What is dry eye?
The surface of the normal eye is lubricated and protected by tears, which are produced by several glands of the eyelids. Many people, especially women, have a decreasing level of tear production as they age. This causes a variety of symptoms, such as stinging, burning, scratching, and blurred vision. Sometimes, it can even stimulate the glands to produce too many tears. Sjogren’s Syndrome is a condition associated with more severe dry eye and dry mouth.
Dry eye is a catch-all term referring to abnormalities of the tear layer which normally coats the surfaces of the eyes, providing clear vision and protecting sensitive surface tissues. Other names for dry eye include dry eye syndrome, chronic dry eye, dry eye disease, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca.Dry eye does not mean your eyes are “dry” – in fact, many people who suffer from dry eye have chronically watery eyes. (Click here for more about dry eye symptoms.) Dry eye means there is something wrong with your tear film.The human tear film is complex, consisting of an aqueous (watery) layer with a thin lipid (oily) layer on top to retard evaporation and a thin mucous (sticky) layer underneath to help it adhere properly to the surface of the eye. Each of the three layers has a different source, and disruption to any one or more of the three tear film layers may interfere with the process of routine lubrication of the eye surface.
“Dry eye” is the term for when your eyes are insufficiently moisturized, either because they do not produce enough tears or because the tears have an improper chemical composition. It often occurs during the natural aging process, but it can also form as a result of eyelid or blinking problems, certain medications, climate, injury, and various health problems. Symptoms include: • Irritated, scratchy, dry, uncomfortable or red eyes • A burning sensation or feeling of something foreign in your eyes • Blurred vision In addition to being uncomfortable, dry eye can damage eye tissue, scar the cornea and impair vision. Dry eye is not preventable, but it can be controlled before harm is done to your eyes.
“Dry eye” is the term for when your eyes are insufficiently moisturized, either because they do not produce enough tears or because the tears have an improper chemical composition. It often occurs during the natural aging process, but it can also form as a result of eyelid or blinking problems, certain medications (antihistamines, oral contraceptives, antidepressants), climate (low humidity, wind, dust), injury, and various health problems (arthritis, Sjogrens syndrome).
