Normal eyes are constantly covered by a tear membrane, a permanent layer designed to remain intact between blinks. A solid tear film prevents the nerves of the cornea, the transparent front surface of our eye, from being irritated and allows the eye to maintain clear, comfortable vision.
Tears contain water, fats, proteins, electrolytes, substances that fight bacteria and growth that regulate various cell processes. It is a complex mixture of factors. This mixture helps the surface of our eyes to be soft and clean. Good vision is impossible without the tear film.
The tear membrane protects, wets and lubricates our eyes. Every time our eyelids blink, it helps clean our eyes of all kinds of debris, reducing the risk of eye infection. When irritated by dust, or damaged by wind, smoke or soot, extra tears are formed to help wash away foreign substances.
Decrease in the production of fluids from our tear glands disrupts the strength of the tear membrane, causing it to rapidly disintegrate and cause damage to the cornea. It causes dry spots that cause irritation and decreased vision. An imbalance in the substances that make up the tear film can also cause our eyes to dry.
Signs and symptoms of dry eye, which are generally expected to occur in both eyes, may include the following:
*The feeling that there is a foreign substance in the eye
*Stinging, burning or itching sensation in the eye
*Formation of string-like residues in or around the eye
*Increased eye irritation due to smoke or wind
*Eye fatigue and/or blurred vision after a long reading
*Difficulty in wearing lenses in contact lens users
In some people, the cause of dry eyes is the imbalance in the composition of tears. In some people, the eyes do not produce enough tears to stay adequately lubricated and wet. Other causes such as medications and environmental factors can also cause dry eyes.
Dry eyes occur with a decrease in tear production or a deterioration in their quality. Just like skin and hair, our tear production generally varies depending on our age. It decreases as time progresses. When the eyes do not produce enough tears, our eyes become easily irritated. The medical name of this disorder is “keratoconjunctivitis sicca”. The tear membrane has three basic layers: oil, water and mucosa. Problems in any of these layers can lead to dry eye symptoms. Our eyelids blink, spreading tears in a continuous, thin membrane all over the surface of our eyes.
Problems not related to tear production or tear quality can also cause dryness and dryness in the eyes. may cause itching. These are:
*Inflammation along the edge of the eyelids (Blepharitis)
*Disorder in which the eyelid turns inward (Entropion)
*Disorder in which the eyelid sags from the eyeball (Ectropion)
*Smoke, Environmental irritants such as sun, wind, low humidity, indoor heating. Increased time between blinks when driving or reading.
Although dry eyes can affect both men and women at any age, the condition is more common among women, especially after menopause. This may be due to hormonal changes. Damage to the tear glands due to inflammation or radiation can disrupt tear production. Additionally, dry eyes may also occur with medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and Sjogren's syndrome.
It may sound contradictory; Despite the dryness of the eyes, tears may still flow down the patient's cheeks from time to time. The production of tears occurs in two ways: 1-In basic tear production, tears are produced at a slow, steady rate and your eyes are kept lubricated. 2-In the process of reflex tear production, large amounts of tears are produced in response to eye irritation or sensations. Reflex tears contain more water than basic tears and the amount of mucosa and oil is lower. When the eyes become irritated from dryness, the lacrimal glands can flood the eyes with a flood of reflex tears. The fluid fills the tear ducts and overflows the eyelids. It overflows. Since these tears are of low quality, they do not prevent dryness. This may cause more tear production.
See your doctor if you have prolonged redness, irritation, fatigue or pain in your eyes, or if you have the symptoms or signs of dry eyes mentioned above. Your doctor can take steps to determine what is harming your eyes or refer you to a specialist.
For most people with dry eyes, it is a chronic condition. The aim of the treatment is to reduce the number of 'bad days' and to ensure that the troubles experienced during these times are reduced as much as possible.
PRECAUTIONS THAT THE INDIVIDUAL CAN TAKE:
Prevention is superior to treatment. Take preventive steps. Like any liquid, tears evaporate when exposed to air. These simple precautions are useful to slow down evaporation:
*Avoid blowing air into your eyes. Do not point hair dryers, automobile radiators, air conditioners or fans at your eyes.
*Wear glasses on windy days. Wrap-around glasses can help reduce the effects of wind.
*Keep the humidity level in your home between 30 percent and 50 percent.
*A humidifier that can be used in winter can add moisture to the dry indoor air.
*Blink your eyes. Don't forget. Consciously blinking repeatedly can help distribute your own tears more evenly across your eyes.
*Avoid rubbing your eyes. You can further irritate your eyes by rubbing them.
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