DRY EYE

 Dry eye is one of the most common complaints treated by eye care profesionals Over ten million Americans suffer from dry eyes. It is usually caused by a problem with the quality of the tear film that lubricates the eyes.

Tears

Tears are comprised of three layers. The mucus layer coats the eye forming a foundation so the tear film can adhere to the eye. The middle aqueous layer provides moisture and supplies oxygen and other important nutrients to the cornea. This layer is made of 98 percent water. The outer lipid layer is an oily film that seals the tear film on the eye and helps to prevent evaporation.

Tears are formed in several glands around the eye. Small glands in the lids make the oil and mucus layers. With each blink, the eyelids spread the tears over the eye. 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. The connection between the tear ducts and the nasal passage is the reason that crying causes a runny nose.

Tears are also produced as a reflex response to outside stimulus such as an eye irritation from dryness. However, reflex tears do little to soothe a dry eye as they consist mainly of only the aqueous layer and are not of good quality. Which is why someone with watery eyes may still complain of irritation. Dry eye syndrome has many causes. One of the most common reasons for dryness is simply the normal aging process. As we grow older, our bodies produce less oil – 60% less at age 65 then at age 18. This is more pronounced in women, who tend to have drier skin then men. The oil deficiency also affects the tear film. Without as much oil to seal the watery layer, the tear film evaporates much faster, leaving dry areas on the cornea.

Factors causing dry eye

Many factors, such as hot, dry or windy climates, high altitudes, air-conditioning and cigarette smoke also cause dry eyes. 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.

Contact lens wearers may also suffer from dryness because the contacts absorb the tear film, causing proteins to form on the surface of the lens. Certain medications, thyroid conditions, vitamin A deficiency, and diseases such as Parkinson’s and Sjogren’s can also cause dryness. Women frequently experience problems with dry eyes as they enter menopause because of hormonal changes.

Lid hygiene can also play a role in dry eye. If the glands that secrete the oil become clogged the quality of the tears diminish. Therefore a warm towel placed on the lid margin periodically may open the glands and allow the oil to again flow onto the eye.

Symptoms

· Itching
· Burning
· Irritation
· Redness
· Blurred vision that improves with blinking
· Excessive tearing
Increased discomfort after periods of reading, watching TV, or working on a computer

Treatment

When it comes to treating dry eyes, everyone’s needs are a little different. Many find relief simply from using artificial tears on a regular basis. Some of these products are watery and alleviate the symptoms temporarily; others are thicker and adhere to the eye longer. Preservative-free tears are recommended because they are the most soothing and have fewer additives that could potentially irritate. Avoid products that whiten the eyes – they don’t have adequate lubricating qualities and often make the problem worse.

Closing the opening of the tear drain in the eyelid with special inserts called punctal plugs is another option. This works like closing a sink drain with a stopper. These special plugs trap the tears on the eye, keeping it moist.

There are also simple lifestyle changes that can significantly improve irritation from dry eyes. For example, drinking eight to ten glasses of water each day keeps the body hydrated and flushes impurities. Make a conscious effort to blink frequently – especially when reading or watching television. Keep your lashes clean using diluted baby shampoo to prevent debris from falling into and irritating the eye.

Nutrition and the eyes

Dry eye syndrome is a very common, but often extremely frustrating problem to treat. Recently, attention has been drawn to nutrition and its affect on the maintaining the body’s balance of natural oils.

Essential Fatty Acids

EFAs produce energy, govern growth, and are responsible for our vitality and mental state. In fact, every cell of the body needs fatty acids to thrive. A deficiency of EFAs has been linked to many diseases and disorders. They are also believed to affect how the body's glands produce oil. Because of this, increasing the intake of EFAs may improve conditions such as dry eyes and dry skin.

Some Fats are Healthy

The body does not produce EFAs, so they must be supplied through diet. There are two basic categories of EFAs: Omega-3 and Omega-6. An ideal diet includes a ratio of four parts Omega-6 to one part Omega-3. The Omega-6 EFAs are found in raw nuts, (almonds, walnuts and their oils), seeds (sesame, sunflower and their oils), borage oil, grape seed oil, primrose oil, soybean oil, whole grains, and legumes. Omega-3 EFAs are found in cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring. They are also in certain vegetables, flaxseeds, walnuts and canola oil.

It is essential to consume EFAs properly for the body to receive their full benefit. EFAs are destroyed with heat, causing free radicals to form. Free radicals are atoms with an unpaired electron. Simply put, if not re-paired with their atoms, these electrons collide with healthy cells and cause damage. Fatty acids are sometimes hydrogenated into solids such as margarine. The body converts this type of fat into trans-fatty acids that are harmful and may increase the risk of arteriosclerosis and other diseases.

The following is a suggested regimen:

12 almonds or pecans daily (Substituting peanuts for almonds and pecans will not produce the same result!)
3 evening primrose oil capsules (500 mg) 2 or 3 times daily

For more information please visit the following site:

Dry Eye