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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