Dry Eye-Are You At A Loss For Tears Lately?

Dry eye is a condition where there is no or minimal eye lubrication. Normally, the eye is constantly immersed by tears produced within. The eye remains comfortable and moist by the production of tears, which are moving at a steady and slow rate. When people do not produce a large enough amount to keep their eyes comfortable and healthy; this condition is called dry eye. Normally there are a few different methods in which the eye can produce tears. As previously touched upon, the eye can produce tears at a steady and slow rate, to maintain normal eye lubrication. And in addition, the eye can create a large amount of tears as a response to emotion or local eye irritation.

Symptoms of dry eye include some of the following:

· Discomfort when wearing contact lenses

· Stringy mucus in or around the eyes

· Scratchiness

· Excessive eye irritation from wind or smoke

· Excessive tearing

· Burning or stinging eyes

Excessive tears as a result of “dry eye” may not sound like a logical process. But if you look at it from the viewpoint, as the eyes natural response to something causing it discomfort, than this in turn will shed some additional light on this subject. Simply put, if the tears do not keep the eyes lubricated, than the resulting eye irritation prompts a large amount of tears to be produced. (The lacrimal glands)-or tear production glands of the eye, located in the eyelids, further act as an overflow reservoir releasing excess tears, that in turn overflow from the eye.

The human eye is a more complex piece of anatomical machinery than on may think. The tear film of the eye also plays a major role in cleansing and lubricating the eyeball. The tear film is essential in the production of a clear and smooth surface. Good vision would be impossible without the eyes tear film. This tear film is also composed of three layers.

· A layer of mucus- mucus assists the eye in staying moist, by spreading a watery layer evenly over the surface of the eyeball. This layer of mucus is produced by the inner layer of the eye called the conjunctiva. In the absence of mucus, tears would not stick to the eye. As a result of this mucus layer, the eye remains moist.

· Oily layer­-the oily layer is made up of the meimobian glands. The meimobian glands make up the outer surface of tear film of the eye. Their individual function is to reduce the evaporation of tears and make sure that the tear surface remains smooth.

· Watery layer-Largely made up of the (lacrimal glands), the watery layer is what most people imagine natural tears to be like. This is further enhanced by the lacrimal gland’s ability to keep the eye moist, by washing away irritants and foreign particles.

Dry eye can be more of a problem for people as they get older and can occur in both women and men at any age. Women however, are affected by this eye condition more than men. And this is particularly true after menopause. Certain medications can also cause dry eye. The following is a list of a few classes of these medications:

· Sleeping pills

· Antihistamines used in treating allergies

· Analgesics, or pain relievers

· Antianxiety agents

· Diuretics for treating hypertension

· Beta-blockers used in treating high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disorders

At times dry eye may also be associated with other problems. For example, patients who suffer with dry eye and also have arthritis and occasional dry mouth; could have a more complicated and underlying disease process called Sjogren’s syndrome. Your eye care professional or Ophthalmologist, commonly called an eye doctor, can further diagnose and treat dry eye. An exam called the Schirmer tear test is utilized to measure tear production. This test entails taking and placing paper-filter strips beneath the lower eyelids. Under various conditions, the rate of tear production is measured for signs of dry eye. Patterns of dryness on the eyes surface, is also used with the incorporation of diagnostic eye drop that identifies symptoms of this dryness pattern.

The good news is that dry eye does not have to be a lifetime crutch of an individual. There are over the counter products (OTC), called artificial tears that are similar in constituency as a individuals own natural tears. By using these artificial tears, you will be able to lubricate the eyeball, while maintaining a complete moisture balance. An example of artificial tears is Visine pure tears. Visine pure tears is specifically formulated for dry eye relief and costs far less than a prescription product. The most important point to remember about dry eye is that it may be uncomfortable at times, but it is by no means a life-threatening condition.