An absence of production of tear flow in the eyes is called dry eye syndrome. It can cause pain, itchy eyes, a feeling that there is grit in the eye and stinging. To ensure comfort and to enable vision, eyes require moisture and lubrication. In order for it to carry out this function, it requires a reasonable tear flow.
Tears consist of water, which the eye needs for moisture; oil, which it needs for lubrication; mucus, which is needed for even spreading and antibodies which is needed to resist infection. All these components are secreted by glands which are located around the eyes. Once an imbalance in this structure occurs, a person will suffer from dry eyes.
Dry eyes can also be caused by a disparity in the tear flow mechanism of the eyes. If the eye is not receiving sufficient lubrication, it sends a distress signal to the brain. The immediate response is that the eye fills with tears to try and alleviate the dryness. These tears are only water though and there are no lubricants in it, like there is in normal tear flow. This water will only wash away dirt in the eye, but will not cover it with the lubricants it requires.
Another cause for dry eyes could be if the tear film dries out. Spending a lot of your time in an environment that is controlled by air-conditioning can be a cause of your eye problem. Heat as well as wind can also cause dryness. The aging process and in particular menopause could also be a cause.
Medical drugs like birth-control pills or antihistamines could also be a cause. Rheumatoid arthritis and some autoimmune diseases can cause the eyes to dry out. If any physical malformation of the eyelids is present, it will not be possible for the eye to close properly and this will cause dryness.
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.
The use of a humidifier can bring relief to dry eye syndrome. Point the cooling and heating vents away from where you relax or work most of the time. There are surgical methods available and one of them is where the tear passages that channel the tears into your nose will be blocked permanently. Thus the tears will be allowed to remain around and in the eyes.
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