Common Dry Eye Syndrome

If the surface of your eye has insufficient lubrication or moisture, you are likely to suffer from dry eye syndrome. The result will be more than just irritation; you can even scar the front of your eye. It is fairly common with as many as half of the population suffering from it at one time or another. It is not just something that occurs with age though it can become more prevalent amongst the elderly, especially it seems among women. Your eyes are precious and at any sign of problems, you should seek advice from someone qualified to find out the source of the problem.

There are several symptoms relating to dry eye syndrome, including heavy and red eyes, some itchiness and irritation, blurred vision and perhaps a burning sensation?
In some cases, the symptoms of dry eyes are such that you may think that you have something in your eye but that is not the case. It may seem strange but it can manifest itself in watery eyes though the production of ‘’tears’’ is only temporary so the problem does not correct itself. It is certainly a problem that can affect the success of cataract surgery as well but there is some good news on the treatment of cataracts that do not include surgery. Eyedrops are certainly something you can try to rectify issues with your eyes

Tears are important; it doesn’t mean you have to cry. Tears keep the eye healthy by keeping the surface of the eye clean. There are three components in a tear, one oily, one watery and the third mucous-like. Each serves a purpose in ensuring the health of the eye. The oily content is produced Meibomian Glands, the watery component by Lacrimal Glands behind the outer part of the upper eyelids and the Mucin Component by Goblet Cells in the Conjunctiva covering the white of the eye. If any of these three components is deficient, then the balance is lost and then the eye can suffer from drying too quickly. The treatment advised depends upon which component is causing the problem.

Those in the greatest danger of getting dry eye syndrome include those using computers regularly, those who wear contact lenses or older people especially women in the menopause. People who mostly live or work in air-conditioned rooms or with fans, both of which reduce humidity, are susceptible to dry eye syndrome as well as those living in dry places, and certainly those living in places with high pollution, largely city and industrial areas. Frequent flyers are also susceptible because cabins are drier than the normal environment. The list goes on and you can see how many people this list potentially covers.

You can get your eyes tested to see if you suffer from a chronic case. There are common treatments available; artificial tears are one while taking a break from the environments that can cause it.