Dry Eyes need to be well lubricated at all times. Tears are the exudation of water from the eyes. Tears are made up of water which is required for the moisture of the eye, mucus required for even spreading, and antibodies required preventing the eye from infection. The eye needs constant lubrication. The tears are produced from special glands found surrounding the eye. The eyes have many protective characters to prevent dust and other external particles to enter into the eyes. They are provided with eyebrows to prevent sweat from entering into the eyes, eyelashes to prevent the entry of dust and a quick reflex action called blinking which prevents anything from poking the eye. Moreover, tears provide the ultimate protection so that even on entry of the dust particle, the eye starts to water and hence the dust particle is removed through this cleansing process.
What are dry eyes?
The conditions in which the eyes do not produce any tears and the eyes remain without any lubrication or any moisture are known as dry eyes.
What are the symptoms of dry eyes?
They are characterized by pain in the eyes, sensitivity to light, the feeling of the presence of dirt or a rough feeling n the eyes, itching, reddening of the eyes, blurring of vision. Sometimes due to extreme dry conditions, the eyes start to water continuously. This is due to the signal sent by the eyes to the brain stating the need of lubrication, hence the over flooding of water from the eyes. This form of tears is not a true form of lubricant and can dry up soon.
What is the cause of dry eyes?
Mainly caused by the imbalance of the eyes in producing tears, dry eyes can be got even due to external environment. For example, sitting in an air conditioning for a long time can dry out the tear film in the eyes. Some of the other reasons are
- The aging process especially during menopause.
- As adverse effects of certain medications like antihistamines and also as a side effect of birth control pills.
- Diseases like osteoarthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome which make the ability of the eys to produce tears defunct.
- Physical problems like the structure of the eye lid not being proper thus prevent proper closure of eyes.
How can dry eyes be treated?
There are several methods to treat dry eyes, some of them are:
1. Using tear drops and ointments is the first treatment for dry eyes. OTC teardrops are available without the doctor’s prescription and different compositions of eye drops suit different types of eyes. If the eyes keep getting dry often, use the drops liberally. Before going to bed use ointments instead of drops.
2. Sometimes a procedure called temporary punctual occlusion has to be performed where a plug is placed in the duct which drains the tears out of the eyes. This plug will get dissolved in a few days from being placed.
3. Permanent punctual occlusion: If the procedure of temporary punctual occlusion worked well, then a permanent plug made of silicone can be places in the tear duct. This can be removed if necessary. Mostly patients feel very comfortable with the plug and this reduces their need to use tear drops.
4. Restasis is the only eye drop solution which prevents dry eye from recurring in patients. If continued for a long time it can even prevent dry eyes all together.
5. Surgeries can be done so that the tear ducts can be permanently closed and this prevents the drying out of the eyes.