When Should I Go To Ophthalmologist..!
How To Care About My Contact Lenses..!
The tear film consists of three layers:
·
an oily layer;
·
a watery layer;
·
a layer of mucus.
The middle watery layer
makes up most of what we ordinarily think of as tears. This layer, produced by the lacrimal gland, cleanses the eye and washes away foreign particles or irritants.The inner layer
consists of mucus produced by the conjunctiva. Mucus allows the watery
layer to spread evenly over the surface of the eye and helps the eye
remain wet. Without mucus, tears would not adhere to the eye.
What causes dry eye?
r
Tear production normally decreases as we age. Although dry eye can occur in both men and women at any age, women are most often affected. This is especially true after menopause.r
Dry eye can also be associated with arthritis and accompanied by a dry mouth. People with dry eyes, dry mouth and arthritis are said to have Sjogren's syndrome.r
A wide variety of common medications prescription and over-the-counter-can cause dry eye by reducing tear secretion. Be sure to tell your ophthalmologist the names of all the medications you are taking, especially if you are using:
·
diuretics;
·
betablockers;
·
antihistamines;
·
sleeping pills;
·
medications for
"nerves";
· pain relievers.
Since these
medications are often necessary, the dry
eye condition may have to be tolerated or
treated with "artificial tears."
People with dry eye
are often more prone to the
toxic side effects
of eye medications, including
artificial tears. For
example, the preservatives in
certain eye drops
and artificial tear preparations
can irritate the eye.
Special preservative-free
artificial tears may
be required.
How is dry
eye diagnosed ?
An ophthalmologist is
usually able to diagnose dry eye by
examining the eyes. Sometimes
tests that measure tear production may be necessary. One test,
called the Schirmer tear test,
involves placing filter-paper strips under the lower eyelids to measure
the rate of tear production
under various conditions. Another uses
a diagnostic drop (fluorescein or
Rose Bengal) to look for
certain staining patterns.
How is dry eye
treated?
ADDING TEARS
Eye drops called
artificial tears are similar to your own tears.
They lubricate the
eyes and help
maintain moisture.
Artificial tears are
available without a prescription. There are many brands on the market,
so you may want to try several to find the one you like best.
Preservative-free eye drops
are available if you
are sensitive to the
preservatives in artificial tears. If you need to use artificial tears
more than
every two hours, preservative-free brands may
be better for you.
Solid artificial tear inserts that
are placed inside the
lower lid on a daily basis and gradually release lubricants may be
beneficial to
some people.
You can use the tears
as often as necessary-once or twice a day or as often as several times
an hour.
CONSERVING THE TEARS
Conserving your eyes' own tears is another approach
to keeping the eyes moist.
Tears
drain out of the eye through a small channel
into the nose (that
is why your nose runs when you cry). Your ophthalmologist may close
these channels
either temporarily or permanently. The
closure conserves
your own tears and makes
artificial tears
last longer.
OTHER METHODS
Tears evaporate like
any other liquid. You can
take steps to
prevent evaporation.
Anything that may cause dryness, such as an
overly warm room, hair dryers or
wind, should be avoided by a
person with dry eye. Smoking
is especially bothersome.