Causes and treatment of dry eyes
Tears are made up of water, oils, mucus, and antibodies that are secreted by a gland around the eyes called the lacrimal gland. Tears keep the eyes moist and lubricated while preventing them from infections. Reduced production of tears can lead to the condition of dry eyes, which causes itching, redness, blurred vision, and light sensitivity.
Causes of dry eyes
There are multiple factors that often lead to dry eyes, and depending on these factors the condition could either be acute or chronic.
- Environmental irritants like air conditioners, sun exposure, smoke, chemical fumes, and low humidity
- Hormonal changes in women
- Aging
- Certain medical conditions like diabetes, Parkinson’s disease
- Damaged tear gland
- Allergies
- Eye surgery – LASIK or cataract
- Autoimmune disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic inflammation of the eyes
- Wearing contact lenses for too long
- Lack of vitamins or excessive vitamin intake
Treating dry eyes
There are several ways to treat dry eyes. including artificial tear drops and ointments, surgery for treating dry eyes, temporary punctal occlusion, non-dissolving punctal plugs, LipiFlow®, and cyclosporine. One of the most popular treatments includes cyclosporine.
RESTASIS ® is a form of cyclosporine, which is a prescription eye drop that helps the eyes boost tear production. RESTASIS ® is a treatment option for chronic dry eyes as it helps in producing tears in people who have dry eyes due to ocular inflammation.
People with dry eyes have an excess amount of T cells that release by-products that decrease nerve signals to the tear gland. This leads to a decreased production of tears, thus causing dry eyes. RESTASIS ® works by reducing excess production of T cells leading to increased tear production.
One should remember that RESTASIS ® does not show results immediately, and so it is important for people with dry eyes to use it for 90 days at least to experience full benefits.
People using RESTASIS ® must not use it in combination with other eye drops unless they have been directed by their doctor. It is important to follow all precautionary steps before using this treatment, and for that, one must take proper instructions from their doctor.
Side effects of RESTASIS®
Few patients may experience a burning sensation in their eyes in the first few weeks of treatment as that is the most common side effect of using RESTASIS®.
