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More Diseases and Conditions Topics
Dry Eye - symptom, Treatment of Dry Eye
Dry Eye Information
Dry Eye is also known as Xerophthalmia. Dry Eye is burning, red irritated eyes may be due to the lack of tear formation. This can follow diseases affecting the lacrimal gland, or be a side effect of certain drugs (anti-histaminics, anti-spasmodics, psychiatric medication). Dry eye occurs when people don't have either enough tears, or the correct composition of tears, on the surface of their eyes to lubricate the eyes and keep them comfortable. Its consequences range from subtle but constant irritation to ocular inflammation of the anterior (front) tissues of the eye. Contact lenses may feel uncomfortable if your eyes are too dry. The condition affects two-to-three times more women than men. About six million women and three million men in the U.S. have moderate or severe symptoms of the disease, and scientists estimate that an additional 20 to 30 million people in this country have mild cases of dry eye. Dry eyes are also a symptom of systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea or Sjogren's syndrome (a triad of dry eyes, dry mouth, and rheumatoid arthritis or lupus). Dry eye syndrome is an ongoing condition that may not be cured (depends on the cause), but the accompanying dryness, scratchiness and burning can be managed. Severe dry eye is sometimes caused by Sjögren's syndrome, which is a chronic, multi-organ, autoimmune disorder that also results in dry mouth and often arthritis.
Dry Eye may be associated with arthritis. Dry Eye can result in loss of sensation of the corea, leading to corneal ulcers. For more severe cases of dry eye, in which the cornea is inflamed, anti-inflammatory agents are sometimes prescribed. Topical steroids (in eye drops) are safe for short-term use, to combat inflammation, but can cause side-effects when used for a long time. Dry eyes may sting or burn, feel itchy, irritated, strained or tired. Contact lenses may feel uncomfortable if your eyes are too dry. If the problem is environmental, you should always wear sunglasses when outdoors, to reduce exposure to sun, wind, and dust. If your eye dryness is mild, then contact lens rewetting drops may be sufficient to make your eyes feel better, but the effect is usually only temporary.
Dry Eye Prevention Home Remedies
To help reduce symptoms of dry eye, the NLM recommends using artificial tears and keeping a humidifier running in the house to keep moisture in the air. You should also rest your eyes and blink frequently, and avoid smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke.
Dry Eye si treated with artificial tears an din severe cases, the tear ducts are plugged or cauterized to reduce run-off.
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