Dry Eye Syndrome: Do You Have This Rare Condition?
Dry Eye Syndrome: Do You Have This Rare Condition?
Are your eyes frequently scratchy, burning and uncomfortable? You may have dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis. This is a syndrome that may cause eye fatigue, an inability to use contact lenses, sensitivity to bright light. Excessive tears may also be experienced along with blurry vision. Dry eye syndrome affects the ocular surface which is a thin film that covers the surface of the eye and provides moisture to the eye. An imbalance of moisture may be caused by age, and treatments are available that will provide the eye with a healthy balance of moisture.
Caring for Your Eyes
Caring for your eyes is important and it will benefit your overall health. A yearly routine visit to an eye care professional, like those at All About Eyes, is necessary to prevent vision and other incurrent, potential health problems. A dilated eye exam allows eye professionals to catch and treat vision issues and eye diseases early.
RELATED ARTICLE: What Causes Pain Behind the Eyes and How to Treat It Naturally
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
There are three tear layers in the eye that keep the eye moist and comfortable. There is a fine layer of mucous that provides a clear coating of moisture deep within the eye.
Aqueous layer– this is a thick salt water solution produced by the tear ducts and the lacrimal. Defects within the aqueous create dry eye syndrome. This layer of solution protects your vision from dust and airborne debris.
Superficial layer– This is made up of fats and oil produced by oils glands. This layer protects the balance of moisture on the surface of the eye and protects the moisture in the deeper layers of the eye.
Dry Eye Syndrome is an imbalance of moisture in the eye that can result in excess or decreased moisture and discomfort. These symptoms are a clue that there may be an underlying abnormality in the layers of the eye. Possible causes for this condition include: hormonal changes, age, an autoimmune disease, Bell’s Palsy, having a stroke, beta blockers, antidepressants, and oral contraceptives.
READ ALSO: 14 Eye Abnormalities That Signal About Real Issues
Treatment Options
Treatment options will be determined by the cause of the abnormality within the eye. Prescription or over-the-counter eye drops, Omega 3, 6 or 9, a change in medication, surgery, inserts providing artificial tears, plugs or heat that close the tear ducts, bandage lenses or corneal shields, diagnosing an autoimmune issue such as rheumatoid arthritis and a number of other options are available.
Avoid trying to diagnose your problem and treating yourself without professional help. Visiting your physician early can prevent long-term damage.