Roatán is a beautiful place: an island in the Caribbean, with tropical weather and beautiful beaches, where the sun is always shining and outdoor activities are what we like to do the most. This is also why tears can become inadequate and unstable for many reasons, starting with the environment. We have strong winds, intense sunlight and salt in the air; some people are exposed to dirt and smoke, and many do not wear sunglasses with proper UV protection.
Dry eye is a very uncomfortable and common condition in Roatán. It happens when your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication to your eyes, which can lead to inflammation and damage to the surface of the eye. After 50, tear production tends to diminish as you get older.
What is the tear film?
Having dry eyes means you don’t have a healthy tear film, and this can happen for a lot of reasons. Your tear film is made up of three layers: fatty oils, aqueous fluid and mucus. Problems with any of these layers can cause dry eyes.
The tear film keeps the surface of the cornea smooth and optically clear, which is essential for a sharp visual image. It has to be stable so that it remains continuous between consecutive blinks, and it has to be able to repair itself. A normal, continuous tear film also protects and maintains the well-being of the corneal surface and provides adequate lubrication for the eyelids. It is a minimal but essential part of the anterior segment of the eye.
Symptoms
- Inflammation and pain
- Blurred vision
- Redness
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- Burning and scratchy sensation
What causes dry eyes?
Sometimes you don’t produce enough tears, or you produce poor-quality tears that evaporate faster. You may experience dry eyes in certain situations, such as when using a computer, in an air-conditioned room, when spending too much time outdoors or in a very dry environment. You may also feel discomfort on an airplane, while riding a bike, or after looking at a screen for a few hours. This is why you might have to make some changes in your lifestyle.
People who wear contact lenses or have had LASIK refractive surgery tend to develop chronic dry eyes over time.
Reasons for tear film dysfunction include hormone changes, inflamed eyelid glands, autoimmune disease or allergies. For some people, the cause of dry eyes is decreased tear production related to age or increased tear evaporation.
Some medications can also trigger dry eyes, including decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, antihistamines, antidepressants, and drugs for high blood pressure, acne, birth control and Parkinson’s disease.
Dry eyes are also related to some medical conditions, including Sjögren’s syndrome, allergic eye disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, graft-versus-host disease, sarcoidosis, thyroid disorders or vitamin A deficiency. In women, dry eyes are also linked to hormonal changes such as menopause.
Complications if left untreated
- Eye infections
- Damage to the cornea
- Decreased quality of life
Sometimes, dry eyes create excessive tearing. This condition is called reflex tearing. It happens because the lack of moisture irritates your eye: it’s a distress signal in your nervous system asking for more lubrication, so your body sends a flood of tears to try to make up for the dryness.
Tips to help prevent dry eyes
- Be aware of your environment.
- Use high-quality lubricant eye drops and ointment regularly.
- Avoid blowing air into your eyes.
- Avoid smoking.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors.
- Add moisture to the air with a humidifier.
A healthy, lubricated eye surface gives you smooth and clear vision.
Take care of your eyes in Roatán
If dry eyes are bothering you, don’t ignore the symptoms. Book an eye exam at our Dr. Reichmann clinic in Roatán, where we can find the cause and recommend the right treatment. Learn more about our eye care services in Roatán.
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