Dry eyes emerge when tear production is inadequate, leading to discomfort and potential visual disturbances.
Affecting a substantial number of individuals, with estimates of around 16 million people in the United States alone, dry eyes are a prevalent condition.
The primary issue lies in the inadequate generation of tears required to keep the eyes well-lubricated.
While dry eyes might diminish without intervention for some, others may need to explore a range of treatment methods or domestic remedies to ease the symptoms.
This article delves into potential reasons behind nocturnal dry eyes, the typical signs one might experience, and the available therapeutic options.
The human eye relies on a layer of tears for various important functions. This tear film plays a vital role because it:
- Ensures the eyeball remains moist.
- Helps eliminate small debris that could cause damage or infection.
- Maintains a smooth and clear surface for better vision.
- Contributes to overall eye health.
The tear film consists of three fundamental layers:
- The outer lipid layer: An oily layer that hinders speedy tear evaporation and aids in maintaining surface smoothness.
- The middle aqueous layer: The predominant layer of the tear film, it cleanses the eye, clearing away foreign objects that could prompt infections or irritation.
- The inner mucin layer: Helps evenly distribute the aqueous layer and secures the tears to the eye’s surface.
Dry eyes occur when the eyes don’t produce enough tears to stay properly lubricated, which can trigger various uncomfortable symptoms, such as:
- A burning, stinging, or itching sensation.
- Eyes turning red.
- Increased light sensitivity.
- Vision becoming blurry.
- A gritty feeling, as if something is in the eye.
- Formation of stringy mucus in or around the eyes.
- Eyes that tear excessively.
- Discomfort when using contact lenses.
Causes
The onset of dry eyes often results from an imbalance in the tear production and drainage system. Various factors can contribute to this imbalance, such as insufficient tear fluid production, substandard tear composition, or an accelerated rate of tear evaporation.
Here are several potential triggers for dry eye syndrome:
- Nocturnal Lagophthalmos: A condition where individuals are unable to fully close their eyelids during sleep, leading to dry eyes.
- Insufficient Hydration: A lack of adequate fluid intake can negatively impact tear production and quality.
- Aging Process: As people get older, the efficiency of tear production often decreases. Dry eyes are more common in those over the age of 50.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations due to pregnancy, menopause, and the use of birth control can impact the body’s ability to generate tears.
- Chronic Health Issues: Certain long-term medical conditions, like Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid-related problems, can raise the risk of developing dry eyes.
- Contact Lenses: Prolonged use of contact lenses might lead to dry eyes, particularly noticeable while sleeping.
- Eye Surgery: Surgical procedures that reshape the cornea, such as LASIK, have the potential to decrease tear production.
- Screen Usage: Overuse of devices with screens without adequate blinking can lead to dry eyes as well as eye strain.
- Environmental Exposure: Being in environments with wind, smoke, pollution, or allergens could result in dry eyes.
- Medication Side Effects: Some drugs, including certain antihistamines, diuretics, corticosteroids taken orally, and antidepressants, can diminish tear production.
- Dietary Deficiencies: A lack of dietary intake of important nutrients that support the tear film or eye health, like vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, could contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Treatments
The regimen for managing dry eyes at night hinges on the persistence, origin, and intensity of an individual’s symptoms. The treatment strategiesTrusted Source aim at augmenting tear production, supplementing tears, or conserving existing tears in the eyes.
Lubricating Eye Solutions
The primary option for immediate relief typically involves the use of over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears or lubricating eye drops.
Eye drops can be categorized into two groups. Hydrophilic agents, which are water-based, are designed for direct application onto the eye’s surface. On the other hand, lipophilic agents, consisting of fats or oils, are usually applied to the eyelids.
Another innovative approach is the Aero Pump spray, which emits an ultra-fine mist that does not provoke blinking upon application. Nonetheless, this spray option is not yet obtainable in the United States.
Opt for preservative-free drops or sprays that contain minimum ingredients to lower the chances of eye irritation.
Prescripted Therapeutics
Should OTC solutions fail to provide sufficient relief, a healthcare professional may prescribeTrusted Source medications like cyclosporine (Cequa) or lifitegrast (Xiidra), which are specialized to stimulate more tear production.
Moreover, there may be discussions about suitable substitutes for any existing medications that may be inducing dry eyes.
The doctor may also consider prescribing anti-inflammatory medications, which can come in the form of ointments, drops, or eyelid cleansers, that target eye or eyelid inflammation.
Conserving Tears via Duct Obstruction
For individuals needing to preserve their tear film, temporary obstruction of the tear ducts may be necessary. This is achieved through the insertion of small gel or silicone plugs which delay the drainage of natural tears, thus keeping the eye moist for a longer duration.
Surgical Interventions
In cases where eyelid laxity contributes to rapid tear drainage, surgical procedures may be suggested. Such operations are often effective in addressing nocturnal lagophthalmos.
Advanced Treatment Modalities
Recent advancements like thermal pulsation therapy or intense pulse light therapy focus on activating the meibomian glands. These glands, situated along the eyelids’ edges, generate the oily component of the tear film and are crucial for sustaining eye moisture.
Home-based Strategies
In an attempt to mitigate dry eyes during the nighttime, several home-based strategies could be employed, which include:
- Ensuring adequate hydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Making sure to get sufficient sleep.
- Applying a tepid compress on the eyes, using a cloth warmed with water.
- Gently massaging the lids of closed eyes.
- Utilizing over-the-counter solutions designed for cleaning eyelids.
- Consuming a diet rich in vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Steering clear of environments filled with smoke, extreme pollution, or dry air.
- Using humidifiers in living or working spaces to add moisture to the air.
- Wearing sunglasses that offer protection from ultraviolet rays in bright or outdoor settings.
- Minimizing screen time and ensuring breaks are taken regularly.
- Avoiding direct exposure to air from fans, heaters, or air conditioners.
- Opting for glasses in place of contact lenses.
- Maintaining a clean household to lessen allergen and dust presence.
- Implementing air filters to eradicate allergens and particulates from indoor air.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
Occurrences of minor dry eye symptoms before or throughout sleep typically don’t warrant worry, and should resolve independently.
However, consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable if symptoms are persistent, severe, or fail to react to at-home treatments or over-the-counter options.
Neglecting chronic dry eye conditions could potentially lead to corneal harm or vision impairment.
Frequently Posed Queries
What nutritional shortages might result in dry eyes?
A deficit in the intake of vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids may elevate the likelihood of dry eyes, as noted by the National Eye Institute.
Summary
Numerous individuals encounter dry eyes, especially during the night. Dry eyes may arise from specific health concerns, medication side effects, or due to lifestyle and environmental elements.
It’s crucial for individuals to discuss persisting or intense symptoms of dry eyes with a healthcare provider or if the symptoms do not improve with home remedies or alterations in lifestyle.
Should dry eyes not be addressed, there could be damage to the cornea, which serves as the transparent frontal part of the eye.
