Dry eyes are a common condition, affecting almost everyone at some point in their lives. Dry eye syndrome can occur at any age, but it is most common in people over 50 years old.
Dry eyes are a result of the tear film, which consists of three layers: an oily layer (called the lipid layer), a watery layer (called the aqueous layer), and an outermost mucus-like layer (called the mucin). When any one or all of these layers are inadequate, it can cause dry eye symptoms such as irritation, burning, grittiness, itching, foreign body sensation and blurred vision.
The first step in treating dry eyes is to identify the root cause. If you have been diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis, then chances are that your dry eyes are caused by autoimmune disease rather than environmental factors like windy weather or computer screens. These conditions can be managed with medication and other therapies, such as artificial tear drops and punctal plugs, if necessary.
If you have dry eyes and you are one of those people who has no clue as to why, then you should look into it. Dry eye is a common problem and there are reasons for it. Dry eyes can be caused by several factors, but the treatments are effective enough. Dry eyes can also be cured naturally with some great home remedies that work wonders. A few simple tips can help you get rid of dry eyes easily.
Spiritual Meaning Of Dry Eyes
Dry eye syndrome is a disease condition when there is not enough tears in our eyes and this leads to irritation, redness and pain as well. People who are suffering from this problem experience dry eyes on most of the time. Eyes may look red in color and watery. One feels irritation pain, itching during night, strain sensation (like sand paper) when eyes are moved and sometimes yellow mucus from the eyes. This happens due to decrease in tear production and less lachrymal flow.
As you know, dry eyes can be a devastating condition. It affects 18 million people in the US alone. However, there is no one who knows about dry eye better than Brandon Tommi-Lorenzo, the CEO of Dry Eye Zone. Download The Guide to Keeping Your Eyes Moist and schedule your consultation with his organization to learn everything you need to know about successful treatments.
A common symptom of a spiritual awakening is dry eyes, which can be caused by high levels of spiritual energy. This can be a sign that you are experiencing a shift in your consciousness and are becoming more aware of your spiritual self. It’s important to note that this is not the same as being sleepy or tired—it’s a completely different sensation.
Here are some spiritual meanings associated with dry eyes:
1. Cleansing and Purification
One spiritual meaning of dry eyes during a spiritual awakening is related to cleansing and purification. Just as tears can cleanse the physical eyes, dry eyes may symbolize a cleansing process on a spiritual level. This could indicate a shedding of old beliefs, emotions, and patterns that no longer serve your highest good.
2. Heightened Awareness
Dry eyes can also be a sign of heightened spiritual awareness. As you become more connected to your spiritual self, you may find that your physical senses are more attuned to the energies around you. Dry eyes could be a physical indicator of your increased sensitivity to spiritual energies and frequencies.
3. Emotional Release
Another spiritual interpretation of dry eyes is associated with emotional release. During a spiritual awakening, individuals may need to confront and release pent-up emotions and energy blockages. Dry eyes may signal that you are in the process of releasing emotional baggage and allowing yourself to heal on a deeper level.
4. Awakening of Intuition
Dry eyes during a spiritual awakening could also signify the awakening of your intuition and inner wisdom. As you open yourself up to higher spiritual truths, you may find that your intuition becomes stronger and more pronounced. Dry eyes may be a physical manifestation of this heightened intuitive awareness.
Bible Verse
“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” – Matthew 6:22
One biblical interpretation of dry eyes in a spiritual awakening could be related to the concept of seeing clearly and being filled with divine light. Just as the eyes are a window to the soul, dry eyes may indicate a spiritual clarity and enlightenment that is unfolding within you.
| Spiritual Meaning | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Cleansing and Purification | Dry eyes may symbolize a cleansing process on a spiritual level. |
| Heightened Awareness | Dry eyes could be a physical indicator of increased sensitivity to spiritual energies. |
| Emotional Release | Dry eyes may signal the release of emotional baggage during a spiritual awakening. |
| Awakening of Intuition | Dry eyes may signify the awakening of intuition and inner wisdom. |
The best way to deal with it is to let yourself be with the experience without trying to change it or fight it. You may want to meditate, pray, or take a nap if possible; otherwise just allow yourself to rest while experiencing the sensation. It will pass eventually and then everyday life will feel more like your “normal” self again.
