Dry Eyes? Stop Using These Medications

Dry eye season is upon us. Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), dry eye is defined as itchy eyes -- heavy eyelids – or the feeling something is stuck in your eye and affects more than 3.2 million women over the age of 50 in the U.S., a 2003 study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology says.

What are the symptoms?

Sensitivity to light
Redness
Discomfort
Pain and dryness
Inflammation

Although it sounds odd, your eyes make actually make more tears when they are irritated by dry eye.

What causes dry eyes?

According to the National Eye Institute, dry eye occurs when your eyes aren’t producing sufficient tears. Containing electrolytes, nutrients, and antibodies, tears protect your eye ducts against infections following injury.

Without the right treatment, people with dry eyes could develop scarring, pain, and even vision loss.

Here are some other causes of dry eye.

Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, thyroid disease, and lupus
Blepharitis (when eyelids are swollen or red)
Entropion (when eyelids turn in); ectropion (eyelids turn outward)
Being in smoke, wind or a very dry climate
Looking at a computer screen for a long time, reading and other activities that reduce blinking
Using contact lenses for a long time
Having refractive eye surgery, such as LASIK
Taking certain medicines, such as:
- Diuretics (water pills) for high blood pressure
- Beta-blockers, for heart problems or high blood pressure
- Allergy and cold medicines (antihistamines)
- Sleeping pills
- Anxiety and antidepressant medicines
- Heartburn medicines

Fortunately for those suffering from the persistent pupil problem, there are several things one can do to combat symptoms linked to the following medications:

Medications to Avoid

Antihistamines provide much-needed relief of allergies and cold symptoms, like sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and a runny nose, by blocking the effect of the chemical histamine. Including over-the-counter brands like Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec, and Benadryl also reduce the watery tear film that keeps eyes moist.

Nasal Decongestants may be the go-to for easing a backed-up nasal cavity, allowing you to breathe easily. But, much like antihistamines, brand names containing ingredients like phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and oxymetazoline, decrease tear production. In fact, some over-the-counter products contain both an antihistamine and a decongestant—a double whammy!

Antidepressants, believe it or not, can interrupt messages meant to signal the eyes and release tears after sensing eye dryness.

Hormone replacements like estrogen have a greater likelihood of developing dry eye, says a study involving more than 25,000 post-menopausal women. According to researchers, participants taking the hormone replacement alone, showed a 69% increased risk of dry eye while those taking estrogen plus progesterone had a 29% greater risk of dry eye than women not taking hormones.

Diagnosing dry eye

Your ophthalmologist will perform an eye exam where they look at your eyelids and the surface of the eye. They will also check how you blink.

There are many different tests to diagnose dry eyes. Your ophthalmologist may consider a test that measures the quality or thickness of your tears. They may also opt to measure how quickly you produce tears.

Dry Eye Prevention Tips

Try not to use a hair dryer, if possible.
Stay away from very warm rooms. In the winter, add moisture to the air with a humidifier. Or put a pan of water near your heater or radiator.
Protect your eyes from drying wind by wearing wrap-around glasses outside.
Talk to your ophthalmologist about adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet for dry eye relief. They are found naturally in oily fish (such as salmon, sardines, tuna, trout, and anchovies), and in flaxseeds. Omega-3 fatty acids can be added as a dietary supplement (pill or tablet).
Do you wake up with dry and scratchy eyes? Use artificial tear ointment or thick eye drops just before you go to bed.