There are a lot of causes of dry eyes and they frequently impersonate various other health conditions, such as allergic reactions. Essentially, there are 2 types of dry eye illness: one is induced by inflammation under ones eye lids, and the other one is because of the real volume of tears accumulating. In order to make a sound medical diagnosis, the optometrist has to consider the signs provided by the their patient and use diagnostic tools to aid in the decision.
Many patients who have dry eyes don't know that that is what they are suffering from. However, examining the eyelids often reveals swollen meibomian glands. Sometimes, it is possible to actually see that the eyeball appears dry, instead of shiny and moist as it should. Another factor to evaluate is tear film breakup time. If the tears are poor quality, then when the person blinks, the tears evaporate or drain away too quickly, leaving the eye exposed. Tear film volume can be measured using a little strip inserted at the corner of the eye. There is a new technology available that tests for osmolarity, which is the concentration of a solution. Using a small non-invasive instrument, a sample of the tear is examined for the degree of tear osmolarity, which has been shown to be directly proportionate to the degree of dry eye.
Dry eyes are more common in older people, but there are many young people who have it as well. As we age, the oils and fluids that are normally produced by the body are not secreted as much. The inflammatory process, which leads to dry eye, also affects older people more. Other factors include smoking and exposure to second hand smoke, living or working in a dry environment, and not drinking enough water. Diuretics, like caffeine and alcohol, remove liquid from the general body system, including the eyes. Fish oils and vitamin E have also been known to help lubricate the eye.
There are many treatments for dry eyes. Dry eye syndrome is a chronic problem that gets a little worse over time; different dry eye treatment approaches are often necessary for different stages of the condition. Some people experience relief of mild dry eye using over the counter lubricating drops. Eye care providers may advise the use of warm compresses on the eyes for about 10 minutes to get the fluid flowing, and then gently pressing on the lids to lightly milk the oil glands. If the dry eye is caused by an inflammatory process, an optometrist may recommend steroids that can help reduce inflammation, and a prescription drug called Restasis can also be used to resolve severe dry eye cases.
Having dry eyes is frustrating because it can have many causes and varying symptoms. The good news is that by working with an optometrist you can be sure you are exploring all your options equally.
Many patients who have dry eyes don't know that that is what they are suffering from. However, examining the eyelids often reveals swollen meibomian glands. Sometimes, it is possible to actually see that the eyeball appears dry, instead of shiny and moist as it should. Another factor to evaluate is tear film breakup time. If the tears are poor quality, then when the person blinks, the tears evaporate or drain away too quickly, leaving the eye exposed. Tear film volume can be measured using a little strip inserted at the corner of the eye. There is a new technology available that tests for osmolarity, which is the concentration of a solution. Using a small non-invasive instrument, a sample of the tear is examined for the degree of tear osmolarity, which has been shown to be directly proportionate to the degree of dry eye.
Dry eyes are more common in older people, but there are many young people who have it as well. As we age, the oils and fluids that are normally produced by the body are not secreted as much. The inflammatory process, which leads to dry eye, also affects older people more. Other factors include smoking and exposure to second hand smoke, living or working in a dry environment, and not drinking enough water. Diuretics, like caffeine and alcohol, remove liquid from the general body system, including the eyes. Fish oils and vitamin E have also been known to help lubricate the eye.
There are many treatments for dry eyes. Dry eye syndrome is a chronic problem that gets a little worse over time; different dry eye treatment approaches are often necessary for different stages of the condition. Some people experience relief of mild dry eye using over the counter lubricating drops. Eye care providers may advise the use of warm compresses on the eyes for about 10 minutes to get the fluid flowing, and then gently pressing on the lids to lightly milk the oil glands. If the dry eye is caused by an inflammatory process, an optometrist may recommend steroids that can help reduce inflammation, and a prescription drug called Restasis can also be used to resolve severe dry eye cases.
Having dry eyes is frustrating because it can have many causes and varying symptoms. The good news is that by working with an optometrist you can be sure you are exploring all your options equally.
About the Author:
Learn more about dry eye symptoms. Stop by Dr. Geoffrey Paterson's site where you can find out all about routine eye examinations and what they can do for you.
