Check out the misconceptions about dry eyes, easy to understand and to the point!

What should I do if my eyes are afraid of light, things are blurry from time to time, and my eyes are dry, red, itchy, and painful?

What is dry eye?

Dry eyes are mainly caused by unstable tear film, which leads to a series of discomforts such as dryness, foreign body sensation, burning sensation, vision fluctuation, photophobia, etc. In mild cases, eye discomfort affects daily work and life. In moderate cases, the discomfort worsens and the ocular surface is organically damaged. In severe cases, vision is reduced or even blindness occurs, and it is also easy to induce depression.

Ophthalmologists at Wuhan University Aier Eye Hospital remind everyone that if dry eye symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention in time and receive symptomatic treatment. Remember not to use other eye drops at will to avoid damaging the eyes, aggravating the condition and causing other eye diseases.

What are the common misconceptions about dry eyes?

Many people have misunderstandings about dry eye syndrome. In order to answer everyone's questions, we have sorted out five common misunderstandings about dry eye syndrome. They are brief but to the point!

Myth 1: Dry eyes are not a disease

Correct answer: Dry eyes are not a small problem, they are a disease! We must take them seriously!

Although dry eye syndrome is inconspicuous, it is very common. If left untreated for a long time, it will lead to keratinization of the corneal epithelium. When there is severe lack of tears, it will also cause corneal ulcers, infection and inflammation, and even blindness.

Myth 2: Dry eyes mean dry eye syndrome?

Correct answer: Dry eyes ≠ dry eye syndrome

Dry eyes are just a symptom, mostly caused by prolonged use of the eyes, and can be relieved after rest.

Dry eyes are a common chronic ocular surface disease. Its main symptoms include dry eyes, burning eyes, foreign body sensation, visual fatigue, red eyes, stinging, increased secretions, etc. It should be treated as soon as possible.

Myth 3: Dry eyes are caused by lack of water in the eyes

Correct answer: Dry eyes ≠ lack of water in the eyes

The common causes of dry eyes can be divided into two categories. One is the tear deficiency type, that is, the tear glands secrete less tears (lack of water), which will lead to "want to cry but no tears". The other is the excessive evaporation type, because the lipid layer secretes too little and cannot lock in water (lack of oil), which will lead to "tearful eyes".

Myth 4: Can dry eyes be treated with eye drops?

Correct answer: Eye drops alone cannot cure dry eyes

Most eye drops contain preservatives, which can damage cells on the surface of the eye. If not used according to doctor's advice, it will often aggravate the condition. Dry eye usually requires "personalized treatment" after diagnosis.

Myth 5: Can dry eye syndrome be cured with just one treatment?

Correct answer: Dry eye disease requires long-term treatment!

Dry eye disease cannot be cured by seeing a doctor once, and the condition may recur during treatment. Because whether it is caused by systemic disease or environmental factors, dry eye disease can only be cured by eliminating the cause.

What to do when you have dry eyes?

Dry eye syndrome requires symptomatic treatment. The main treatments include:

Physical therapy methods: facial gland therapy massage (eye SPA), the world's only FDA-certified thermal pulsation system (LipiFlow), OPT therapy device, etc.

Auxiliary treatment instruments for dry eyes: such as wet chamber mirror, hot compress eye mask, eyelid margin cleaning test paper, etc.

Surgical treatment: mainly includes temporary or permanent punctal embolization.