Dry eyes discomfort is hard to avoid because the sufferer finds it hard to resist rubbing any itchiness present of which can result in the eyes becoming infected. If you notice your dry eyes are extremely irritating, gritty, red or burning then consult your doctor. When a person blinks it spreads a three-layered film of water oil and mucus over the eyes. But as you get older and reach the age of 40 the tear glands begin to slow down and you have less of this soothing eye fluid according to medical experts who have studied the condition. Medical research goes onto say that because of hormonal shifts that dry up secretions, women at or past menopause experience more severe tear turn off than men or younger females. This condition does not only affect a certain age group so no one is exempt from contracting dry eyes. Anyone can develop a case of dry eyes if they are taking secretion-drying antihistamine/decongestant medications, antidepressants, diuretics or beta blockers. The eyes and the surrounding skin is very sensitive so therefore always ask your doctor for advice on any over the counter medication you tend on using to treat your eyes. Were you aware that sitting in a dry aircraft cabin, windy weather, air conditioning and home heating can dry up eye moisture? Other factors that can be the cause behind the eyes' waterworks to dry up are if you are over fatigued or suffer from diabetes or lack in vitamin A deficiency. Your doctor will have all the answers to your questions on dry eyes and safe treatments. Consider talking to an herbalist who may have a natural remedy to help ease the discomfort you maybe experiencing. Without sufficient lubrication to coat the eyes they become dry and tender. Contact lens wearers will no doubt feel the discomfort from this even more so if the moisture dries up. In severe cases, suffering from dry eyes can lead to vision-robbing bacterial, viral or fungal infections. For relief try covering the dry eyes with a warm flannel. If the eyes dry up only now and then try placing a warm compress onto the eyelids for five to ten minutes two or three times a day, a warm compress is sometimes all it takes to stimulate tear flow. Talk to your physician before hand about this. Remember to blink because a fixed stare i.e. at a computer screen or television can influence the condition. As a result of staring eye moisture evaporates, take frequent blink breaks because it replenishes the tear film. For those who suffer from a chronic dry eye problem, over-the-counter artificial tears sold in your local pharmacy can help soothe tender gritty eyes. These products contain saline and a film-forming substance such as polyvinyl alcohol or synthetic cellulose. Once again ask the pharmacist for advice Thinner brands need to be inserted more often and are less likely to blur or hamper vision or leave a residue on eyelashes. Remember this is a sensitive organ of the body so do be extra careful especially when inserting eye drops. To insert eye drops safely, gently pull down the lower lid and squeeze a drop into the corner of the eye near the nose. Hold your eyes closed for sixty seconds. Try not to blink as it will only ooze out the drops If you're using drops more than four times daily, then use brands that say preservative-free Preservatives such as thimerosal can build up to toxic concentrations and may damage the surface of the eye. If your eyes do not respond to lubricants after using them for a week, then you must not rush out for another bottle of medication in hope that the second lot of treatment will cure the problem, see your doctor. Other options to take control over dry eyes is to have your tear drains plugged, your doctor can insert a tiny collagen plug in your tear drainage canal, The plug remains in place for about six months and helps conserve the tears you do produce and keeps artificial tears in your eyes longer. Or another option is for your doctor to permanently seal the tear duct with surgery. Before listening to friends and family as to what they think your problem maybe and to what they may suggest as being the best option to help remedy your dry eyes, think first. Even though their intentions are meant well it is not the safest advice to take. Call your GP and ask about any eye disease concerns you may have.