Causes And Treatment Of Dry Eye Syndrome

by Judy Schultz on July 19, 2010 · weight loss

in weight loss

Dry eye syndrome will be initiated if there are not enough tears being produced in the eyes. Lubrication as well as moisture is essential requirements in the eye so that it can keep up well-being and vision. For this to be done, a regular flow of tears is required.

Tears are made up of water and the eye requires this for its moisture; oils which are needed to lubricate them; a mucus coating which assists with spreading the tears evenly. It also contains anti-bodies which are required for infection resistance. All these ingredients are present in the glands which are round the eyes and it is secreted from there. As soon as there is a discrepancy in the make-up thereof, a dry eye condition will set in.

This condition could be caused when there is an inconsistency in the procedure that controls the flow of tears. As soon as eyes do not receive enough lubrication, it will transmit an anguished message to the nervous system. The system will respond by filling the eyes with tears in an attempt to get rid of the dryness. The problem is that these particular tears are made up of water only; there are no oils in the make-up of it. Hence these tears will generally only wash the eye and clean it of any debris that is there, but it will not lubricate the eyes.

Dry eyes will also be a cause of the dehydration of the eye’s tear film. People who spend a lot of time in an air-conditioned environment will generally be open to this type of problem. Other environmental conditions that cause this condition include wind and heat. Another cause is normal aging and it happens particularly during menopause.

Certain types of medications like birth control pills and anti-histamines are also possible causes. Diseases that can cause the eyes to dry out include rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome which is an auto-immune disease. Another cause could be if there are structural deformities of the eye lids which prevent them from closing properly.

One of the treatments for dryness of eyes is synthetic teardrops and ointments. This is the initial handling of the problem. Sometimes it will become necessary to seal the passages from which tears are drained from the eye. This will encompass placing a plug which will dissolve, into the lower eye lids. If this proves to be successful, then semi permanent removable silicone stoppers will be used.

If you find yourself in a cooling as well as heating vented area, turn these vents away from the area where you regularly spend time. Using a humidifier will ease dry eye syndrome. Surgically there is a method in which the tear canals which push the tears down to your nose could be closed up permanently. The tears will then remain in your eyes and be able to do their job.

dry eye syndrome

Looking to find the definitive source of information on dry eye syndrome?

Leave a Comment