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.
The composition of tears is water which is required for moistness; lubricants; for even spreading it requires mucus and finally immune responses to assist with infection fighting. The glands around your eyes secrete all these components. When there is an inequality in this combination, dry eye syndrome will become evident.
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.
It can also be caused by the drying out of the tear film. This is often the case where people are regularly exposed to air conditioned environments. Heat and wind can also be a cause of this condition. Normal aging, particularly menopause, could also cause dry eyes.
Medications like birth-control tablets and anti histamines also cause dryness in the eye. There are other diseases, for example rheumatoid arthritis as well as some auto immune diseases that could be responsible for this condition. Sometimes if there is a deformity of the lids of the eyes, the eyes will not be able to close properly and this could also be a cause.
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
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