Are you suffering from dry eyes? This condition can be troublesome. It can disrupt even the simplest tasks like reading and watching television shows. Left untreated, this can develop to severe problems. Here is some important information about this that can help you if you are suffering from it:

A Brief Overview of Dry Eye Syndrome

This syndrome is a common condition many people experience. This happens when something disturbs the tear film. Normally, a thin film of tears coats the eyes to help keep them comfortable. This film also makes sure your vision remains clear all throughout the day. This tear film has three main layers. The innermost layer is the thinnest part. It is a layer of mucin or mucus. Cells in the conjunctiva or the clear skin that lines the eyes produce this layer. The mucus helps the overlying watery layer to spread evenly over the eye.

The middle layer is the largest and thickest part. This layer is a dilute water solution. The lacrimal glands under the upper eyelids and the accessory tear glands produce this watery layer. The function of this layer is to keep the eye moist and comfortable. It helps flush out dust, debris, and other foreign objects that may get inside your eye. Defects in the aqueous layer are the most common cause of dry eye syndrome also called as keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

The most superficial layer is a thin layer of lipids (fat or oils). Meibomian glands and the glands of Zeis or the oil glands in the eyelids produce these lipids. The main function of this lipid layer is to help decrease evaporation of the watery layer beneath.

Symptoms and Signs of Dry Eye Syndrome

A person with dry eye syndrome may experience dry, gritty or scratchy, or watery feeling in their eyes. Other signs include burning sensations, itching, redness, blurred vision, and light sensitivity. These symptoms worsen in dry and windy climates with higher temperatures and low humidity. Symptoms also worsen with prolonged use of the eyes like reading, using the computer, and watching TV. Dry eyes drops can be a good solution, but for worse cases, seeing the physician may be the better solution.

Symptoms of this condition may include sporadic and excessive tearing. Eyes become slightly irritated and dry, and may initiate reflex tearing. When this happens, there tear production will increase significantly. This will try to moisten the eyes and make blinking comfortable. The eyes can only handle so many tears at once. A short time later, the eyes will once again become dry and irritated. The process will then repeat itself.

You will find self-care tips that can alleviate the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. For instance, a humidifier can add more moisture to the air. Tears will evaporate slower because of the increased moisture in the air, and this will keep your eyes comfortable. Furnaces and air conditioning decrease the humidity in the air, and excessive air motions dries out the eyes. Avoid having excessive air motions by decreasing the speed of ceiling fans or oscillating fans. Large amounts of dust and other matters in the air may make the symptoms worse. An air filter can also be helpful.


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