Astigmatism
Blepharitis
Cataracts
Conjunctivitis (Pink
Eye)
Diabetic Retinopathy
Dry Eye Syndrome
Glaucoma
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Keratoconus
Macular Degeneration
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Presbyopia (Reading
Vision)
Retinal Detachment |
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry Eye Syndrome is a term used to
describe the reduction in your eyes' ability to
naturally produce tears. There are over 10 million
Americans who suffer from dry eyes.
Your tears are made up of three different layers: a
mucous layer to help the tears cover the surface of the
eye, an aqueous layer that provides moisture, and an oil
layer to help prevent evaporation. When one or more of
these layers break down and are imbalanced, or when your
eyes simply do not produce enough tears, dry spots may
appear on the surface of the cornea (the clear front
surface of the eye).
Dry eye is common among older people or those who use
computers, contact lenses, or certain medications such
as allergy medicines. People who are exposed to excess
amounts of sun, wind, dust or smoke will often suffer
from dry eye syndrome as well.
Common symptoms may include itching, burning, redness,
blurred vision, a scratchy sensation, excessive
watering, and general irritation and discomfort after
long periods of reading, watching television, or
driving.
Although dry eye syndrome cannot be cured, it can be
treated with lubricating eye drops or certain oral
medications to help alleviate symptoms so that your
vision is not affected. Using a warm compress and
performing lid scrubs two to three times a day may also
help relieve discomfort. After soaking the eyes with a
warm, damp, clean washcloth for several minutes, use a
mixture of baby shampoo and water to gently scrub the
eyelids and eyelashes to help improve lid hygiene and
relive your symptoms.
If you use contact lenses, it is very important to
follow your doctor's instructions on cleaning and
disinfecting your lenses, since your contacts can
sometimes absorb your tear film and cause a cloudy
protein residue to form on the lens. Frequent use of
artificial tears will help rinse the eye and provide
moisture and relief.
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