Dry Eyes is caused when our eyes produce tears that lack the moisture and lubrication that keep our eyes protected. When there is an imbalance in the tear system, people may experience dry eyes. A person with dry eyes may experience a feeling of sand in the eye. He usually has a decrease in the amount of tear production.
What do tears do? Tears are a major protective agent for the eyes. They not only wash away dust from the eyes, they also soothe the eyes, provide oxygen and nutrients to the cornea, as well as help prevent eye infections. Tears are composed of different layers. The outer lipid layer consists of an oily film that prevents evaporation and keeps the eye lubricated. The middle or aqueous layer is secreted by the lacrimal gland and provides moisture and supplies oxygen and important nutrients to the cornea. The inner layer contains mucous that helps the tear film spread on the eye. Each layer is vital to the health of the eyes.
What can Cause Dry Eyes?
Dry Eyes may occur as a result of the following. A common cause is aging. As we age we produce less productive tears. These tears evaporate faster. Women approaching menopause especially face dry eyes due to the increase in hormones. Working or entertainment can also cause dry eyes. People who watch TV, use the computer, or sew for period of time may have eyestrain and dry eyes. Dry eyes can also be caused by personal conditions and certain medications. Some medications, and some diseases may also lead to dry eyes.
Dry Eyes Symptoms ? Discomfort in the eyes ? Itchiness ? Redness ? Excessive tearing without relief ? Foreign object sensation in the eyes ? Discomfort after periods of watching tv, reading, computer use, sewing, etc.
Dry Eye Testing - Testing for dry eyes can be performed through several methods. Fluorescein eye drops may be used to determine tear production. These eye drops contain a dye that can be traced with a special blue light as it is washed out of the eyes by the tears.
Dry Eyes Treatment Options - Dry Eyes Treatments will vary depending on the level of dry eye syndrome. Most people use artificial tears, gels or ointments that simulate the action of tears. These eye drops can be used as artificial tears and can be used several times a day. However, they are not a permanent solution. Some adhere to the eyes and protect for long term, some with preservatives and others without. Another cure for dry eyes is punctal occlusion, by closing the tear drainage canals with silicone plugs. These plugs block the drainage of tears and keep them in the eyes longer. There are temporary and permanent plugs. They are painlessly inserted and can be removed by an ophthalmologist. Sealing of the drainage can also be done surgically. Recently a surgical procedure has been described to treat cases of severe dry eyes with transplantation of labial salivary glands to the inner side of the eyelids.
'Dry eyes' refers literally to what it means - the eyes not having enough of hydration. Why does this happen? It could be because of a lack of the watery secretion of the tear glands. It could be because of a lack of mucin secretion which is the mucous layer in the eye and the third reason could be a lack of lipids, which means the tears evaporate as fast as they are made!
Your tear glands are also called lachrymal glands and they are constantly releasing a watery substance to keep your eyes moist and hydrated. Of course, when you laugh too much or cry, these glands go berserk and go into an overproduction mode so you find yourself wiping away a copious flow of tears. As long as your eyes are hydrated, you face a lowered risk of any infections in the eye. So when the tear glands start producing less, there's cause to worry. How do you know that it isn't enough? Besides the itchy, irritable feeling? There is a test that your eye physician will probably subject you to in order to measure how dry your eyes are. This is a sort of litmus test for the eyes and the measurement of the aqueous fluid in them. It involves testing with a strip of paper that measures the amount of hydration. If the score you get is less than 10, it means you have a dry eye problem. Of course, how much below 10 shows you how serious the problem is.
The other problem could be the lack of enough secretion of the mucin layer in your eye. This is the layer that lies between the eye surface and the inside watery layer. When this mucous-like fluid is deficient, there is not enough of this slightly sticky substance to keep the eyes moist. This, too, could result in an uncomfortable or scratchy feeling in the eye. Sometimes, a lack of mucin makes one feel like there is a piece of grit in the eye that won't go away. Measuring this is not common but one can deduce that if it isn't any other cause, it could be a mucin deficiency.
The third problem could be a lack of lipids. When this happens, the tears that are made by your tear glands evaporate so fast that you are left with dry eyes. This can be determined by doing a 'tear break-up time test' where a little bit of dye is put into your eye and the evaporation time monitored. As the tears evaporate, the dye gets deposited as spots and this is how the physician knows that the tears are disappearing from your eyes. This process is observed through a special lamp and the time taken for the dye spots to appear is how they calculate just how bad your problem is. In normal eyes, it takes about 10 to 15 seconds for the dye spots to appear. Anything less than this and it's a deficiency. This, too results in the usual itchy feeling and sometimes a constant feeling of discomfort.
Both Peter Raus & Tom Sample are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Peter Raus has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Eye Care and Health. Mir? is a centre for Ophthalmology, Oculoplastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine of the face. Head of Mir? is Dr. Peter Raus who was trained in Belgium, Spain, Egypt and the USA and who is an expert in. Peter Raus's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.
Tom Sample has sinced written about articles on various topics from Herpes Cure, Advertising Guide and Home Improvement. More information on dry eyes. Tom Sample's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.