Red Flags You Should Know About
Dry eye syndrome can lead to discomfort, irritation and vision problems. One of the medications that may be prescribed for dry eye is Cequa, a prescription eye drop used to treat dry eye disease by increasing tear production.
Common Signs of Dry Eye
Burning Sensation
One of the most noticeable signs of dry eye is a burning or stinging feeling in the eyes. This discomfort may worsen throughout the day, especially when you're focused on tasks that reduce your blinking rate, such as reading or using a computer.
Sensitivity to Light
People with dry eye often become more sensitive to bright light, making activities like driving during the day or spending time outdoors in the sunlight difficult.
Difficulty Driving at Night
Nighttime driving can become difficult for those with dry eyes. The glare from headlights and streetlights can feel especially harsh, making it hard to focus on the road.
Redness
When your eyes are not adequately moisturized, they can become irritated and blood vessels may enlarge, making your eyes appear bloodshot.
Eye Fatigue
Dry eye can lead to your eyes feeling excessively tired, especially after extended periods of reading or screen time. Eye fatigue from dry eye is usually coupled with a heavy, achy feeling in the eyes.
Gritty Sensation
A common complaint from dry eye sufferers is the feeling of having something in their eye, even when nothing is present. This gritty or sandy sensation is due to the lack of moisture and lubrication on the surface of the eye.
Mucus in or around the Eyes
Stringy mucus in or around the eyes is a typical sign of dry eye. This can form when your eyes produce fewer tears, which impacts the quality of your tear film.
Watery Eyes
Watery eyes are actually a common sign of dry eye, though it sounds contradictory. This happens because the eye tries to overcompensate for the lack of proper lubrication by producing excess tears. But the quality of these tears is low and therefore don’t offer any comfort.
Treatment Options for Dry Eye
Treatment for dry eye can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In some cases, a combination of treatments are recommended. These are some of the most common approaches to mitigating symptoms and treating the condition:
Cequa
Cequa is an FDA-approved eye drop designed to increase tear production in patients with dry eye disease. This medication works by reducing inflammation in the tear glands, improving tear quality and enhancing comfort over time. It's particularly effective for people with chronic dry eye, offering a long-term solution when over-the-counter remedies aren't enough.
Artificial Tears
Over-the-counter artificial tears are a common first step in dealing with dry eye. These lubricating eye drops help to keep your eyes moist and relieve the symptoms of dryness. There are different formulations available, from preservative-free to thicker gels for nighttime use.
Warm Compresses
Using warm compresses can help stimulate tear production and relieve the irritation associated with dry eye. People who use this treatment option often find that while it offers soothing, quick relief, it doesn’t necessarily put a stop to chronic dry eye.
Prescription Eye Drops
Aside from Cequa, other prescription drops like Restasis or Xiidra can be used to treat chronic dry eye. These medications focus on reducing inflammation and improving tear production.
Omega-3 Supplements
Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil supplements, have the ability to improve dry eye symptoms. They work by enhancing the quality of tear film, offering a more natural approach to mitigating symptoms.
Punctal Plugs
For more severe cases, doctors may recommend punctal plugs, which are tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage. This allows the natural tears and any artificial tears used to remain on the surface of the eye longer, keeping it moisturized.
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