Dry Eyes in the Morning

As the name suggests, dry eye syndrome is nothing but a condition caused due to lack of production of tears. As a result, the eye is not lubricated which in turn leads to itchiness, stinging or burning sensation. Some people experience dry eyes early in the morning while others at night. If timely care is not taken of dry eyes, it can lead to infections and conjunctivitis.

Dry eyes at night are mainly caused due to lack of moisture, whereas in the morning they primarily occur due to the lack of production of tears, as a result of which one can experience irritation in the morning. This also leads to the production of a thick transparent jelly like excretion from the eye which is sticky and the eyelid feels heavy.

Causes

• Smoking, pollution, dust, etc. are some common factors that trigger dry eyes.
• Lack of vitamin A in the diet can lead to dry eyes. Aged people are more prone to this condition.
• Dry eyes are very common among people who have been using contact lenses for a long time.
• Certain medicines cause dry eyes as a side effect.
• Diseases like Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and collagen vascular diseases may be the underlying cause of dry eyes.
• In some people the improper formation of the eyelid can lead to dry eyes as it results in incomplete closure of the eyelid.
• People who used the computer or TV for a long time at a stretch, are more prone to dry eyes as they tend of blink less, resulting in improper circulation of tears in the eyes.
• Women are also more prone to dry eyes because of the hormonal changes that occur due to the use of contraceptive pills, pregnancy and menopause.
• Excess watering of the eye or crying eye syndrome can also leads to dry eyes.

Symptoms

• Itching or burning sensation especially early in the morning, followed by the feeling of presence of a foreign object in the eye.
• Redness in the eye and increased eye irritation from smoke or wind happens because of dry eyes.
• Sensitivity to light and increased eye fatigue within a short period of time, for example while reading and difficulty wearing contact lenses and blurred vision is also fairly common.

Treatment
There are various treatments available for dry eyes. In mild cases, basic care taken at home itself can provide relief. In other cases, following remedies for dry eyes are beneficial.

• Artificial Tears can be generated through the use of eye drops. These eye drops help in keeping the eye lubricated. These can be used whenever irritation is felt in the eyes. Thus, eyes can be moistened instantaneously.
• Ointments can be used at bedtime for people who experience dry eyes. These also work on the principle of lubricating the eye, especially if they contain vitamin A, as it promotes healing.
• Restasis Treatment is available for chronic cases. These are FDA approved and are the only tears drops in the market at the moment that increase the tear drop production after prolonged use. Restasis is the name of eye drops for dry eyes which contain cyclosporine.
• Lacrisert is another treatment for dry eyes but it is mainly used for severe dry eyes. In this procedure, an insertion is made in the tear duct which is filled with the lubricant, hydroxypropyl cellulose, which controls the functioning of the tear duct and controls tears.
• Temporary or Permanent Silicone Plugs are used in some cases. In this method, the tear duct that drains the eye, is plugged temporarily to hold the tears longer. If temporary plugging works well, then the patient suffering from dry eyes also has an option of permanent silicone plugs. Some people can even opt for surgeries, where the tear ducts that drain the eye are permanently closed.

Home Remedies
If someone suffering from dry eyes, doesn't want to resort to the above methods; they can choose from a host of other options available to them.

• It is recommended to drink plenty of water.
• Include fish like sardines and salmon in your diet as they are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which benefits people suffering from dry eyes.
• Flaxseed oil also helps in preventing dryness in the eyes.
• If someone has an underlying disease that is causing dry eyes, treating the underlying ailment can almost banish the problem of dry eyes.
• Individuals who use contact lenses can find comfort by opting for softer lenses.
• The use of heaters and air conditioners can lead to dry eyes, therefore the use of humidifiers is recommended.
• Using nutrition supplements especially those for Vitamin A can greatly help.

In most cases, dry eyes is not a serious problem. The symptoms for dry eyes can often be confused with those of other conditions. It is advisable to consult a physician before going for any medication for dry eyes.