Dry eyes can be a sign of spiritual growth.
Dry eyes are often seen as an inconvenience and a nuisance, but it’s not wrong to see them as a sign of spiritual growth. The dryness is an indication that you’re reaching for something higher, that you’re looking for something that goes beyond your physical being.
When you have dry eyes, it means your heart is open and ready to receive love from the world around you. Your eyes are no longer closed off from what’s happening around them; they’ve opened up to see more than just the material world around them. They’ve opened up to see their purpose on earth and what they’re meant to do with their lives.
Dry eyes also mean that your mind is ready to accept things without judgment or prejudice. You’re willing to look at things without any preconceived notions or biases—you just want to understand the world around you without drawing conclusions too quickly or making assumptions before they’re justified by experience or evidence. You want to see everything in its purest form before deciding whether or not it’s right for you personally (which is why most people who have dry eyes also tend not
Just about everyone has experienced a feeling of dryness in their eyes at some point. In fact, acute exacerbations are common, with many lifestyle choices and environmental factors — like using your cellphone or being in a low-humidity environment — triggering symptoms, says Whitney Hauser, MD, an optometrist at the TearWell Advanced Dry Eye Treatment Center in Memphis, Tennessee, and the founder of DryEyeCoach.com.
But while fleeting cases of dry eye may not be too bothersome, chronic dry eye or dry eye syndrome is a completely different story.
This progressive condition goes beyond run-of-the-mill dry eyes. So much so that Dr. Hauser describes it as a “chronic inflammatory condition,” in which dry eye symptoms are prolonged, frequent, and severe.
Emotional Cause Of Dry Eyes
Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye may cause various problems with the eyes. Common dry eye symptoms include:
- Stinging, burning, or itchiness
- Pain or redness
- Sandy or gritty feeling (as if something is in the eye)
- Stringy discharge (mucus)
- Periods of watery eyes followed by dry eyes
- Inability to cry
- Temporary blurred vision or eye fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Heavy eyelids
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Eyestrain from reading or computer use
Common Questions & Answers
How do you get rid of dry eyes?
Artificial tears can hydrate your eyes and help get rid of dryness. You can purchase artificial tears over the counter, or your doctor may prescribe lubricating drops. Lifestyle changes may also get rid of dry eyes. This includes staying hydrated, limiting alcohol intake, and blinking more often when working at a computer or reading.
What causes dry eye?
People with dry eyes don’t have enough tears. This is due to either decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation caused by environmental factors like dry air or wind. Dry eyes can also occur as a natural part of aging. Medications can trigger dry eyes, too, as well as some chronic conditions.
How do you treat dry eyes naturally?
To treat dry eyes naturally, use a humidifier to increase moisture in the air. Avoid cigarette smoke and other irritants, and wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from the wind. Apply a warm compress and rinse your eyelids with warm water and baby shampoo to improve tear quality.
Can you have dry eye in only one eye?
Although dry eyes typically affects both eyes, it is possible to have dryness in only one eye. Dry eyes can feel like a scratchy sensation in one or both eyes. You may also experience blurry vision, redness, and sensitivity to light.
Does dry eye go away?
Dry eyes is often temporary, with symptoms improving with artificial tears or lifestyle changes. If symptoms don’t improve with home treatment, your doctor may prescribe prescription eyedrops to relieve symptoms. This includes eyedrops to reduce inflammation or stimulate tear production.
Causes and Risk Factors of Dry Eye
Dry eye is a condition marked by inadequate eye lubrication, either because tear ducts are not producing enough tears, or tears are evaporating too quickly.
Tears (a mixture of water, oils, and mucus) are necessary to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear. A layer of tears covers your eyes each time you blink, which protects your eyes from infections, keeps them moist, and washes away dust and debris.
The following are some of the risk factors for dry eye:
- Environmental irritants, such as wind, low humidity, air-conditioning, sun exposure, smoke, chemical fumes, or heat
- Hormonal changes in women, such as from pregnancy, menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or birth control pills
- Skin diseases in or around the eyes, or diseases of the eye glands
- Allergies
- Eye surgery, such as refractive surgery (LASIK) and cataract surgery
- Autoimmune disorders, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic inflammation of the eye
- Infrequent blinking or a condition called exposure keratitis, in which the eyelids don’t close completely during sleep
- Various medicines, such as antihistamines, nasal decongestants, tranquilizers, blood pressure medication, Parkinson’s disease medication, and antidepressants
- Excessive or insufficient vitamin intake
- Long-term contact lens wear
Types of Dry Eye
There are two types of dry eye:
Aqueous tear-deficient dry eye The eyes’ lacrimal glands fail to produce enough of the middle aqueous layer of tears, resulting in low tear production.
