Dry Eye Syndrome - Causes and Treatments

Dry Eye Syndrome - Causes and Treatments Dry eye syndrome is caused by chronic inflammation in the tear glands. This inflammation damages the tissue and may even lead to permanent damage. Other factors that contribute to dry eye include an imbalance of tear-flow and a drying out of the tear film. In addition to the above factors, con tact lenses can also contribute to dry eye. You should visit your optometrist for an evaluation Epithelial staining test The epithelial staining test involves the use of special temporary dyes to examine the surface of the eye. Various types of dyes are used, including fluorescein, lissamine green, and rose bengal. Fluorescein pools in epithelial erosions and stains devitalized cells. Rose bengal staining is the same as

fluorescein but is more comfortable and does not cause discomfort. The doctor will choose the best dye for each individual patient. Dry eye syndrome can be a serious condition that affects the eye's tears. If not treated properly, dry eye can damage the cornea and other parts of the eye's surface. The cornea is a dome-shaped structure located at the front of the eye. It's lined with a protective layer of cells called the corneal epithelium. The tear film protects this layer from damage, so it is important to keep the eye well lubricated. Meibomian glands Meibomian glands play a role in the production of tears, and dysfunction of the glands can lead to dry eye syndrome. Meibomian gland dysfunction can be diagnosed by looking for signs of inflammation of the glands and increased oil secretion in the tear film. These abnormalities can be treated with a variety of treatments, and it is important to understand the causes of the disorder before determining a treatment. A new in-office treatment called LipiFlow offers significant relief for sufferers of dry eye syndrome. It works by exposing the affected glands to a warm, moist environment to promote loosening of thickened oil. Studies have shown that LipiFlow is effective in improving dry eye symptoms by restoring normal oil flow. Hormonal changes Hormonal changes are a big factor in developing dry eye syndrome. Hormonal changes affect all parts of the body, including the eyes. The sex hormones testosterone and estrogen affect the glands in the eye, which secrete tears and oil. When these hormone levels are altered, the tears are less plentiful and of poorer quality, causing dry eye. The good news is that hormone treatments can help reduce symptoms. In addition to causing dry eye syndrome, androgens control male traits and reproductive activities. Both males and females produce androgens, and excess androgens are linked with dry eye syndrome in both genders. However, these hormones also promote the function of the lacrimal gland and meibomian gland, which produce watery layer of tears. Occupational factors

Occupational factors can be a contributor to dry eye syndrome, such as long hours spent in front of a computer, exposure to chemicals or ionizing radiation, and changing office designs. These factors all affect the condition in different ways. People who spend most of their time in an office are at the highest risk of developing the syndrome. The prevalence of dry eye symptoms is also higher in older individuals. Interestingly, dry eye symptoms have a relationship with age, cigarette smoking, and the total cholesterol to HDL ratio. Other environmental and lifestyle factors have been linked to dry eye symptoms, including caffeine and multivitamin use. These associations warrant further study in population - based longitudinal studies. Written by: elitevisioncenters.com