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What Are the Causes of Dry Eye and What Are the Treatment Options?

Dry eye syndrome affects millions of people across the United States, from all walks of life. If you experience dry eye symptoms like itchy, burning, or watery eyes, it can be helpful to understand the root causes and specific treatments recommended by doctors. This can reduce the discomfort of dry eye and help you find the best treatments for dry eye

Causes of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can be caused and aggravated by several factors. According to recent studies published by the global authority on dry eye disease, the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society, up to 86% of all dry eye syndrome cases are caused when the Meibomian glands in the eyelids become clogged, a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Every time we blink, these glands secrete vital protective oils that coat our eyeballs to help prevent the evaporation of our natural tear moisture. When the Meibomian glands become clogged by eye makeup, contact lens irritation, or are affected by hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause, they simply cannot deliver enough protective oil, which allows your natural tear fluids to evaporate and in turn causes your eyes to become dry.

Symptoms can also be caused by environmental factors. If you live in a very windy location or are often around fans and air conditioning, your eyes are more likely to dry out. 

Large amounts of screen time and intense concentration can also contribute to the symptoms of dry eye because blinking is reduced. Individuals employed in an office environment may be more likely to experience dry eyes than in other occupations, due to the nature of their work. 

The Best Treatments for Dry Eye Include Heated Moist Compresses

One of the most common and best treatments for dry eye is heated moist compresses and daily eyelid cleaning, which work to unclog the Meibomian glands and restore the eyes’ ability to retain more natural tear fluids. The best treatments for dry eye work by allowing the user to safely and comfortably apply heat directly to their eyelids with a cleaning pad that provides a solution formula specifically designed for the eyes. The heat works to melt oil that has solidified in the glands and aids the cleaning process to unclog the glands to help restore normal function and retain more of the eyes’ natural tears. The EverTears® unique combination of heated compress+cleaning pad instantly heats to the precise temperature doctors recommend to unclog glands just by bending the pad a few times. The heat also activates a special cleaning/moisturizing solution that includes natural coconut oil extracts and hyaluronic acid (HA) to provide excellent cleaning and makeup removal all in one.  

Before EverTears® was invented, most compresses found online or in drug stores proved difficult, or at best inconvenient, for users because they typically require heating in a microwave or other external heat source. This form of heating can be unsanitary and difficult to control safely, potentially resulting in the compresses becoming too warm or not warm enough to provide the precise temperature needed. 

ThermaMEDx’s moist heat compress and eyelid cleaning pads, EverTears®, solve the hassles of imprecise heating sources. By simply bending the middle of the compress, a one-time heating component will be activated. The compress will then be safely heated to the proper temperature, reducing the hazards and prep time for the treatment. This safe and helpful form of heat compresses makes EverTears® one of the best treatments for dry eye caused by clogged Meibomian glands. 

Should “Artificial Tears” Be Used For Dry Eyes Caused by MGD?

Because science previously believed that most dry eye cases were caused by a problem with the eyes’ ability to make enough tears, many people have been told to use lubricating eye drops (a.k.a “artificial tears”) as a primary treatment. These over-the-counter drops provide temporary relief from dry eye symptoms, but have not been shown to address the MGD we know is the underlying cause for the vast majority of dry eye suffering. So while they can be helpful for temporary relief, especially when you are facing environmental factors, OTC eye drops do not pose a permanent solution. If you find that you are constantly reaching for “artificial tears”, you probably want to consult an eye care professional specializing in dry eye treatment.

Try EverTears® for Consistent Dry Eye Relief

Dry eye can cause mild to extreme discomfort and even damage the eye if not treated. Due to its widespread effect, doctors have been able to narrow down the best treatments for dry eye. These include warm, moist compresses to unblock the Meibomian glands and sterile wipes to keep the eyelids clean. While eye drops can provide temporary relief, if you suffer from chronic dry eye symptoms caused by MGD, EverTears® by ThermaMEDx is the solution for you.

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