Evaporative dry eye The eyes meibomian glands don’t produce a strong outer lipid layer of tears, resulting in tears that evaporate too quickly.
Tears also have a third component — an inner mucous layer — that is produced by goblet cells and allows the aqueous layer to spread evenly over the surface of the eye.
In addition to dry eye syndrome, dry eye is also sometimes known as:
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
- Dysfunctional tear syndrome
- Lacrimal keratoconjunctivitis
- Evaporative tear deficiency or aqueous tear deficiency
- LASIK-induced neurotrophic epitheliopathy
How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?
See a doctor if you have frequent symptoms of dry eye or if your dry eye symptoms worsen. A comprehensive eye examination can diagnose the condition. This involves an external examination of your eyes, eyelids, and cornea.
Your doctor will also perform testing to measure your tear flow and the quality of your tears using a special dye for the eyes.
Prognosis of Dry Eye
Regardless of severity, dry eye isn’t life-threatening. In fact, it’s highly treatable. Symptoms of mild cases can be eased with over-the-counter options, whereas chronic dry eye may require a prescription or surgery.
Duration of Dry Eye
Acute dry eye caused by environmental factors, health problems, or medication may go away or improve once you identify the cause of dryness and make the necessary adjustments — such as treating an underlying health problem or switching medicines.
Unfortunately, severe cases of dry eye can’t be fully cured, says Arian Fartash, OD, a VSP network optometrist who splits her time between San Francisco and Orange County, California. But all hope isn’t lost.
“The best way to identify the cause of dry eye is to see your eye doctor,” Dr. Fartash says. “With the right tools and consistency, it can be managed.”
Treatment and Medication Options for Dry Eye
The right dry eye treatment often depends on the cause of your condition.
Over-the-Counter Options
For mild or occasional dry eye, artificial tears (dry eye drops) can help lubricate the eyes and relieve symptoms. The best part about artificial tears is that you don’t need a prescription. There are also a variety of options, including drops with electrolytes. These drops not only keep your eyes moist, but also protect the surface of your eyes.
Alternatively, there are eye drops containing preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria after you open the bottle, as well as non preservative eye drops. The latter has fewer additives. This is an option if you’re allergic to certain ingredients in eye drops, or if you apply artificial tears more than four to six times a day.
Prescription Options
While artificial tears are sometimes the first line of defense for dry eye, more severe symptoms require a prescription from your ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Talk to your doctor about the immune-suppressing drug Restasis (cyclosporine). This medication relieves dry eyes by stopping inflammation that interferes with tear production.
Similarly, the prescription drug Xiidra (lifitegrast) can also adequately manage the condition, says Hauser.
Or you may need to temporarily use corticosteroid eye drops to reduce inflammation. Antibiotic eye drops can also reduce eyelid inflammation, helping with the secretion of oil into your tears.
A tear-stimulating drug (cevimeline or pilocarpine) is another option for improving symptoms of dry eye, or you might have excellent results with eye inserts that release a substance to increase lubrication.
Surgery Options
Procedures that close the tear drainage holes in the inner corners of your eyelids — either temporarily (with tiny plugs) or permanently (with surgery) — may also be an option if you have dry eye.
Closing your tear drainage holes allows the limited volume of tears to remain on your eyes longer.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
If you prefer a natural approach to healing dry eye syndrome, consider acupuncture. A review of 19 studies found that acupuncture therapy combined with artificial tear therapy was more effective than artificial tear therapy alone for dry eyes, yet the individual study results varied.
Home remedies, and making a few lifestyle changes, may also alleviate symptoms of dry eye.
If you take a prescription medication for another condition, check with your doctor to see if dry eye is a common side effect of this drug, says Fartash.
Improving dry eye symptoms may require switching to another medication, if possible.
You may also be better off wearing glasses if your contact lenses cause dry eye.
