Eyes / Eye Diseases

Dry Eye: A Brief Explanation

The tear film is a very complex fluid that has many purposes: it lubricates the eye and keeps vision clear, provides protection from bacteria, allergens, and other potentially harmful substances, and nourishes the cornea. It is composed of three layers that are secreted by various glands around the eye. The top layer is composed of oil that seals the tear film and prevents it from evaporating. The middle or aqueous layer provides moisture. The bottom or mucin layer supplies a smooth surface over the cornea so the tears spread evenly over the eye.
Dry eyes are caused by a multitude of factors. Some common reasons are: the aging process, allergies, disease, and hormonal imbalance. Women are particularly prone to this problem, although men may develop it as well. In most cases, it becomes progressively more troublesome as the body produces less oil. This happens in the skin as well as the eye. A lack of oil causes the tear film to break down, resulting in dry, irritating patches on the cornea. When this occurs, the eye reflexively produces watery tears that do little to lubricate. Many people are surprised to find that the underlying problem of their watery eyes is actually dryness.
Dry eyes cause many symptoms such as: irritation, watering, burning, itching, redness, and a general feeling of fatigue and heaviness of the eyelids. There are several ways to treat these symptoms including artificial tears,punctal plugs.
If you suspect you have dry eyes, remember that reading or working on a computer may aggravate your symptoms because you blink less. Make a conscious effort to blink and instill artificial tears or lubricating ointments as needed.