Suffering from Dry Eyes? Learn How to Soothe Your Symptoms
Stock photos by Vecteezy
This health article has been professionally reviewed by RPh Marcus Ang, a registered pharmacist of the Malaysian Pharmacists’ Society (MPS).
Staring at a screen for hours can often lead to an uncomfortable dryness in the eyes, a common issue in today’s digital age. Persistent dryness, irritation and discomfort can be worrisome. How can you tell if your eyes are suffering from dryness and what can you do to alleviate it?
What is Dry Eye Disease (DED)?
Dry Eye Disease (DED) or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) occurs when your eyes either do not produce enough tears or when the tears lack the right balance of oils, water and mucus. This imbalance can lead to persistent dryness, irritation and discomfort in the eyes [1].
Why Are Tears Important?
Tears produced by the lacrimal glands (tear glands) play a crucial role in nourishing and protecting the eyes. Inadequate tear production or imbalanced tears that evaporate too quickly or fail to cover the eye evenly can contribute to dry eye symptoms [2].
Here are some common symptoms of dry eye [3]:
- Stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
- Blurred vision, especially during reading
- Scratchy or gritty feeling
- Strings of mucus in or around the eyes
- Red or irritated eyes
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
- Excessive tearing
Eye drops are recommended for treating symptoms of dry eye [4]. Choosing the right eye drops is the key to managing dry eyes effectively. Sodium Hyaluronate is a highly recommended ingredient due to its effectiveness in managing dryness and discomfort [5].
What is Sodium Hyaluronate?
Sodium Hyaluronate is a salt form of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally present in your eyes, joints, and skin [6]. In eye drops, Sodium Hyaluronate acts as a powerful lubricant and moisture-retaining agent, making it especially effective for treating dry eyes.
Benefits of Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drops
Sodium Hyaluronate eye drops are proven to be a safe and effective treatment for DED [5]. This enhanced lubrication creates a smooth, protective layer on the eye’s surface, reducing friction and alleviating dryness-related discomfort. Its high viscosity and moisture-retaining properties provide long-lasting relief, reducing the need for frequent applications and making it a convenient choice for persistent dryness [7]. Additionally, Sodium Hyaluronate helps stabilise the tear film by mimicking natural tears, preventing rapid evaporation and ensuring prolonged comfort.
Preservative vs Preservative-Free Eye Drops
Choosing the right type of eye drops is crucial for effective dry eye management. Both preservative and preservative-free eye drops have unique characteristics suited to different needs.
Preservative Eye Drops.
These eye drops contain chemicals designed to prevent bacterial growth, such as benzalkonium chloride (BAK), one of the most commonly used preservatives in eye drops. While preservatives can extend shelf life and are cost-effective, long-term exposure to BAK may contribute to irritation, allergic reactions, or worsen dry eye symptoms [8].
Preservative-Free Eye Drops.
These eye drops are free from chemical preservatives, often available in single-use vials or specially designed multi-dose containers. They are gentler on the eyes and safer for frequent or long-term use, making them a better option for individuals with sensitive eyes or those who require frequent applications. Although preservative-free eye drops tend to be more expensive with a shorter shelf life, their benefits, particularly for those with dry or sensitive eyes, often outweigh these drawbacks.
Choosing the Best Eye Drops for Your Needs
Preservative-free eye drops are generally recommended for most users, especially those with sensitive eyes or frequent eye drop use. Preservatives, commonly found in eye drops, can irritate the eye, especially with prolonged or frequent use. This may worsen dry eye symptoms and potentially lead to other eye problems [8].
Key benefits of preservative-free eye drops:
- Gentle on the eyes: Reduced risk of irritation and inflammation
- Safe for frequent use: Ideal for those who uses eye drops multiple times daily
- Effective for sensitive eyes: Provides relief without causing further discomfort
While preservative-containing eye drops might be a more budget-friendly option, the long-term health of your eyes may benefit from choosing preservative-free alternatives. Sodium Hyaluronate is a valuable ingredient to look for in eye drops, as it offers long-lasting moisture and relief from dry eye symptoms.
Remember: Always consult with an eye care professional to determine the best eye drops for your specific needs.
References:
- Mayo Clinic (2019). Dry eyes – Symptoms and causes. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863.
- WebMD. (n.d.). Dry Eyes and What You Can Do About Them. [online] Available at: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/ss/slideshow-dry-eyes [Accessed 29 Jul. 2024].
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2024). What Is Dry Eye? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment. [online] Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye#symptoms.
- Healthline. (2019). Preservative Free Eye Drops: Benefits and Product Recommendations. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/preservative-free-eye-drops.
- Hynnekleiv, L., Magno, M., Vernhardsdottir, R.R., Moschowits, E., Tønseth, K.A., Dartt, D.A., Vehof, J. and Utheim, T.P. (2022). Hyaluronic Acid in the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease. Acta Ophthalmologica, 100(8). https://doi.org/10.1111/aos.15159.
- Nunez, K. (2020). Sodium Hyaluronate in Skin Care: Benefits, Side Effects, How It’s Used. [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/sodium-hyaluronate.
- Mass, M.B.A., MD, CM, FRCSC, FARVO, George Ousler, Lisa Smith, and Urmila Santanam, PhD Andover (n.d.). Bring Them to Tears With Your Treatment. [online] www.reviewofophthalmology.com. Available at: https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com/article/bring-them-to-tears-with-your-treatment.
- Walsh, K. and Jones, L. (2019). The use of preservatives in dry eye drops. Clinical Ophthalmology, Volume 13, pp.1409–1425. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/opth.s211611.