In some people, consuming omega-3 fatty acids from supplements or foods (including fatty fish like salmon and sardines, as well as walnuts and flaxseed) reduces eye irritation, says Fartash.
She also suggests using a humidifier to put moisture back into dry air, taking short breaks from technology to give your eyes a rest, and laying a warm, damp wash cloth across your eyelids for a couple minutes for relief.
Prevention of Dry Eye
Here’s how else you can alleviate or prevent dry eye:
- Wear wraparound glasses when outdoors to protect eyes from wind
- Blink often
- Don’t use a hair dryer
- Wash your eyelids with baby shampoo to help release oil into the eyes
- Remove makeup daily
- If you work on a computer, look away from the screen at least every 20 minutes
- Take an antihistamine to relieve allergy symptoms
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day to prevent dehydration
- Stop smoking
Contact Lenses and Dry Eye
With regard to contact lenses, dry eyes doesn’t mean that you’re no longer a candidate for contacts. But you’ll need to have a conversation with your doctor about dryness, and then choose a lens that’s comfortable to wear with this condition, such as single-use daily disposable lenses, advises Fartash.
The best contacts for dry eyes are soft lenses, as well as lenses with a low-water content, such as those made from silicone hydrogel.
Complications of Dry Eye
If left untreated, complications associated with dry eye include eye inflammation and eye infections, especially if the cornea becomes damaged because of dryness.
Conditions that can damage the cornea include corneal abrasions and corneal ulcers. Severe cases of dryness can also decrease vision, warns Fartash.
Another possible complication is conjunctivitis (pink eye), or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers the white part of the eyes and inner surfaces of the eyelids.
Depending on the severity, dry eyes can also reduce your quality of life. Blurry vision and sensitivity to light can make it hard to complete routine, everyday tasks such as driving and reading. Dry eyes might also make it difficult to complete schoolwork, and your work performance could suffer.
Can Dry Eye Syndrome Cause Floaters?
If you have dry eye along with eye floaters, you might question the connection. While it’s not inconceivable to develop both eye conditions simultaneously, “floaters aren’t necessarily related to dry eyes, although both are common, especially as we age,” says Fartash.
“Sometimes loose cells or fibers clump together within your eye fluid and cast a shadow onto the retina, which we see as floating dark specks or blobs known as eye floaters,” she explains.
Above all, leaving dry eye untreated can disrupt your daily life, leading to a lower standard of living.
Research and Statistics: How Common Is Dry Eye, and Who Has It?
Dry eye can occur at any age, but it’s most common in elderly people.
Nearly five million Americans age 50 and older are affected by dry eye syndrome.
Interestingly, the condition affects more women than men.
Asians and Dry Eye
Although dry eye can affect anyone, research finds that people of Asian descent may have a predisposition to dry eyes.
A study published in January 2019 in The Ocular Surface investigated the difference in eye dryness, tear film quality, and ocular surface of 103 Asian participants and 103 white participants. They found that the Asian participants had more severe dry eye symptoms compared with white participants.
This is likely due to poorer meibomian gland function in Asian people. This gland is responsible for secreting fluid. Researchers also observed a “higher degree of incomplete blinking” among the Asian participants, which may further contribute to the predisposition to dry eyes.
Related Conditions and Causes of Dry Eye
Although dry eyes can occur as a result of environmental and lifestyle factors, some conditions also increase the likelihood of poor tear quality.
Dry eyes has been linked to the following:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Thyroid disease, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Neurotrophic deficiency
- Eye surgery
- Side effects of medication, including diuretics, antihistamines, antidepressants, psychotropics, cholesterol lowering agents, beta-blockers, and oral contraceptives
Spiritual Meaning Of Puffy Eyes
Puffy eyes are a common problem that many people experience. It can be caused by stress, allergies, lack of sleep, or even just having a cold.
While puffy eyes are not dangerous and will go away on their own, they can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Here are some tips to help get rid of those puffy eyes:
- Take an antihistamine to stop the swelling. If you don’t have anything handy, try holding a cold compress against your eyes for 15 minutes at a time—this will help reduce swelling.
- Eat foods rich in vitamin C, like oranges or peppers—this helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the body.
- Drink lots of water—this will help flush out toxins from your body and help reduce puffiness around the eye area!