Dry Eye Dyndrome, Dry Eye Treatment, Causes of Dry Eyes

Introduction

Our eyes are continuously covered with a layer of thin fluid film and the film not only protect the eyes but also reduces the risk of eye infection. Whenever our eyelid blink, our eyes are lubricated and if any foreign particle enters our eyes, the particle is cleared away by fluid film. The fluid is produced by later glands and whenever the eye irritates or any other foreign material enters our eye, the glands produces more fluid and the tearing washes away our eyes.

Whenever the tear glands produces insufficient amount of tear fluid, the fluid film may disturb and which may cause rupture of fluid film and consequently some dry spots may be created. These dry spots on cornea may irritation and diminished vision.

Sign and symptoms

The following are common symptoms of dry vision:

• Increased eye irritation.
• Sensibility to light.
• Difficulty in vision, blurred vision.
• Vision worsens during the day.
• Burning or itching sensation in the eye.
• Sensation of foreign substance in the eye.
• Fatigue ness in the eye.
• Eye irritation during dust, smoke or wind.

Tear Fluid:

Tear fluid is a mixture containing various substances including water, fatty oils, proteins, electrolytes and bacteria fighting substances. This fluid is an essential substance for protecting the eye and makes eyes smooth and clear and without tear fluid, it is impossible to have clear vision.

Causes of Dry Eyes

Water, oil and mucus layers together form the tear fluid film and problem with any of the fluid may cause a rupture in tear fluid film and may cause dry eyes.

• Water Layer:

Water layer is in the middle of the fluid film and most of the fluid layer is made up of water layer. The water contains a little salt and the layer produced by tear gland is necessarily required for cleaning and washing for eyes. If the tear gland does not produce sufficient water may cause the film to break and down and cause dry eyes.

• Oil Layer:

This layer contains fatty oils and protects the water layer from evaporation. People having abnormal oil layer may cause evaporation of water from water layer. People having inflammation along the eyelids rosacea or any other skin disorder are at higher risk of dry eyes due to insufficient production of oil layer.

• Mucus Layer:

The innermost layer is responsible for spreading tear fluid layer over the surface of eyes. Insufficient mucus layer may form dry spots in the corner or any other part of the eyes.

Other causes of dry Eyes

• Some of the factors that may worsen the dry eyes include environment factors such as high altitude, dry climate, sunlight and dry wind.
• Some other conditions in which eye concentration is required and some other allergic conditions of eye can also worsen the dry eyes.
• LASIK, a refractive eye surgery may also cause decrease in tear fluid production.
• Some medicines may also increase the risk of causing dry eyes.
• Women, especially after menopause is at higher risk of dry eyes due to change in hormone.
• Some of the medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma can also acts as trigger for causing dry eyes

Treatment

Treatment includes the conservation of eye fluid and use of artificial eye tear fluid. Your doctor will recommend some of the eye tear fluid available in the market and as per advice of the doctor you should use the fluid. Your doctor will also treat you for conserving of your natural eye tear fluids.