The eye depends on the flow of tears to provide constant moisture and lubrication to maintain vision and comfort. It is caused when the tears produced by the eyes lack the moisture, lubrication, and other features that help keep the eye protected. Over ten million Americans suffer from dry eyes. When your eyes become irritated by dust or are bothered by wind, smoke or fumes, extra tears form to help wash away the foreign material. It also reduces the risk of eye infection and, with each blink of your eyelids, helps clear your eyes of any debris. In the first method, tears are produced at a slow and steady rate and provides the eye with its natural lubrication. In the second method, your eyes produce large quantities of tears in response to irritation or strong emotions. When there is an imbalance in this tear system, a person may experience dry eyes. Dry eyes are a common source of discomfort, and usually dry eyes are a chronic problem. Adults age 40 or older are most likely to experience dry eyes. happens when the eye isn't getting enough lubrication. In response, the eye is flooded with tears to try to compensate for the underlying dryness. They will wash debris away, but they will not coat the eye surface properly. In addition, because these emergency tears tend to arrive too late, the eye needs to regenerate and treatment is necessary.

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common problems treated by eye physicians. The outer lipid layer is an oily film that seals the tear film on the eye and helps to prevent evaporation.The water layer is produced in the lacrimal gland , located under the upper eyelid. The middle aqueous layer provides moisture and supplies oxygen and other important nutrients to the cornea. The mucus layer coats the cornea, the eye's clear outer window, forming a foundation so the tear film can adhere to the eye. It is usually caused by a problem with the quality of the tear film that lubricates the eyes. Excess tears flow into two tiny drainage ducts in the corner of the eye by the nose. These ducts lead to tiny canals that connect to the nasal passage. In addition to lubricating the eye, tears are also produced as a reflex response to outside stimulus such as an injury or emotion. As we grow older, our bodies produce less oil 60% less at age 65 then at age 18. Without as much oil to seal the watery layer, the tear film evaporates much faster, leaving dry areas on the cornea. Many people also find their eyes become irritated when reading or working on a computer. Stopping periodically to rest and blink keeps the eyes more comfortable Certain medications, thyroid conditions, vitamin A deficiency, and diseases such as Parkinson's and Sjogren's can also cause dryness.

Causes of Dry Eyes

The common Causes of Dry Eyes :

Smoking or second-hand smoke exposure
An eye injury or other problem with your eyes or eyelids (like a drooping eyelid or bulging eyes )
Cold or allergy medicines
Includes dry eyes, mouth, and mucus membranes, and often rheumatoid arthritis or other joint disorder
Sun exposure
Dry environment or workplace (wind, air conditioning)
The natural aging process, especially during menopause.
Side effects of using certain medications such as antihistamines and birth control pills
Structural problems with the eyes that don't allow them to close properly or a problem with the tear ducts.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Some Symptoms of Dry Eyes :

Stinging or burning eyes.
Stringy mucus in or around your eyes.
Sensitivity to light.
Scratchiness.
Eye fatigue after short periods of reading.
Excessive eye irritation from smoke or wind.
Difficulty wearing contact lenses.
A sense of a foreign substance in your eyes.

Treatment of Dry Eyes

Other medications, including topical steroids, may also be beneficial in some cases.
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.
Sometimes it is necessary to close the ducts that drain tears out of the eye. This is done via a painless procedure where a plug that will dissolve quickly is inserted into the tear drain of the lower eyelid. This is a temporary procedure, done to determine whether permanent plugs can provide an adequate supply of tears.
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.
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.

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