The eye depends on the flow of tears to provide constant moisture and
lubrication to maintain vision and comfort. Tears are a combination of water,
for moisture; oils, for lubrication; mucus, for even spreading; and antibodies
and special proteins, for resistance to infection. These components are
secreted by special glands located around the eye. When there is an imbalance
in this tear system, a person may experience dry eyes.
When tears do not adequately lubricate the eye, a person may experience:
Sometimes, a person with a dry eye will have excess tears running down the
cheeks, which may seem confusing. This happens when the eye isn't getting
enough lubrication. The eye sends a distress signal through the nervous system
for more lubrication. In response, the eye is flooded with tears to try to
compensate for the underlying dryness. However, these tears are mostly water
and do not have the lubricating qualities or the rich composition of normal
tears. They will wash debris away, but they will not coat the eye surface
properly.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
In addition to an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye, dry eyes can
be caused by situations that dry out the tear film. This can be due to dry
air from air conditioning, heat, or other environmental conditions. Other
conditions that may cause dry eyes are:
Structural problems with the eye lids that don't allow them to close
properly.
How Are Dry Eyes Treated?
Though dry eyes cannot be cured, there are a number of steps that can be
taken to treat them. You should discuss treatment options with an
ophthalmologist. Treatments for dry eyes may include:
Artificial tear drops and ointments. The use of artificial teardrops
is the primary treatment for dry eye. Artificial teardrops are available over
the counter. No one drop works for everyone, so you might have to experiment to
find the drop that works for you. If you have chronic dry eye, it is important
to use the drops even when your eyes feel fine, to keep them lubricated. If
your eyes dry out while you sleep, you can use a thicker lubricant, such as an
ointment, at night.
Temporary punctal occlusion. Sometimes it is necessary to close the
ducts that drain tears out of the eye. This is first done via a painless test
where a plug that will dissolve over a few days is inserted into the tear
drain of the lower eyelid to determine whether permanent plugs can provide an
adequate supply of tears.
Permanent punctal occlusion. If temporary plugging of the tear
drains works well, then silicone plugs (punctal occlusion) may be used. The
plugs will hold tears around the eyes as long as they are in place. They can be
removed. Rarely, the plugs may come out spontaneously or migrate down the tear
drain. Many patients find that the plugs improve comfort and reduce the need
for artificial tears.
Restasis. In 2002, the FDA approved the prescription eye drop
Restasis for the treatment of chronic dry eye. It is currently the only
prescription eye drop that helps your eyes increase their own tear production
with continued use.
Other medications. Other medications, including topical steroids,
may also be beneficial in some cases.
Surgery. If needed, the ducts that drain tears into the nose can be
permanently closed to allow more tears to remain around the eye. This is done
with local anesthetic on an outpatient basis. There are no limitations in
activity after having this surgery.
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by John P. Keenan, MD, on September 26, 2009
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body. Because it can affect multiple other organs of the body, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease.
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease involving the abnormal production of extra antibodies that attack the glands and connective tissue. Sjögren's syndrome with gland inflammation (resulting dry eyes and mouth, etc.) that is not associated with another connective tissue disease is referred to as primary Sjögren's syndrome. Sjögren's syndrome that is also associated with a connective tissue disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or scleroderma, is referred to as secondary Sjögren's syndrome. Though there is no cure for Sjögren's syndrome, the symptoms may be treated by using lubricating eye ointments, drinking plenty of water, humidifying the air, and using glycerin swabs. Medications are also available to treat dry eye and dry mouth.
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the “change of life." Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies, and should be discussed with your physician.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness and pain. There are over 100 types of
arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, gout,
and pseudogout.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that lasts 6 months or longer, is not improved by bed rest, and may be worsened by physical or mental activity.
Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important to visit a physician or ophthalmologist is the problem involves the eyeball itself or the condition hasn't improved after 72 hours of use of an eye-care OTC product.
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Acne rosacea, Staphylococcal bacteria, allergies, sensitivities to makeup or contact lens solutions, head lice, or other conditions may cause blepharitis. Symptoms and signs include itchy eyelids, burning sensation in the eyes, crusting of the eyelids, light sensitivity, red, swollen eyelids, loss of eyelashes, and dandruff of the lashes and eyebrows. Proper eyelid hygiene and a regular cleaning routine controls blepharitis.
Eye strain is a symptom caused by looking at something for a long time. Symptoms and signs include redness, light sensitivity, headaches, and blurred vision. Symptoms may be treated by closing the eyes and taking a break from the visual task.
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea. Infection is a common cause of corneal ulcer. Symptoms and signs of corneal ulcer include redness, eye pain and discharge, blurred vision, photophobia, and a gray or white spot on the cornea. Treatment depends upon the cause of the corneal ulcer.
Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea. Symptoms and signs include pain, tearing, blurred vision, eye redness, watery eyes, or the cornea may appear gray or white. Treatment of keratitis depends upon the underlying cause of the inflammation.
There are a number of different methods of birth control to include: barrier methods, IUDs, hormonal methods, natural methods, and surgical sterilization. Birth control methods can be reversible or permanent. In simple terms, all methods of birth control are based on either preventing a man's sperm from reaching and entering a woman's egg (fertilization) or preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the woman's uterus (her womb) and starting to grow.
Sjögren's syndrome involves inflammation of glands
and other tissues of the body.
About 90% of Sjögren's syndrome patients are female.
Sjögren's syndrome can be complicated by infections
of the eyes, breathing passages, and mouth.
Sjögren's syndrome is typically associated with
antibodies against a variety of body tissues (autoantibodies).
Diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome can be aided by a
saliva-gland biopsy.
Treatment of patients with Sjögren's syndrome is directed toward the particular areas of the body that are involved and complications, such
as infection.
What is Sjögren's syndrome?
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by dryness of the
mouth and eyes. Autoimmune diseases feature the abnormal pr...
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