What is Dry Eye ?
When the eye does not produce tears properly or
when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly,
dry eyes can result. In addition, inflammation of the surface of the eye may
occur along with dry eye. If left untreated, this condition can lead to pain,
ulcers, or scars on the cornea, and some loss of vision. However, permanent
loss of vision from dry eye is uncommon. Dry eyes can make it more difficult to
perform some activities, such as using a computer or reading for an extended
period of time, and it can decrease tolerance for dry environments, such as the
air inside an airplane.
What are the symptoms of dry eye? Dry eye symptoms may include any of the following:
1) stinging or burning of the eye
2) a sandy or gritty feeling as if something is
in the eye
3) episodes of excess tears following very dry
eye periods
4) a stringy discharge from the eye
5) pain and redness of the eye
6) episodes of blurred vision
7) heavy eyelids
8) inability to cry when emotionally stressed
9) uncomfortable contact lenses
10) decreased tolerance of reading, working on the computer, or any activity that requires sustained visual attention; eye fatigue
Types of dry eye?
1) Aqueous tear-deficient dry eye
2) Evaporative dry eye may result from
inflammation of the meibomian glands
Dry eye can be associated with inflammation of the surface of the eye, the lacrimal gland, the conjunctiva, any disease process that alters the components of the tears, an increase in the surface of the eye (as in thyroid disease when the eye protrudes forward), and cosmetic surgery (if the eyelids are opened too widely).
Who is likely to develop dry eye?
- Dry eye
can occur in any age group however elderly people frequently experience dryness
of the eyes.
- Women
who experience menopause prematurely are more likely to have eye surface damage
from dry eye.
- After
any surgery of the eye.
- Long
hours of computer work.
- Weather conditions