Dry Eye: Doctor Recommends 4 Types of Artificial Tears and 6 Easy Ways to Prevent Dry Eyes

Dry eyes have a number of causes and there are several ways to help them.fizkes/Shutterstock

“Dry eye” is a common condition that occurs when the eyes don’t get adequate lubrication due to issues with tear production. Studies have found that in different age groups, the incidence of dry eye ranges from 5 percent to 34 percent and is more prevalent in the elderly.

Reduction of outdoor activities during the pandemic and the prolonged use of electronic devices, such as mobile phones and computers, have greatly reduced how often we blink, which can aggravate the symptoms of dry eye disease.

Dry eye cases in young people are also becoming more prevalent. Dr. James Liau, Shu-Tien Urology Ophthalmology Clinic vice superintendent, recommends four treatments to stimulate tear production and six methods to prevent dry eye disease.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease

Dry eyes aren’t the only symptoms of dry eye diseases. Liau said that eye redness, photophobia, blurred vision, foreign body sensation, and even pain (in severe cases) are all symptoms of dry eye disease.

“The eye is an optical structure. To maintain a smooth surface of the eyeball, a tear film is needed.” Liau said that the tear film is composed of oil, water, and mucus layers from the outside to the inside. When these three components aren’t properly distributed, it will induce dry eye disease.

Just as oil will sit on top of the water in a glass, the oil layer of tear film coats the outside and protects the water portion in the middle of the tear film from evaporating.

To alleviate symptoms of dry eye disease, Liau recommends four types of “artificial tears” with different functions.

1. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid has excellent moisturizing properties and biocompatibility. Hyaluronic acid was first used in cataract surgery and is now used widely in the medical beauty industry and in skin care products. Eye drops that contain hyaluronic acid are available over the counter.

“An artificial tear containing hyaluronic acid was designed to prolong the time of the drops residing on the ocular surface. Artificial tears with hyaluronic acid provide better moisturizing function, but the cost is relatively high,” Liau said.

2. Oil and Water Emulsions

Liau said research has found that 80 percent of dry eye patients not only lack water but also the oil or mucus layer over the eye, and that in the past, artificial tears couldn’t achieve oil-water fusion.

“The cationic nano-emulsification technology can emulsify oil and water. In addition to water, it also adds oil and fat ingredients to prolong the time of eye moisturization.”

These kinds of oil and water emulsions are the next generation of artificial tears.

3. Immunosuppressant Agents

Inflammation of the tear glands, cornea, or conjunctiva (outermost layers of your eyes) can cause dry eyes. Ciclosporin, available by prescription, is the third type of artificial tear. Liau pointed out that using ciclosporin for six months can increase the secretion of tears in patients.

According to Liau, if a corneal wound appears to have obvious redness from blood and foreign body sensation in the eye, ciclosporin can repair the corneal wound and is suitable for patients with severe dry eye disease, which may not otherwise respond to artificial tears.

4. Wound-Healing Gel and Ointments

Due to the short-term effects of some forms of artificial tears, they may not be a solution for many patients. Gel and ointment versions of artificial tears are an alternative and are available by prescription. The ointment is more viscous, and is mainly recommended for use at night. For patients with severe dry eyes, artificial tears with gel texture are more suitable for daily usage.

Liau said, “The addition of vitamin B5 and dexpanthenol to the gel can relieve dry eye symptoms in patients and accelerate wound healing.”

Four types of artificial tears are recommended by ophthalmologists. The Epoch Times/Shutterstock

4 High-Risk Groups

There are certain groups of people that are more likely to suffer from dry eye syndrome.

1. Menopausal women between the ages of 50 and 55.
2. Pregnant women before and after giving birth. Doctors recommend that pregnant women should avoid wearing contact lenses.
3. Those who stay in an air-conditioned room for long periods of time.
4. People who don’t blink enough, such as those who use devices such as computers and mobile phones for long periods of time.

6 Ways to Prevent Dry Eye Disease

As with most diseases—prevention is the key. Liau provides six methods to prevent eye disease:

1. Take a break every half an hour when looking at devices such as computers or phones.
2. Clean your eyelids. The edge of the eyelid is where oil is secreted—if the root of the eyelashes is not cleaned properly, the edge of the eyelid may become inflamed. There are cleansers specially designed to clean the eyes.
3. Lay a warm compress across the eyes. This promotes the secretion of oil in the eyes, which prevents the quick evaporation of tear film.
4. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Some foods, especially dark green vegetables, tomatoes, and carrots contain lutein and vitamin A, which can help prevent dry eye syndrome.
5. Blink hard. Blinking is a very important way to take care of the eyes.
6. Get enough sleep.

Six methods to help with dry eyes. The Epoch Times/Shutterstock

Combining Traditional Chinese, Western Medicine Treatments

In addition to Western ophthalmology treatments, Chinese medicine treatments have a clear effect on dry eye disease. Combining these two forms of treatment can enhance the effectiveness of both.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that dry eye disease is mainly related to the function of the liver and kidneys. Therefore, more attention should be paid to nourishing those organs to improve the symptoms of dry eyes.

A 2019 study also confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture can effectively relieve dry eye symptoms, promote tear secretion, and increase tear film stability. Many acupuncture points can be effective in relieving dry eye symptoms, including Bamboo Gathering BL2, Four Whites ST2, Silk Bamboo Hole TE23, Sun Ex-HN5, and Wind Pool GB20 acupoints on the head, and Union Valley LI4, Leg Three Miles ST36, and Bright Light GB37.

These acupoints on the limbs are commonly used for the treatment of the symptoms of dry eye disease.

Acupoints Wind Pool to relieve dry eyes. The Epoch Times/Shutterstock

Acupoints around the eyes to relieve dry eyes The Epoch Times/Shutterstock