Posted on March 22, 2010.
Dry eyes and their treatment Dry eyes happen when tear glands do not make enough tears or make poor quality tears. dry tears can be uncomfortable, causing itching, burning, or even loss of vision. Your eye doctor may suggest using a humidifier in the home or special eye drops (artificial tears). Surgery may be needed for severe cases of dry eye.
Dry eyes are a frequent source of discomfort, and generally dry eyes are a chronic problem. Adults 40 years or older are more likely to have dry eyes. Treatment of dry eyes is to restore a more normal tear film to minimize dryness and its consequences, including blurred vision and discomfort. When patients describe symptoms of granularity and discomfort, they are actually describing the increased sense of friction during movement of the upper eyelid over the conjunctiva and cornea. This friction becomes more severe as a result of an inadequate tear film.
Sometimes a person with a dry eye will have excess tears running down the cheeks, which may seem confusing. This occurs when the eye does not receive enough lubrication. The eye sends a distress signal through the nervous system for more lubrication. In response, the eye is flooded with tears to try to offset the drought behind. However, these tears are mostly water and have no lubricating qualities or the rich composition of normal tears. They will wash debris, but they will not cover the surface of the eye properly.
Treatments for dry eyes
Follow these instructions carefully. In addition, your doctor can advise you on environmental factors that must be changed. Sometimes, if the fat layer of the tear film is deficient, they may think that you increase your intake of oily fish or even take flax seed oil as a dietary supplement. Most likely, you will be asked to drink plenty of water.
The main objective in the treatment of dry eyes is the relief of symptoms. Usually this is done with artificial tears. These tear substitutes lubricate and wet eyes. They are available over the counter as eye drops. Since artificial tears have short-term, they must be reapplied often.
Air conditioning, heating, extreme cold and extreme heat dehumidify the air. If possible, avoid these areas. flow of air will also dry the tears. Avoid having a fan directly on your face.
Sterile ointments containing petrolatum are sometimes used at night to help lubricate the eye and prevent drying. However, they can irritate the eyes of some people. These ointments are usually not require a prescription.
Flax Seed Oil: This is a nutritional supplement you can buy at most health food and vitamin stores. Taking the linseed oil per day have been reported to help dry eye by increasing the quality and quantity of tear lipid layer. The liquid flaxseed oil seems to get better results than the tablets, but it tastes awful. Mix it with fruit juice or even yogurt - something with a strong flavor. The dosage is about two tablespoons per day, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
For less serious cases of dry eye, artificial tears offer immediate relief. Unfortunately, many widely used bottles of eye drops contain preservatives that can cause a worsening drought in the long-term use. These corrupt officials conjunctival goblet cells which then produce no mucosal tear. Often, low-grade allergies develop. There's really nothing better than human tears.