Dry Eye Syndrome
How to Treat Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is quite a common eye problem. According
to a medical report, it is estimated that more than 10 million
people in the United States alone suffer from dry eye syndrome.
A person who has dry eye syndrome usually has a problem with
the quantity or quality of the tear film which is responsible
for appropriately lubricating the eyes.
The production of tears is an incredibly complex process.
A tear actually has 3 separate layers and each layer has a
specific purpose. There is a mucous layer that coats the eye
and acts somewhat like an adhesive. In the middle of a tear
is an aqueous layer and its role is to deliver nutrients and
oxygen to the cornea. Consisting mostly water, this layer
also has a bit of salt, and this is the reason why tears taste
salty. The outer layer of the tear, the lipid, is oily and
its job is to seal in the moisture so it does not evaporate.
Tiny glands surrounding the eyes produce the ingredients needed
for the different layers of tear, and excess tear fluids drain
into tiny ducts.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
Eye irritation is one of the most obvious symptoms of dry
eyes. Eyes may itch, burn and become red. It doesn't seem
possible, but excessive tearing is also a symptom of dry eyes.
That's because the eyes produce tears in response to many
conditions which includes protecting eyes from injury.
Who is at risk?
All of us are exposed to the risk of developing dry eye syndrome,
but the majority of complaints arise from the elderly. As
we age, the body's production of oil starts to slow down.
As oil production disappears, less oil is available for the
outer layer of tears. With less oil, the moisture formed by
the middle layer cannot be properly sealed and it therefore
evaporates faster, which leads to the dry spots on the cornea
known as dry eye syndrome.
Older women are more at risk than men. Hormonal changes during
menopause are the major culprits. Smokers are at higher risk,
too. Many environmental conditions tend to increase the occurrence
of dry eyes which includes air conditioning, hot, dry climates,
wind and higher altitudes. People who read a lot or work at
a computer all day tend to complain more of dry eyes due to
the fact that they tend not to blink as much.
Those who take certain medicines, who suffer from a deficiency
of vitamin A or who have been diagnosed with certain diseases
including Parkinson's disease usually are exposed more to
dry eye syndrome.
Treatment
Most of the individuals will know whether they have dry
eyes, but an eye doctor should confirm this eye problem. Detection
takes place using special eye drops that help the eye doctor
gauge tear production and associated rates of evaporation.
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