Dry Eyes - Facts, Information, Resources and Treatment for Dry Eyes
Tears are formed in response to the stimulus from an external source such as injury, allergens, etc. Dry eyes or dry eye syndrome is a lasting disorder caused by deficiency of eye glands in providing ample eye lubrication as well as moisture. This shortage takes place when eyes are incapable of generating enough tears to effectively lubricate the eyes. Fortunately, vision loss provoked by dry eyes is rare, but if not properly treated dry eyes may lead to eye pain, ulcers, and corneal scars.
Medical terminologies: The condition of dry eyes is also termed as dry eye syndrome, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), dysfunctional tear syndrome, and aqueous tear deficiency.
The Function of our Tears
Tears are very beneficial for eye health as they provide enough moisture and nourishment to protect the eyes from drying out, external threats and eye infections.
Three eye glands:
- Meibomian glands.
- Lacrimal glands and.
- Inner mucous glands are involved in the composition of tears.
Types of dry eyes:
- Aqueous tear-deficient dry eye: It is due to the Lacrimal glands deficiency to produce adequate tears for healthy eyes.
- Evaporative dry eye: Meibomian glands, making up lipid portion of the eye, get inflamed and retard the process of tear formation.
Dry eyes symptoms
Dry eye general symptoms include:
- Eye burning and scratchiness
- Eye pain and irritation
- Persistent dryness
- Gristly eye discharge
- Blurred vision
- Sturdy eyelids
- Restrained tear production in conditions of stress and emotional disturbances
- Itchy contact lenses
- Difficulty in carrying out activities that demand unrelenting visual attention
- Eye weariness and fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
What causes dry eye syndrome?
Dry eyes can be caused by various reasons :
- Soreness of the eyelids or tears producing glands
- Earlier eye ailments or eye surgeries
- Aging
- Sun exposure
- Smoking
- Long use of glaucoma eye drops
- Long use of contact lenses
- Harsh environment or weather conditions
- Allergy medicines
- An eye injury
- Medication side effects
- Side effects of lupus, Sjogran’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and ocular rosacea disorders
How Common is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a common disorder in:
- People above 60
- Women
- One out of 13 people of age 50 or older develops this condition.
Treatment:
Dry eye syndrome can be treated by one of the following methods:
- Eyelash cleaning
- Restasis in case of chronic dry eye
- Eye lubricating ointments
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as Cyclosporine
- Temporary punctal occlusion.
- Permanent punctal occlusion.
- Artificial tear drops and ointments.
- Punctal cautery surgery and other surgeries
- Hot compresses
- Lacrimal or punctal plugging
- Eye supplements
When to contact a medical professional?
If you feel that there is an increasing discomfort and pain due to drying of your eyes , consult your eye doctor immediately; so that treatment can be provided after precise diagnosis for keeping your eyes healthy and avoiding permanent vision loss.
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