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DRY EYES
Keratitis sicca or "dry eyes" is a chronic condition
which is fairly common.. "Dry eyes" does not mean
the eye is dry, but that the eyes are not being properly
lubricated. The onset of dry eyes may be a result of aging,
arthritis, pregnancy, abnormalities of the eyelids and medications.
Over exposure to sun, wind, smog, air conditioners, forced
heat and hair dryers may also contribute to a dry eye problem.
Patients with dry eyes complain that their eyes feel gritty,
itchy, burning, red and dry. Other complaints are that their
eyelids "stick together" in the morning or that
they re overly sensitive to light. Frequently excessive
tearing can actually be a symptom of dry eyes. At age 65,
your eyes produce about 60% fewer tears than at age 18.
The surface of the eye is normally covered with a three-layered
surface film called the tear film. This film lubricates
and moistens the eye by forming tears which through periodic
blinking help spread the tears over the eyes. Because the
film's outer layer is oily, evaporation of tears is minimized.
When too few tears are produced, the tear film can break
down. This breakdown produces dry spots on the cornea, causing
the symptoms associated with dry eyes.
There are three ways for the tears to leave the eye: by
evaporation; by running over your eyelid and onto your cheek;
and by running down into your nose through your lacrimal
or tear ducts.
Dry eyes cannot be cured. Its symptoms, however, can be
alleviated through the use of Artificial Tears and eye ointments,
preventing or slowing down the evaporation of tears, or
by blocking or closing the tear ducts. Your doctor may recommend
Artificial Tears which can be purchased over-the-counter
at any pharmacy. Read labels carefully and avoid drops with
habit-forming decongestants, such as Visine or Murine Plus.
During sleep, tear production ceases. An ointment may also
be recommend for use at bedtime. It may also be helpful
to prevent or slow down the evaporation of tears by using
a cool-mist vaporizer, a humidifier or by placing a pan
of water on the stove.
Blocking or closing the eye's punctal opening is the third
and most effective approach to treating dry eyes. This method
preserves the tears that are present. A temporary occlusion
or blockage is accomplished by using a punctal plug. If
the result is satisfactory to the patient, permanent occlusion
can be performed using laser or cautery surgery.
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