinking decreases by up to 30%, resulting in faster tear evaporation and dry eyes.

5. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements

The consumption of food supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids in high quantities helps to improve tear quality and has an anti-inflammatory effect, which can be highly beneficial, since most patients with dry eye have inflammation of the ocular surface.

6. Anti-inflammatories

The use of anti-inflammatories is only recommended in specific cases and they should always be prescribed by a specialist, whether they are administered sporadically or chronically (usually indicated in patients with blepharitis or patients with severe dry eye associated with Sjögren’s syndrome).

7. Antibiotics

Topical or oral antibiotics should also only be taken if prescribed by a specialist (in this case, usually indicated for blepharitis).

8. Regular eye check-ups

In addition to visits for appropriate consulting room treatments, it is advisable for patients to have regular check-ups approximately every 3-6 months for thorough monitoring of the disorder, which, thanks to the IMO’s team of specialist optometrists, is complemented by telephone consultations to discuss patient evolution, treatment guidelines, etc.