Dry eye syndrome (Eye Dryness): Symptoms, causes and treatment

1
Eye Dryness
2
Eye Dryness

• Dry eye is a common condition in which there is
  insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the
  eye. Tears are important for maintaining the
  health of the front surface of the eye and for
  providing clear vision. People with dry eyes are
  unable to produce adequate tears or have a poor
  quality of tears. Dry eye is uncomfortable
  especially when your eyes sting or burn. You may
  experience dry eyes in an air-conditioned room,
  on an airplane, while riding a bike or after
  continuously looking at a computer screen.

3
What are the causes of dry eyes?

• Mostly, dry eyes are seen in people over the age
  of 65. The development of dry eyes can have many
  causes including
• Age Dry eye is a natural phenomenon which
  develops as a person ages. A majority of people
  over age 65 experience some symptoms of dry eyes.
• Gender Women are more likely to develop dry eyes
  due to hormonal changescaused by pregnancy, the
  use of oral contraceptives, and menopause.
• Medications Some medicines such as
  antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure
  medications and antidepressants, can reduce the
  amount of tears produced in the eyes.

4
What are the causes of dry eyes?
Continue

• Medical conditions People suffering
  from rheumatoid arthritis, diabetesand thyroid
  problems are likelier to have signs of dry eyes.
  Additionally, problems with inflammation of the
  eyelids, inflammation of the surfaces of the eye,
  or the inward or outward turning of eyelids can
  cause dry eyes to develop.
• Environmental factors Increased exposure to
  smoke, wind and dry climates can increase tear
  evaporation resulting in dry eye symptoms.
  Failure to blink regularly can also play a part
  in drying of the eyes.

5
Symptoms

• Signs and symptoms of dry eyes, which normally
  affect both the eyes include 
• A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your
  eyes 
• Stringy mucus in or around your eyes 
• Increased eye irritation from smoke or wind 
• Eye fatigue 
• Sensitivity to light 
• Eye redness 
• A sensation of having something in your eyes 
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses 
• Periods of excessive tearing 
• Blurred vision

6
Treatments

• Being a chronic condition, your ophthalmologist
  can prescribe treatment to keep your eyes
  healthy, more comfortable, and prevent your
  vision from being affected. Following are some of
  the treatment options
• Adding tears Non-severe cases of dry eyes can
  easily be managed using over-the-counter
  artificial tear solutions. These can be used
  regularly. Your ophthalmologist may suggest
  preservative-free artificial tear solutions
  because they contain fewer additives that could
  further irritate the eyes. 
• Conserving tears Another way to reduce the
  symptoms of dry eyes is to keep natural tears in
  the eyes longer. This can be done by blocking the
  tear ducts through which the tears normally
  drain. The tear ducts can be blocked with tiny
  silicone or gel-like plugs that can be removed,
  if needed. A surgical procedure to permanently
  close tear ducts  is also an option. 

7
Treatments
Continue

• Increasing tear production Prescription eye
  drops that help to increase production of tears
  can be recommended by your ophthalmologist, along
  with addition of omega-3 fatty acid
  as nutritional supplements.
•  There are certain steps you can take to reduce
  symptoms of dry eyes Remembering to blink
  regularly when reading or staring at a computer
  screen for long periods of time.
• Increasing the level of humidity in the air at
  work and at home. At home, use a room fan to push
  the damp air out into the other rooms of your
  home. It is best to use humidifiers at workplace
  to increase humidity. 
• Do not forget to wear good quality sunglasses to
  protect your eyes from UV rays of Sun.

8
CONNECT WITH US

• Logon to
• www.lazoi.com
• Like us on Facebook
• https//www.facebook.com/LazoiTheLife
• Follow us on Twitter
• https//www.twitter.com/lazoithelife
• Follow us on Pinterest
• https//www.in.pinterest.com/lazoithelife