Dry Eye Disease Negatively Affects Physical and Mental Health as Well as Vision. Summary: People who suffer from dry eye disease symptoms report visual problems, increased depression and anxiety, and mobility issues.
Patients diagnosed with dry eye may describe features of neuropathic pain, including spontaneous pain, dysesthesias (unpleasant abnormal sensations), hyperalgesia (exaggerated pain response to suprathreshold noxious stimuli), and allodynia (pain response to normally non-noxious stimuli21 such as wind and light).
If left untreated, severe dry eyes may lead to eye inflammation, abrasion of the corneal surface, corneal ulcers and vision loss. Decreased quality of life. Dry eyes can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as reading.
Psychological health: Dry eyes can have a negative effect on body image, appearance, and self-esteem. It can also impact thinking, learning, memory, and concentration.
If you have a severe case of dry eyes or you don't seek treatment, you're at risk for serious complications. One of the first problems may be blurry vision as loss of the tear film hampers the cornea's ability to focus light on the lens.
[1] Dry Eye Disease can cause us a lot of worry and unease, especially as it can make us feel so disorientated.
The classic symptoms of the chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease Sjogren's syndrome are dry eyes and dry mouth, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Brain fog can also be part of the equation.
Vitamin A deficiency, which usually occurs in developing countries, can cause an increase in dry eye. By adding foods rich in Vitamin A, like carrots, pumpkins, apricots, spinach, tomatoes, dairy products and liver, you can prevent the development of this condition.
Investigators found a significant correlation between sleep quality and mood status in patients with dry eye. Additionally, investigators reported severe symptoms of dry eye were significantly associated with a higher level of anxiety in patients with dry eye.
There is no permanent cure for dry eyes, but some treatments can relieve your discomfort for a long time. These include punctal plugs, surgery, and the long-term use of artificial tears and compresses.
A new treatment for dry eye disease is providing relief for people with certain forms of the condition. Called intense pulse light therapy or IPL, the treatment can be performed in your doctor's office and has been very effective.
Treatments for Mild Dry Eye:
Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps produce natural tears more effectively. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine, which has a drying/diuretic effect.
Neuromyelitis optica is an autoimmune disorder that affects the nerves of the eyes and the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body's own tissues and organs.
Nerve problems can affect the nerves of the muscles surrounding the eyeball and those that control the dilation and contraction of the pupil. Such problems can result in symptoms such as double vision, nystagmus, oscillopsia and disorders of the pupils, such as anisocoria.
Conclusion: Dry eye and impaired tear function in patients with vitamin D deficiency may indicate a protective role of vitamin D in the development of dry eye, probably by enhancing tear film parameters and reducing ocular surface inflammation.
What is brain fog syndrome? Brain fog is characterized by confusion, forgetfulness, and a lack of focus and mental clarity. This can be caused by overworking, lack of sleep, stress, and spending too much time on the computer.
Sjogren's Syndrome patients often complain of mental fatigue or “brain fog.” Brain fog impairs focus, causes fuzzy concentration, and contributes to difficulty in problem-solving.
Everyone spaces out from time to time. While spacing out can simply be a sign that you are sleep deprived, stressed, or distracted, it can also be due to a transient ischemic attack, seizure, hypotension, hypoglycemia, migraine, transient global amnesia, fatigue, narcolepsy, or drug misuse.
Poor blinking habits while reading or looking at a computer screen for long periods of time. A dry, indoor environment. Contact lenses. Certain medications (including tranquilizers, antihistamines, certain heart medications, diuretics, birth control pills and ulcer medications).
Virgin coconut oil is great for those with dry eyes, as it creates a protective layer over the tear film layers, resulting in reduced evaporation. Furthermore, coconut oil has antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Having dry eyes frequently can impair your vision in multiple ways. If your tears lack oil, your eyes will dry out and be overly watery. Both dry eyes and excessive tearing can lead to blurred vision.