![]() |
Dry Eye is a condition caused due to the loss of water in your eyes. As a result the amount of salt in the eye is increased as compared to the amount of water. Thus... |
Dry Eye is a condition caused due to the loss of water in your eyes. As a result the amount of salt in the eye is increased as compared to the amount of water. Thus the omolarity in the eye increases as the tear film becomes more and more concentrated. Due to osmosis, water is pulled out of the eye surface by the tear film making it dry. One experiences irritation, burning sensation, a sandy-gritty feeling in the eye which makes you feel uncomfortable.
Basically, dry eye can be experienced in two ways:
a. increase in the rate of evaporation of the tear film
b. decrease in the rate tear production
Tear production is reduced due to factors like corneal surgery, contact lens wearers, diabetes, Sjogren’s Syndrome and some viruses.
One of the significant and noticeable change occurring in dry eye is decreased number of goblet cells on the eye surface. These goblet cells contain mucous which is a slippery substance and helps to keep the eye moist. Reduction in the amount of these cells makes the eye dry and eventually feels uncomfortable. Another change noticed in dry eye is loss of corneal glycogen. Glycogen is considered with healing of the wound. Decreased level of glycogen makes the dry eye difficult to heal.
Recently, an eye drop called TheraTears has been discovered. These eye drops helps the eye by rehydrating the tear film, increases the osmolarity and provides electrolytes to the tear film. TheraTears helps to restore the goblet cells and the glycogen lost from the eye. Thus promoting the healing process of the eye.
Some of the common symptoms of dry eye are:
1. Dry, itchy eyes, burning sensation, sandy-gritty feeling and painful eye.
2. Appearance of mucous around the eyes.
3. Decreased capacity of work, reduced quality of life and psychologically poor health.
For the treatment of dry eyes, you can use artificial tears to get temporary relief. Tiny plugs are also available. They slow down the rate of tear drainage from the eye surface and thus, help to retain the tears in the eye. This process is known as Punctual Occlusion.